The start for Uganda Cranes in the 2023 TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations Qualifiers may be sloppy at the moment but not all is lost.
Uganda has been able to pick one point from the opening three games in Group F and thus the remaining games are all crucial if qualification is to be achieved.
The reverse fixture against Tanzania on Tuesday at Benjamin Mkapa National Stadium is a make or break for the Cranes.
Coach Milutin Sredojevic is fully aware of what is at stake and he thinks his charges have put the loss on Friday last week behind them and ready to open a new chapter.
‘One detail can take you to hell and the other can take you to heaven and that is what happened in the last match.We now have chance for redemption in this game and we are coming here to fight for maximum points.’ He said.
“I have full trust in the players and they know how crucial this game is and are hoping for positive results.” He added.
Captain Emmanuel Okwi has no love lost for the Tanzanian people with majority of the players for Taifa Stars his close friends.
“I have always had love from the people of Tanana. Many of the players have been my teammates or opponents when I played here. The friendship will always stay but during the game, we will all be fighting to make our countries proud.” He said.
Gavin Kizito and Steven Ssrwadda are ruled out of the game due to injuries.
Uganda is fourth in Group F with one point. The same group has Algeria and Niger.
Uganda Cranes suffered defeat at the hands of Tanzania as the two teams faced off on Friday.
In the game played at Suez Canal Authority Stadium in Ismailia, Egypt, the Taifa Stars got a 1-0 win.
Simon Msuva scored the lone goal of the game, coming midway through the second half.
Despite efforts from Uganda, Tanzania were able to defend and take all three points.
The coach made three changes at the start of the second half, bringing on Steven Sserwadda, Isma Mugulusi and Richard Basangwa with Siraje Ssentamu, Fahad Bayo and Faruku all paving way.
There were further changes with Allan Okello and Rogers Mato replacing Emmanuel Okwi and Sserwadda who got injured.
The two teams will face off again on Tuesday next week at Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam.
Uganda Cranes go into Friday’s encounter against neighbours Tanzania oozing with confidence.
Since the team pitched camp in Ismailia, Egypt, the camp in the mood has been lively and everyone is geared towards the crucial encounter.
The Cranes are well aware that the double header against Taifa Stars of Tanzania provide chance to get the qualification campaign back to the rails.
Having picked a point in the first two games, positive results off Tanzania will offer a good chance of returning to the coveted continental showpiece.
Coach Milutin Sredojevic is aware of what is at stake and indicates his charges are ready.
Coach Milutin Sredojevic in training.
“We have done so much behind the scenes for close to nine months to make sure we get good results against Tanzania,” he started before adding,
“I believe that we are mentally ready, physically fit, technically effective and tactically aware. Playing in a derby means you must be at your best because such games are determined by small margins.”
Captain Emmanuel Okwi is equally braced for the challenge ahead and he is full of confidence that together with his teammates will make the country proud.
“First of all I have to thank God because the preparations have gone on really well. As a captain I’m impressed with the players, the efforts they are putting on to get ready for this game. The players are really ready for tomorrow’s game in order to get the required results so that we give Ugandans the joy that they deserve.” He said.
After Friday’s game, Tanzania and Uganda will face off again four days later at Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam.
It is full house for Uganda Cranes in Egypt as the team prepares to face Tanzania in a 2023 Africa Cup of Nations Qualifiers.
The last player to join the camp at Mercure Hotel in Ismailia, Egypt is assistant captain Khalid Aucho.
The defensive midfielder who plies his trade at Young Africans in Tanzania arrived in Egypt on Wednesday morning and was received by National Teams’ Officer Paul Mukatabala.
Aucho’s arrival means 26 of the 27 players who were summoned are now in camp with the exception of Sadat Happy Anaku who was ruled out due to injury.
Upon arrival, Aucho indicated he is ready to offer full commitment and work with the rest of the players to deliver success.
“I’m happy to find everyone in camp geared towards the forthcoming games against Tanzania. Definitely derbies are never easy but we all know our target and ready to offer everything in our means as players.” He said.
Uganda will play Tanzania on Friday, 24th March at Suez Canal Authority Stadium before the two teams face off again four days later in Dar es Salaam.
Uganda Cranes Squad in Egypt
Goalkeepers Alionzi Nafian (URA FC, Uganda), Lukwago charles (St. George, Ethiopia), Magoola Salim Omar (GK) (Richards Bay FC, South Africa)
Four foreign based players have joined Uganda Cranes camp in Ismailia, Egypt.
Captain Emmanuel Okwi, Farouk Miya, Steven Sserwadda and Isma Mugulusi are the latest players to join the team.
Greece based midfielder Isma Mugulusi.
The quartet arrived in Cairo,Egypt on Tuesday morning and straight away joined the rest of the team at their base (Mecure Hotel) in Ismailia.
Upon arrival, Okwi indicated he is happy to join the team and hoping for good results against Tanzania.
Uganda Cranes captain Emmanuel Okwi
“I’m happy to join the team here in Ismailia and delighted to find that the camp is in good mood as we prepare to face Tanzania,” he started before adding.
“Definitely the target is to get positive results off Tanzania in order to achieve our target of qualifying for AFCON. The players, coaches and everyone is committed towards this.” Okwi added.
They join other foreign based players like Joseph Ochaya, Bobosi Byaruhanga, Fahad Bayo, Jamal Omar Magoola, Gavin Kizito, Abdu Aziizi Kayondo, Richard Basangwa, Steven Mukwala and Timothy Awany who are already in camp.
Midfielder Aucho Khalid will join the camp on Wednesday Morning. However, Scotland based forward Sadat Happy Anaku will not be available for selection in both encounters against Tanzania due to an injury as communicated by his club, Dundee United.
The team will have a build up match against Ismaily SC at Suez Canal Authority Stadium on Tuesday evening (5:00PM EAT).
Uganda will play Tanzania on Friday 24th March at Suez Canal Authority Stadium before the two teams face off again four days later at Benjamin Mkapa National Stadium in Dar es Salaam.
Uganda Cranes Squad
Goalkeepers Alionzi Nafian (URA FC, Uganda), Lukwago Charles (St. George, Ethiopia), Magoola Salim Omar (GK) (Richards Bay FC, South Africa)
Uganda Cranes contingent has today morning departed for Egypt ahead of the forthcoming 2023 Africa Cup of Nations Qualifiers.
The team will face neighbours Tanzania in a double header with Uganda hosting the first leg on 24th March at Suez Canal Authority Stadium. The return leg will come four days later at Benjamin Mkapa National Stadium in Dar es Salaam.
The contingent that left on Sunday morning was headed by the Leader of Delegation Rogers Byamukama who is a FUFA Executive Committee member.
Besides goalkeeper Charles Lukwago and defender Halid Lwaliwa, the rest of the players are local based.
It should be noted that the foreign based legion will join camp in Egypt from their respective clubs.
The team will stay in Egyptian capital Cairo for two days before relocating to Ismailia.
Uganda has one point from the opening two games in Group F and will be hoping to brighten the chances of qualifying to the biennial continental football extravaganza with positive results from this international window.
Two first-half goals from the home team saw them emerge victorious at Christ School Bundibugyo as the Uganda Cranes visited the town.
Kitara Select Starting XI
Uganda Cranes Starting XI
Ivan Onenchan scored the first goal in the 25th minute and Norman Namanya netted the second goal five minutes before the half-time whistle was blown.
Kitara Select warm-up
Uganda Cranes warm-up
At the start of the second half, the entire Uganda Cranes team that started the match was substituted but the various shots at goal did not yield fruit.
The Cranes now embark on preparations for 2023 AFCON qualifier match against Tanzania in Egypt. The selected local based players will travel this Sunday to Cairo. They will be joined by foreign based players.
The Uganda Cranes team arrived at Fort Portal on Thursday afternoon at 2:00 PM and camped at Nyaika Hotel.
At 4:00 PM, the team had their last training session at Fort Portal Police Training round.
The Regional Police Commander for Rwenzori West, Norman Musinga, was in attendance at the Fort Portal Police training ground during the training session.
The team is set to play against Kitara Select Team on Friday, 17th March 2023 at Christ School, Bundibugyo.
Uganda Cranes head coach Milutin Sredojevic alias Micho has named a squad of 23 players that will feature in the regional tour game slated for this weekend.
The team will face Kitara region select team on Friday, 17th March 2023 in Bundibudyo.
This will be first Uganda Cranes regional tour game in the region since 2019 when the national team played in Hoima.
The game played at Booma Ground in Hoima on Saturday 20th July 2019 saw Kitara region win 1-0 thanks to Vincent Kasoki’s goal.
Action between Uganda Cranes and Kitara region at Booma Ground, Hoima in 2019
The players will enter camp on Wednesday at Cranes Paradise Hotel, Kisasi before conducting training later in the day.
On Thursday, the team will travel to Bundibugyo prior to Friday’s game.
From the summoned squad, the coach will select players that will travel to Cairo, Egypt on Sunday ahead of the 2023 AFCON Qualifier double header against Tanzania.
It should be noted that the team which will play the regional tour game excludes players from Vipers SC who will have a CAF Champions League game against Horoya on Saturday.
The local based players who will make the final cut to travel to Egypt will be joined by the foreign based legion from their respective clubs.
Uganda Cranes provisional squad that was summoned last week.
Uganda will host Tanzania at Suez Canal Authority Stadium on 24th March before the two teams facing off four days later in Dar es Salaam.
Uganda Cranes Head Coach Milutin Sredojevic has summoned a provisional squad for the forthcoming double header against neighbors Tanzania.
Uganda will play against Tanzania home and away later this month in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations Qualifiers.
The squad named is comprised of 30 players and will start preparations next week. It should be noted that Uganda will host Tanzania at Suez Canal Authority Stadium on 24th March before facing off in Dar es Salaam four days later.
First, the locally based players summoned will play a regional tour game against Kitara region next week. Such games are aimed at bringing the national team closer to Ugandans.
The aforementioned game will take place on Friday, 17th in Bundibugyo district.
The team will enter residential camp on Wednesday, 15th March at Cranes Paradise Hotel, Kisasi before traveling to Bundibugyo on Friday.
The regional tour game will be used as a precursor for the forthcoming double header against Tanzania.
Some of the selected players from the regional tour game will travel to Egypt on Sunday.
The foreign based players summoned will join the rest of the squad in Cairo direct from their respective clubs.
Uganda Cranes journey at the 2022 African Nations Championship (CHAN) came to an end last Sunday following a 3-1 defeat to Ivory Coast at Nelson Mandela Stadium in Algiers, Algeria.
The ultimate target of qualifying to the knockout stage for the first time in six attempts may not have been realized but there were positives picked.
On Sunday, FUFA President Hon. Magogo Moses Hassim treated the CHAN contingent to a luncheon at FUFA Complex in Mengo and highlighted several aspects indicating there was evident progress of the team.
FUFA President Hon. Magogo Moses Hassim (middle) addressing the 2022 CHAN team.
The function was also attended by FUFA 2nd Vice President Darius Mugoye, FUFA 3rd Vice President Hon. Florence Nakiwala Kiyingi, FUFA EXCO Members Apollo Ahimbisibwe and Ronnie Kalema, FUFA EXCO Honorary member Hamid Juma, FUFA delegates Hassan Kirunda, Brian Miiro Nsubuga and Kampala RFA Chairman Dirisa Kasalirwe.
Others included National Teams Manager Patrick Ntege, National Teams Officer Paul Mukatabala, Kampala Region CEO Isaac Ssengendo and Chairman Uganda Football Players Association Paul Ssali.
A section of the officials in the meeting.
‘I know many people look at results on the pitch but as administrators we consider a number of factors. There was a huge difference between the team that played at CHAN in Cameroon and the current squad. The difference this time, there were positives in terms of the performance of players’ stated the FUFA President.
Uganda Cranes players listening attentively.
‘I have always said that results do not paint the whole picture. We know this team is in a transitional period and whatever we are going through is part of the process. Unfortunately, the fans and everyone wants to win but World over transitions take time. It can even take two or three generations to return to the best.’
FUFA President Hon. Magogo Moses Hassim.
The President gave an example of the team that qualified to the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations and the number of attempts made before achieving the target.
‘I always give the team that qualified us to AFCON 2017 after 39 years as an example. They tried about six times but both the players and federation kept learning and when the right time came, we qualified. We even reached the knockout stage in the 2019 edition. After that, a number of players have retired and we had to go through transition to create a new team.’ He stated.
About CHAN 2022, the President indicated Uganda performed well despite not getting out of the group.
“In my rating, this is the best CHAN performance Uganda has had. In 2014 we also finished with 4 points, competing against Morocco, Zimbabwe and Burkina Faso. Look at our opponents this time, Senegal are the Champions of Africa, DR Congo have won this tournament twice and Ivory Coast are perennial contenders. Therefore, we had the chance to be tested at that level and I believe the players benefited.”
He also promised to give the team maximum support to ensure the process of transition is handled well.
FUFA President Hon. Magogo Moses Hassim addressing the media.
“I know we have a double header against Tanzania coming up in March. As players, you have the League resuming and it is upon you to go, perform well and get summoned. Many of you are capable of playing on the senior team.” He told the players.
The President then revealed that every member of the team (Players and officials) that was in Algeria will receive a package of $2,500.
‘According to calculations, everyone was supposed to get about $1,800 but as FUFA, we decided to make it $2,500 as a way of motivating you.’
FUFA 2nd Vice President Darius Mugoye lauded the team for the performance and told them not to lose focus.
FUFA 2nd Vice President Darius Mugoye speaking to the players and officials.
‘I know you read and listen to a lot of opinions from the public but that should not make you lose focus. I was in Algeria and saw everyone performing to their best, so we should keep going and not lose focus.’
The Leader of Delegation, Dr. Apollo Ahimbisibwe appreciated FUFA for providing the best preparations to the team.
FUFA Executive Committee member Dr. Apollo Ahimbisibwe.
“I want to confirm that this team had the best preparations going to CHAN both here and abroad. Camping in Tunisia and playing three friendlies offered a good gauge and I am confident to say this team is destined for the best’ Noted Dr. Ahimbisibwe.
Coach Micho was full of praise for the players and also thanked FUFA for doing their best in terms of preparations.
“FUFA has the technical agenda for the National Team and CHAN was one of the the pillars. The others are international friendlies, AFCON Qualifiers and the World Cup Qualifiers. I thank FUFA for providing the best conditions and I’m confident this team has a bright future.” The coach noted.
Skipper Milton Karisa also thanked FUFA for the opportunity and vowed to reciprocate the efforts on the pitch.
Captain Milton Karisa giving a vote of thanks.
“We are happy as players that FUFA has provided the best environment for us to play. We promise that as a group, we will always play to our best efforts to make Ugandans proud.” Karisa stated.
Uganda Cranes suffered an early exit at the 2022 African Nations Championship after falling to Ivory Coast on Sunday.
In the crunch tie played at the Nelson Mandela Stadium, Algiers, Uganda needed just a draw to secure a slot into the knockout stage for the first time.
However, Ivory Coast who needed victory on the day claimed a 3-1 win to progress.
Coach Milutin Sredojevic made one change from the team that had started against Senegal with Abdu Karim Watambala starting ahead of Marvin Youngman.
Sankara Karamoko and Vignon Ouotro fired Ivory Coast into the lead and the West African side were two goals ahead after 27 minutes.
However, Uganda kept believing and Rogers Mato won a penalty in the 33rd minute which Moses Waiswa to keep the hopes alive.
In the second half, Uganda came all out and had several attempts at goal including Travis Mutyaba’s free kick that hit the upright.
In a bid to throw more numbers upfront the coach also brought on Titus Ssematimba, Moses Aliro, Ibrahim Orit and Nelson Ssenkatuka but all in vain.
Aubin Kouame notched a third Ivorian goal twelve minutes from time to put the game beyond reach.
Uganda Cranes Starting XI Nafian Alionzi(GK), James Begisa, Derrick Ndahiro, Gift Fred, Geofrey Wasswa, Abdu Karim Watambala, Kenneth Semakula, Moses Waiswa, Frank Ssebufu, Milton Karisa, Rogers Mato
CHAN 2022 Group B Uganda vs Ivory Coast Nelson Mandela Stadium Sunday, 22nd January 2022 Kickoff: 10PM (EAT)
Uganda is on the brink of making history at the 2022 African Nations Championship (CHAN). The Cranes have a chance to qualify for the knockout phase for the first time.
What stands between failure and glory is Ivory Coast, the team they face on Sunday at the newly built Nelson Mandela Stadium in Algiers.
Uganda Cranes go into the final group game oozing with confidence having secured victory over Senegal on Wednesday to go top of Group B with 4 points.
However, coach Milutin Sredojevic believes the story is not complete until the final whistle on Sunday.
“Whatever we have done in the last two games could turn out meaningless if we do not get a good result against Ivory Coast. Therefore, we go into this game with full commitment and hoping to get a result good enough to send us through,” he said.
Midfielder Moses Waiswa indicates their sight is set at finishing top of the Group.
“Ending as Group Leaders will be important in determining who we face at the quarterfinal stage. And that makes the game against Ivory Coast important. We go into Sunday’s game focused on securing all three points and maintaining our status as Group leaders.” He said.
Uganda is seeking to qualify for the knockout phase for the first time in six attempts.
Uganda Cranes contingent on Friday shifted from the Algerian sea town of Annaba to the capital, Algiers ahead of the final group game against Ivory Coast on Sunday (10PM EAT).
Goalkeeper Nafian Alionzi upon arrival at Golden Tulip Royaume Hotel in Algiers.
The Cranes who top group B on 4 points have been in the Northeastern part of Algeria since Wednesday last week.
Uganda Cranes cutting a cake given by the management of Ben Mustapha Aouda Hotel in Annaba.
The team goes into Sunday’s game at the newly built Nelson Mandela Stadium in buoyant mood having picked three points off Senegal two days ago.
The 1-0 victory over Senegal is only Uganda’s second at the biennial Championship, the first coming at the 2014 edition against Burkina Faso (2-1) in South Africa.
Uganda Cranes team that started against Senegal.
In Algiers, the team was welcomed by H.E Alintuma Nsambu, the Ambassador of Uganda to Algeria and the Maghreb region.
He has been a staunch supporter of the team ever since it set foot in Algeria watching the two games against Democratic Republic of Congo and Senegal.
L-R: H.E Ambassador of Uganda to Algeria Alintuma Nsambu, FUFA President Hon. Magogo Moses Hassim and Minister of State for Sports Hon. Peter Ogwang watching the game between Uganda and DR Congo.
From the airport, the team checked in at Golden Tulip Royaume Hotel where they will pitch camp.
Uganda needs to avoid defeat on Sunday to guarantee their place in the quarterfinals but victory will ensure the top spot in Group B is secured.
Uganda Cranes CHAN squad
Goalkeepers Nafian Alionzi (URA FC), Joel Mutakubwa (Gaddafi FC), Jack Komakech (Vipers SC)
Defenders Ashiraf Mandela (Vipers SC), James Begisa Penz (URA FC), Derrick Ndahiro (URA FC), Isa Mubiru (Vipers SC), Hillary Mukundane (Vipers SC), Kenneth Semakula(SC Villa), Geofrey Wasswa (KCCA FC), Gift Fred (SC Villa)
The telecom company was announced as the main sponsor of the national team during a watch party at the Serena Hotel for the Uganda Cranes CHAN 2022 match against Senegal in Algeria.
The event was attended by the FUFA President Hon. Moses Magogo, MTN CEO Sylvia Mulinge, 1st Vice President Justus Mugisha, NCS General Secretary Dr. Bernard Patrick Ogwel, MTN CMO Somdev Sen, and Chairman of the FUFA Marketing and Communications Committee Rogers Byamukama, among others.
“I am excited on behalf of MTN Uganda to officially announce that we are bringing back the game to Ugandans, who are the most passionate fans of our football. Let’s go Uganda Cranes” — MTN CEO Sylvia Mulinge
“The money shall be used to support activities of 7 properties of FUFA, namely: the Uganda Cranes (National men’s team), the Crested Cranes (National women’s team), The FUFA Drum, The FUFA Juniors League, The FUFA Super 8, the FUFA Super Cup, and the FUFA Awards.” — MTN CEO Mulinge added.
Uganda Cranes put up a resilient performance to overcome Senegal at the ongoing African Nations Championship (CHAN) in Algeria.
In the game played on Wednesday at the 19th May 1956 Stadium, Annaba, Uganda stunned the Lions of Terranga to win 1-0.
Frank Ssebufu (in red) closes down a Senegalese player.
Skipper Milton Karisa scored the lone goal of the game to guide the Cranes to victory.
This is only Uganda’s second victory at the biennial Championship and the first since 2014 when the Cranes defeated Burkina Faso 2-1.
Milton Karisa celebrates after scoring.
The players had to wither heavy rains and extremely cold conditions of the day to produce the much needed win.
Senegal posed threats in the opening stages of the game but Uganda was resolute and the team worked together to deny the West Africans.
Action between Uganda and Senegal.
A miscommunication between defender Geoffrey Wasswa and goalkeeper Nafian Alionzi nearly gifted Senegal the lead with the latter holding a back pass but the indirect free kick awarded was dealt with.
Moments later, Senegal were awarded a penalty but Alionzi saved Cheikh Sidibe’s effort from the spot.
Nafian Alionzi celebrates after the full-time whistle.
On the other hand, Uganda’s first realistic attempt in the 33rd minute resulted into goal.
Moses Waiswa’s corner kick delivery was cleared into Kenneth Ssemakula’s path and his cross from the left met Karisa who connected home thanks to a deflection from a Senegalese defender.
At the start of the second half, coach Micho called for the first change bringing on Karim Watambala for Marvin Youngman.
He also introduced Titus Ssematimba, Moses Aliro, Hillary Mukundane and Travis Mutyaba as the game went on.
Travis Mutyaba in action against Senegal.
In the 51st minute, Karisa thought he had won a penalty for Uganda but the referee overturned his decision after checking with VAR.
Senegal were reduced to ten men in the 78th minute with Libasse Ngom who had just come on sent off after a nasty tackle on Watambala.
The Cranes held on to pick maximum points and go top of Group B on 4 points.
Semakula was named man of the match for his great performance in the midfield.
Uganda will return to action on Sunday against Ivory Coast at the Nelson Mandela Stadium in Algiers.
Uganda Cranes Starting XI
Nafian Alionzi (GK), James Penzi Begisa, Derrick Ndahiro, Geofrey Wasswa, Gift Fred, Marvin Youngman, Kenneth Semakula, Moses Waiswa, Frank Ssebufu, Milton Karisa, Rogers Mato
Substitutes Joel Mutakubwa (GK), Jack Komakech(GK), Isa Mubiru, Ashraf Mandela, Hillary Mukundane, Karim Watambala, Bright Anukani, Travis Mutyaba, Titus Ssematimba, Moses Aliro, Nelson Ssenkatuka, Ibrahim Orit
African Nations Championship 2022 Group B Matchday Two Senegal vs Uganda Wednesday, 18th January 2023 19th May 1956 Stadium
Uganda Cranes will be seeking to garner maximum points off Senegal as the two teams face off on Wednesday in Annaba, Algeria.
Coach Milutin Sredojevic and his charges are aware of what is at stake in the game and will hope to keep Uganda’s hopes of progressing beyond the group stage by earning victory.
Whereas Uganda settled for a point against Democratic Republic of Congo in the first game, Senegal on the other picked maximum points off Ivory Coast.
The gaffer believes this is the chance for Uganda to go and do better than the first game.
“We have deeply analysed the game against DR Congo and want to improve. We are fully aware of the challenge of entering the den of the Lions of Senegal,” Sredojevic stated in the pre match press briefing before adding, “We are excited over this game and we respect our opponents but in a game of football it is unpredictable. We will make the most of our moments and expose their sources of vulnerability. Our ultimate target is to get performance and results.We have been working with sleepless nights to have details about the Senegal game. It is a human game and a perfect team doesn’t exist.”
Assistant Captain Nafian Alionzi also shares similar sentiments and indicates this is a perfect opportunity to write history.
“Our target is to do better than the previous editions and that means qualifying to the knockout stage. We know the opponents we shall be facing but the determination within us will get the team over the line.” He indicated.
Uganda Cranes will end the Group business with a game against Ivory Coast in Algiers on Sunday.
Uganda is playing at the finals of African Nations Championship (CHAN) for the sixth successive time. Prior to this year’s tournament, the Cranes have also featured in the 2011, 2014, 2016, 2018 and 2020 editions.
In this article, FUFA Communications Department brings you closer to the team to know peculiar details, statistics, facts and figures about Uganda Cranes contingent in Algeria.
Enjoy as you read below
10 FUFA Juniors League graduates in the Uganda Cranes CHAN Squad2022
Development is a slow process that starts with dreams and end up with ideas for execution. The FUFA Juniors League (FJL) started in 2015 with a competition for players under the age of 17, then progressed to U18 and finally with the U19 as the highest age category for the youth Competition.
The FJL has since moved to all the FUFA regions bringing together over 96 Junior teams for a National Youth football League Competition right from the regions.
The current Uganda Cranes squad in Algeria for the TotalEnergies CHAN Squad has ten (10) graduates of the FUFA Juniors League. The players are;
Jack Komakech (URA FC JT U-19)
Abdu Karim Watambala (Vipers SC JT U17)
Geofrey Wasswa (Vipers Sc U17)
Travis Mutyaba (Vipers SC JT U17, U18)
Ashraf Mandela (Vipers SC JT U17)
James Begisa Penz (KCCA FC SA U17)
Moses Aliro (KCCA FC SA U17)
Titus Ssematimba (Masavu FC JT U18)
Kenneth Semakula- (Kirinya Jinja SSS JT U19)
Rogers Mato Kassim (Lweza Orange Brigade U17, Proline FC JT U18, Maroons FC JT U19)
The 3 Ws in the Uganda Cranes CHAN Squad
Talk of being unique. The current Uganda Cranes squad in Algeria for the TotalEnergies CHAN Finals has something to do with player’s names. Three players out of the 23-man squad have letter ‘W’ for their names and they proudly tease their teammates with pride about this.
The players are; Watambala Abu Karim, Waiswa Moses and Wasswa Geoffrey. Two of them are midfielders while Wasswa plies in central defence.
8 Uganda Cranes Goldies in CHAN Squad
The current Uganda Cranes squad in Algeria has seven (8) players who have featured before at the CHAN Finals. The experience stretches from the 2018 Finals in Morocco through the 2020 Finals hosted by Cameroon in 2021. Milton Karisa (2018, 2020 and 2022) is the most experienced of the players as he is appearing at his third CHAN Finals. The full list has;
Milton Karisa (2018, 2020, 2022)
Moses Waiswa (2018, 2022)
Nelson Senkatuka (2018, 2022)
Bright Anukani (2020, 2022)
Abu Karim Watambala (2020, 2022)
Joel Mutakubwa (2020, 2022)
Nafian Alionzi (2020, 2022)
Ibrahim Orit (2020,2022)
The Youngest player
Travis Mutyaba features for Sc Villa in the Uganda Premier League. He has featured for the Uganda National teams at all levels (U15, U17 and U20 and now the Uganda Cranes). He will be playing at the TotalEnergies CHAN Finals for the first time.
He is just 17 years and 4 months old but his trophy gallery keeps growing each passing day. He now has the chance to add on to that collection with bravery and commitment at the CHAN Finals in Algeria when head coach Milutin Sredojevic calls on his services.
Mutyaba will also join the Uganda U-20 National team after the CHAN Finals as the team prepares for the AFCON Finals in Egypt due next month.
Goalkeeping coach Fred Kajoba is ‘Mr. CHAN’
Head coach Milutin ‘Micho’ Sredojevic will lead an experienced team that has been tested at this level from the past editions. Micho who has handled both Zambia (2020) and Uganda (2014, 2016, 2022) at CHAN Finals will be making his 4th appearance.
However, goalkeeping trainer Fred Kajoba (2011, 2014, 2016, 2018 and 2022) is the most experienced of all the technical members at this level. He deserves the title of ‘Mr. CHAN’.
The other members of the technical team are; assistant coach Moses Basena (2011, 2016 and 2022) Physiotherapist Dr. Ivan Ssewanya (2016, 2018 and 2022) and Physician Dr. Emmanuel Nakabago (2020 and 2022).
