Uganda Cranes lost their final game of the Tri Nations tournament in Tanzania on Saturday, falling to neighbours Tanzania.
The Cranes team largely composed of U23 players had earlier played a goalless draw with hosts Libya on Wednesday.
In the game played at Benina Martyrs Stadium in Benghazi, the Cranes fell 1-0 to Taifa Stars.
Simon Happy Msuva scored the lone goal of the game in the 28th minute.
Coach Milutin Sredojevic aka Micho made six changes from the team that faced Libya, with Denis Otim starting in goal ahead of Giosue Bellagambi.
Musa Ramathan ans Rogers Mato who picked knocks in the previous game also didn’t start. Bright Anukani and Derrick Kakooza too started on bench.
Otim made a brilliant save at the start of the game, denying Mbwana Samatta.
The resultant corner saw Tanzania take the lead when Msuva ran to the near post to head home.
Uganda almost found an early response when Ndahiro cut inside to find Richard Basangwa but his diving header was kept out by goalkeeper Beno Kakolanya.
Tanzania eventually held on to claim maximum points.
Uganda Cranes Starting XI
Denis Otim, Hillary Mukundane, Gavin Kizito, Derrick Ndahiro, Ibrahim Juma, Kenneth Ssemakula, Bobosi Byaruhanga, Ismail Mugulusi, Steven Sserwadda, Titus Ssematimba, Richard Basangwa
Tri Nations Tournament First Game Libya 0-0 Uganda
Next Game Saturday, 24th September 2022 Tanzania vs Uganda
Uganda and Libya played out a barren stalemate as the two teams faced off in the first game of the Tri Nations Tournament.
In the game played on Wednesday at the Benina Martyrs Stadium in Benghazi, either side could not find the outlet.
The hosts enjoyed the bigger share of the possession but failed to break past a resilient Uganda Cranes side.
Coach Micho handed goalkeeper Giosue Bellagambi his debut on the national team.
Garvin Kizito Mugweri who captained the team, Derrick Ndahiro, Hillary Mukundane and Musa Ramathan played across the back line.
The midfield had Bobosi Byaruhanga, Kenneth Ssemakula and Bright Anukani while the front three included Derrick Kakooza, Steven Sserwadda and Rogers Mato.
Uganda got the first attempt at goal in the 7th minute when Kakooza attempted from far but his strike went wide.
In the 15th minute, coach Micho was forced into making an early change when Mato was stretchered off.
His place was taken by Ibrahim Juma who played in advance role on the left side of the pitch.
There was another forced change before the break when Musa sustained a hamstring injury and he was replaced by Titus Ssematimba who was also making his debut.
In the second stanza, there were further changes with Richard Basangwa and Karim Watambala replacing Kakooza and Anukani respectively.
Uganda will return to action on Saturday against neighbours Tanzania who are the third team in this tournament.
Uganda Cranes Starting XI Giosue Bellagambi (GK), Garvin Kizito Mugweri, Derrick Ndahiro, Musa Ramathan, Hillary Mukundane, Bobosi Byaruhanga, Kenneth Ssemakula, Bright Anukani, Steven Sserwadda, Derrick Kakooza, Rogers Mato
Uganda Cranes Head Coach Milutin Sredojevic (Micho) has named the team that will travel to Libya for two international friendly matches next week.
The squad composed of 22 players largely will take part in a Tri-Nations tournament in Libya.
Uganda Cranes will face Libya on Wednesday 21st September before taking on Tanzania three days later.
The team will depart Uganda on Sunday (at 6:30PM) aboard Ethiopian Airlines ET 335. They conducted a training session earlier in the day at Phillip Omondi Stadium.
Uganda Cranes training on Sunday.
The foreigh based contingent of Steven Sserwadda, Abdu Aziiizi Kayondo, Musa Ramathan, Giosue Bellagambi, Sadat Anaku and Derrick Kakooza will link up with the the team in Libya from their club bases.
It should be noted that the local based legion entered camp on Tuesday this week and played in the two Tonny Mawejje’s testimonial matches.
Is a Mugulusi in action during the Tonny Mawejje testimonial match in Lugogo.
Football enthusiasts on Wednesday made it to Phillip Omondi Stadium in big numbers to witness Tonny Mawejje put final pieces to his glittering football career.
Captains Tonny Mawejje (in white) and Gavin Kizito pose for a picture with the match officials
In what is a rare occasion for a Ugandan footballer to have a testimonial match, this went into the history books as the midfield general danced for the last time.
Tonny Mawejje in action during his testimonial match at Lugogo.
Mawejje had several players and celebrities lined up to his side.These included former Uganda Cranes captains Denis Onyango and Geoffrey Massa, Joseph Ochaya, Isaac Isinde, Steven Bengo, Dan Wagaluka, Brian Umony and Geoffrey Sserunkuma among others.
Dan Wagaluka rolling back the years (Photo by Ismail Mulangwa).
Musicians included Eddy Kenzo and Rickman Ricki who both played football in their early age.
Hip Hop artiste Rickiman Ricki in action. (Photo by Isma Mulangwa).
Facing the current Uganda Cranes team that largely composed of U23 players, Mawejje’s team came from a goal down to win 2-1 on a chilly evening.
Hakim Kiwanuka had given Uganda Cranes the lead in the 25th minute thanks to a lay up from Richard Basangwa.
However, the lead was short lived for the youthful team with current Uganda Cranes skipper Emmanuel Okwi finding the equalizer at the half hour mark.
The winning goal came in the 59th minute through Muhammad Shaban who came off the bench at the start of the second goal.
Mawejje was given a standing ovation in the 6th minute with fans, players from either side clapping in honour of the great player.
He featured for 83 minutes before getting substituted amidst cheers from the fans.
Tonny Mawejje coming off in the 83rd minute. He was replaced by a fan Muhammad Kibirige from Makindye.
Mawejje played for the national team between 2004-2018 making 84 appearances and scoring eight goals.
He will have another testimonial match played in his home area, Masaka on Friday at Masaka Recreation Centre against the Uganda Cranes.
Uganda Cranes Starting XI Dennis Otim (GK), James Begisa, Gavin Kizito (C) Derrick Ndahiro, Ibrahim Juma, Kenneth Ssemakula, Bobosi Byaruhanga, Isma Mugulusi , Hakim Kiwanuka, Rogers Mato, Richard Basangwa
Mawejje Starting XI
Denis Onyango (GK), Isaac Isinde, Godfrey Walusimbi, Hassan Wasswa, Joseph Ochaya, Dennis Iguma, Eddy Kenzo,Tonny Mawejje (C), Paul Mucureezi, Yunus Sentamu, Emmanuel Okwi
Coach Milutin Sredojevic has on Monday named Uganda Cranes squad largely composed of U23 to feature in the Tonny Mawejje testimonial matches and the forthcoming Tri Nations tournament in Libya.
The gaffer announced a squad of 35 including six foreign based players that will take part in the aforementioned tasks.
The Mawejje testimonial matches will be played this week on Wednesday and Friday in Lugogo and Masaka respectively.
The two games are in honour of former Uganda Cranes midfielder Mawejje who has decided to retire from football. He featured for the national team between 2004-2018 making 84 appearances and scoring 8 goals.
Coach Milutin however indicates that the foreign based legion and players from Vipers will not feature in the testimonial matches but instead will join the team ahead of the trip to Libya.
“The six foreign based players and four players from Vipers SC will not be available for the testimonial matches but instead will join us on Sunday as we travel to Libya,” he said.
The players include goalkeeper Giosue Bellagambi from Huddersfield Town FC, Abdul Azizi Kayondo, Musa Ramathan, Steven Sserwadda, Derrick Kakooza and Sadat Anaku.
The Vipers players on the other hand are Hillary Mukundane, Abdu Karim Watambala, Bright Anukani and Najib Yiga.
After the two testimonial matches, the team will travel to Libya on Sunday for a tri-nation tournament in Benghazi.
Uganda will face Libya on Wednesday, 21st September and take on Tanzania on Saturday, 24th September.
Uganda Cranes over the weekend confirmed their place at the 2022 African Nations Championship (CHAN) after eliminating Tanzania 4-0 on aggregate.
Coach Milutin Sredojevic alias Micho was happy with the performance of his charges both home and away and stated the team had better preparations compared to Tanzania.
Coach Milutin Sredojevic addressing the media after the game.
“First of all, I am happy to guide Uganda back to CHAN for the sixth time but for me this is third time as a coach in charge,” he started before adding, “I take this opportunity to thank the players and the technical team for working together to get the best results and performance from the two games against Tanzania.”
Micho attributed the results to good preparation indicating having the team together for long helped to achieve a lot.
Uganda Cranes training at Kampala Quality School.
“I want to thank FUFA for giving us an enabling environment. We summoned the players during off season and thus we needed time to work on so many aspects including fitness of players before entering the competitive phase,” said Micho.
“Additionally, the friendly games against Ethiopia and Zanzibar helped to put us in good shape. We didn’t get good results there but we kept working on the grey areas and thankfully, the team did well against Tanzania.”
Uganda Cranes players celebrate a goal at Benjamin Mkapa National Stadium.
Uganda won the first leg 1-0 in Dar es Salaam before completing the task with a 3-0 win at St. Mary’s Stadium, Kitende on Saturday.
The 2022 edition will be played in January next year with Algeria hosting the biennial tournament only played by footballers playing in their native domestic leagues.
Each member of the Uganda Cranes team (Players and officials) will receive a qualification bonus of $2,500.
FUFA President, Hon. Magogo Moses Hassim made the announcement in the dressing room shortly after the team ejected Tanzania 4-0 on aggregate at St. Mary’s Stadium, Kitende to book a ticket to the 2022 African Nations Championship (CHAN).
The President was in the company of Minister of State for Sports Hon. Peter Ogwang, NCS General Secretary Dr. Bernard Patrick Ogwel and FUFA Executive Members.
L-R: FUFA CEO, Edgar Watson, Goalkeeping Coach Fred Kajoba, Minister Hon. Peter Ogwang, FUFA President Hon. Magogo Moses Hassim, National Teams Manager Patrick Ntege and National Team Officer Paul Mukatabala.
The President indicated this good for the local based players to go and weigh themselves at the continental level.
“I am extremely happy that we have been able to secure qualification to CHAN. As FUFA, our target is to enter and qualify into every tournament. It is not easy to make sixth successive finals and the target is to perform better than the previous attempts,” he started.
“It is not our policy to go into games without promising qualification bonus which we didn’t make this time round. But together with the FUFA Executive we have agreed to give $2,000 to every member of the team as qualification bonus.” The President announced.
Minister Ogwang who also addressed the team stated that government will top up $500 for every member of the team thus making a grand total of $2,500.
Hon. Peter Ogwang speaking to the team in the dressing room.
“FUFA President has already announced the pledge from FUFA but on behalf of Government, I want to announce that we shall top up $500 to every member of the team.” He said amidst cheers from the players.
The Minister also promised a State dinner to the team.
NCS General Secretary, Dr. Bernard Patrick Ogwel indicated more funding will be given to football.
Dr. Bernard Patrick Ogwel, NCS General Secretary.
Uganda won 3-0 at St. Mary’s Stadium Kitende thanks to goals from Moses Waiswa, Rogers Mato and Richard Basangwa.
The Cranes had won the reverse fixture 1-0 in Dar es Salaam courtesy of Travis Mutyaba’s effort.
Return Leg Uganda 3-0 Tanzania Uganda qualifies 4-0 on aggregate
Uganda Cranes secured qualification to next year’s African Nations Championship (CHAN) in style after overcoming Tanzania home and away.
In the home game played at St. Mary’s Stadium, Kitende on Saturday, the Cranes put up a spirited performance to win 3-0 and thus advancing to the final tournament 4-0 on aggregate.
Uganda Cranes players singing the National Anthem.
Moses Waiswa, Richard Basangwa and Rogers Mato scored a goal each to guide Uganda to victory.
Coach Milutin Sredojevic made one change from the team that started away in Dar es Salaam with Derrick Ndahiro replacing Ibrahim Juma in the left back position.
Derrick Ndahiro (smiling) started ahead of Ibrahim Juma.
Uganda started the game on a great note and troubled Tanzania’s backline.
At the quarter hour mark, Rogers Mato was brought down in the area and the referee from Djibouti did not hesitate to point to the spot.
Waiswa took the resultant penalty, sending goalkeeper Aishi Manula the wrong way to give Uganda an early lead.
Moses Waiswa celebrates after scoring.
Tanzania made several inroads in a bid to level matters but goalkeeper Nafian Alionzi stood tall in goal to thwart any danger.
At the start of the second stanza, the coach introduced Basangwa for Martin Kizza.
Richard Basangwa celebrates
The gangly forward took only nine minutes to announce his arrival when he divided to head home Waiswa’s delivery from a free kick.
Mato put the game beyond reach in the 75th minute when he finished off a well worked build up.
Rogers Mato in action against Tanzania.
Basangwa held off two defenders to find Mato on the left and the lanky forward was quick to send the ball to Karisa at the back post. The former did not shoot but instead played it back to Mato who was quick to head home sending the fans into a frenzy.
The result means Uganda qualifies for a sixth successive time to the final tournament.
The 2022 edition which was postponed to January 2023 will be staged in Algeria.
Uganda Cranes are 90 minutes away from sealing qualification to the 2022 African Nations Championship (CHAN).
The team has to get a positive result in the return leg against Tanzania on Saturday to sail through. The Cranes carry 1-0 advantage from the reverse fixture.
Forward Milton Karisa who is the skipper of the team is confident they will seal qualification come Saturday.
L-R: Team Media Officer Joel Muyita, Uganda Cranes coach Milutin Sredojevic and captain Milton Karisa.
Karisa made the remarks during a pre match press briefing conducted on Friday at FUFA House, Mengo.
“We are prepared and ready to complete the task before us. Our target is simple and all we have to do is win and qualify for the final tournament,” He said.
Skipper Milton Karisa.
The winger believes the morale in camp is good and every player is focused towards the set target.
“All the players are ready and committed towards making sure the target of qualifying is achieved. We therefore call upon out fans to come and rally behind us tomorrow.”
Uganda is seeking to make the final tournament for a sixth time having played at the previous five editions (2011, 2014, 2016, 2018 and 2020).
Uganda Cranes Head Coach Milutin Sredojevic aka Micho believes his charges are mentally and physically ready to face and eliminate Tanzania.
The Cranes carry advantage from the first leg of the 2022 CHAN Qualifiers having won the reverse fixture 1-0 last weekend in Dar es Salaam.
Micho is optimistic his troops will be able to execute the task before them and dump out Tanzania.
Coach Micho addressing the media.
“The players are ready for the task ahead. We have enough preparations knowing that players were coming from off season, played friendly matches and now the document is in our hands but that document can only be valid with a stamp and that is what we shall be aiming at in tomorrow’s game,” he said.
Coach Micho during the team’s last training.
“The players are in good shape and we have given no room for complacency. There is so much to fight for in Saturday’s game and we cannot allow that spirit now.” Micho added.
The Serbian tactician was also quick to say Tanzania will not be a pushovers given the changes made since last weekend’s game.
“This (Tanzania) is a different team from what we faced last week. There has been addition of three players including John Bocco. The new Manager is my personal friend, Honour Janza and thus we should expect a walk in the park.” He added.
Travis Mutyaba scored the lone goal at Benjamin Mkapa National as Uganda Cranes edged Taifa Stars in the first the CHAN Qualifiers.
African Nations Championship Qualifiers 2022 Return Leg Uganda vs Tanzania Saturday, 3rd September 2022 St. Mary’s Stadium, Kitende Kickoff: 4PM
Uganda Cranes could be having an advantage in the CHAN Qualifier tie against Tanzania following the first leg victory but coach Milutin Sredojevic is not taking any chances.
The Serbian tactician known by many as Micho has continued to preach to his charges against complacency.
Coach Milutin Sredojevic passing on instructions in training.
“Football is a game where anything can happen. We won the first game but they (Tanzania) can also come here and win. That is what the players must know and put full focus on Saturday’s game,” he said.
Micho also indicates Tanzania come in a different form, having a new coach and definitely a change in approach.
“The coming of Honour Janza as new coach means change in so many things. He is a coach a highly respect and I know he will come to try and upset so we must be ready for such moments.” Micho added.
Travis Mutyaba came off the bench and scored the sole goal at Benjamin Mkapa Stadium on Sunday to give Uganda the advantage.
Travis Mutyaba celebrates with teammates after scoring against Tanzania.
It should be noted that the winner on aggregate between Uganda and Tanzania will qualify for next year’s CHAN tournament in Algeria.
The camp was on Wednesday boosted with the arrival of three players. Muhammad Shaban and George Kasonko who were part of the initial squad that was summoned but did not travel to Tanzania are back while Ibrahim Orit has been called to offer competition in the forward positions.
Ibrahim Orit in training at St. Mary’s Stadium, Kitende.Muhammad Shaban George Kasonko training with the team on Wednesday.
Travis Mutyaba was the hero for Uganda as the Cranes overcame Tanzania’s Taifa Stars in the first leg of the 2022 African Nations Championship (CHAN) Qualifiers.
In the game played on Sunday at Benjamin Mkapa National Stadium, Dar es Salaam, Mutyaba came off the bench to score the solitary strike towards the end of the game.
Travis Mutyaba is joined by teammates in celebration.
The decisive moment came in the 87th minute when the diminutive left footed forward won possession from defender Mohammed Hussein at the right wing, dribbled past another defender before firing the ball into the back of the net.
The win gives Uganda advantage over Tanzania in the tie ahead of the return leg slated for Saturday at St. Mary’s Stadium, Kitende.
Coach Milutin Sredojevic aka Micho started with the same lineup that drawn goalless against Ethiopia a week ago.
Nafian Alionzi started in goal with Gavin Kizito, Ibrahim Juma, Livingstone Mulondo and John Revita playing in the back line positions.
Goalkeepers Mathias Muwanga(left) and Nafian Alionzi(right) all smiles after the game.
Siraje Ssentamu, Marvin Youmgman and Moses Waiswa played in the three-man midfield while skipper Milton Karisa, Martin Kizza and Rogers Mato started upfront.
Marvin Youmgman in action.
The opening stanza saw either side opt for a cautious approach and thus offered few scoring opportunities.
The second however saw Uganda dominate proceedings and indeed created the better scoring opportunities.
The introduction of Richard Basangwa, Saidi Kyeyune and Mutyaba offered more threat for Uganda upfront with the former troubling Tanzania’s centre backing pairing.
Richard Basangwa in action against Tanzania.
The lone goal of the game three minutes to time when Mato’s long ball was fumbled by Mohammed Hussein who thus offered opportunity for Mutyaba to win possession and strike home.
The winner on aggregate between Uganda and Tanzania will qualify for the final tournament slated for January next year in Algeria
Starting XI
Nafian Alionzi (GK), Gavin Kizito Mugweri, Ibrahim Juma, Livingstone Mulondo, John Revita, Siraje Ssentamu, Marvin Youmgman, Moses Waiswa, Rogers Mato, Martin Kizza, Milton Karisa (C)
Substitutes Mathias Muwanga, James Begisa, Derrick Ndahiro, Kenneth Ssemakula, Saidi Kyeyune, Richard Basangwa, Travis Mutyaba
First Leg Sunday, 28th August 2022 Tanzania vs Uganda Benjamin Mkapa National Stadium Kickoff: 4PM
Uganda will hope go get a descent result in the first leg of the African Nations Championship Qualifiers for the 2022 edition.
The Cranes will face Taifa Stars of Tanzania on Sunday at Benjamin Mkapa National Stadium, Dar es Salaam.
The target for coach Milutin Sredojevic alias Micho is to do well on the road and finish off the job at St. Mary’s Stadium, Kitende next week in the return leg.
Micho believes his charges are ready to execute the job given the month-long preparations the team has had.
“We believe that everyone is ready and fully focused on the game before us. We know their pockets of weaknesses and we want to exploit those then close their points of strength,” Coach Micho said.
“Our target is to get a good result away and hope to build from that in the home game at Kitende next week.” He added.
Captain Milton Karisa is equally oozing with confidence and believes the players are up to the task ahead.
“We are ready as players and the Federation has given us the best preparation for the Qualifiers. It is now our moment as players to carry on the mantle and deliver the desired results both away and at home.”
The second leg at St. Mary’s Stadium, Kitende will be played on 3rd September 2022 with the winner on aggregate progressing to the final tournament.
Uganda Cranes suffered defeat in their final friendly game ahead of the African Nations Championship (CHAN) Qualifiers against Tanzania.
Despite being dominant and producing the better scoring chances, Uganda fell to Zanzibar 1-0 at Amaan Stadium on Wednesday.
Ibrahim Mkoko scored the lone goal of the game in the 76th minute to hand the Zanzibar Heroes victory.
Coach Milutin Sredojevic aka Micho rang changes in the team that had started against Ethiopia on Sunday with goalkeeper Nafian Alionzo and defender Gavin Kizito Mugweri the only players keeping their places.
Milton Karisa, Siraje Ssentamu, Marvin Youngman, John Revita and Livingstone Mulondo were all rested.
Uganda started the better side and kept knocking on Zanzibar’s back line in a bid to break the deadlock.
Hakim Kiwanuka, Saidi Kyeyune and Isma Mugulusi all had attempts in the first half at different intervals.
Kiwanuka went through on goal but fired wide while Zanzibar goalkeeper was well stationed to deny both Kyeyune and Mugulusi.
At the start of the second half, coach Micho brought on Mathias Muwanga, Rogers Mato and Ibrahim Juma in places of Alionzi, Kizito and Mugulusi.
Uganda kept pilling pressure even after recess but it was the hosts that found the back of the net.
Mkoko was well stationed to drill a low drive beyond a fully stretched Muwanga in goal thus sending the fans into celebrations.
Uganda will stay in Zanzibar up to Friday before connecting to Tanzania mainland.
The first leg between Uganda and Tanzania is slated for Sunday, 28th August at Benjamin Mkapa National Stadium.
The return leg will be played on 3rd September at St. Mary’s Stadium, Kitende.
Uganda Starting XI Nafian Alionzi, James Begisa, Ibrahim Juma, Gavin Kizito Mugweri, Walter Ochora, Kenneth Ssemakula, Saidi Kyeyune, Isma Mugulusi, Richard Basangwa, Travis Mutyaba, Hakim Kiwanuka
Substitutes Mathias Muwanga, Dennis Otim, Ibrahim Juma, Moses Waiswa, Martin Kizza, Rogers Mato
Zanzibar vs Uganda Wednesday, 24th August 2022 Amaan Stadium Kickoff: 7PM
Uganda’s preparation for the forthcoming CHAN Qualifiers continue and as the Tanzania clash draws closer, the team is also making final patches .
On Wednesday, Uganda Cranes will face Zanzibar Heroes in the final friendly match at Amaan Stadium before connecting to Tanzania mainland.
Uganda Cranes team that started against Ethiopia.
The team arrived in Zanzibar on Monday after four days in Ethiopia where a friendly game was played on Sunday against Ethiopia National Team, ending goalless.
Coach Milutin Sredojevic also known as Micho believes camping in Zanzibar is important to his charges in acclimatizing to the conditions in Tanzania.
Coach Milutin Sredojevic aka Micho
“Zanzibar is part of Tanzania and our major reason for coming here is to get used to the conditions before Sunday’s encounter in Dar es Salaam,” he said.
“Secondly, playing against Zanzibar gives us a clear picture of what we are likely to face against Tanzania and therefore this game is important in our preparations.” Added Micho.
The first leg of the CHAN Qualifiers will take place on Sunday, 28th August at Benjamin Mkapa National Stadium while the return leg will happen on 3rd September at St. Mary’s Stadium, Kitende.
The winner on aggregation between Uganda and Tanzania will qualify for the final tournament slated for January next year in Algeria.
Ethiopia and Uganda played out a goalless draw in an International friendly game played on Sunday at Adama Science and Technology University Stadium.
The closely contested encounter saw Uganda produce better scoring chances than hosts Ethiopia. However, the cutting edge to put them to good use was lacking.
Uganda Cranes players singing the national anthem.
Coach Milutin Sredojevic aka Micho set up in a 4-3-3 system with Nafian Aliozi starting in goal while the backline had Gavin Kizito Mugweri, Ibrahim Juma, Livingstone Mulondo and John Revita.
The midfield trio included Siraje Ssentamu, Marvin Youngman and Moses Waiswa.
Marvin Youngman takes on Ethiopian players.
Rogers Mato led the line, getting support from Martin Kizza and captain Milton Karisa.
The first realistic opportunity for Uganda came in the 15th minute when Waiswa released Karisa on the right. He beat his opponent for pace but the delivery went wide.
Youngman who was arguably the best player for Uganda on the day, took control of proceedings in the midfield and always made dashing runs into the area.
Gavin Kizito Mugweri in action.
In the second half, coach Micho made changes bringing on Richard Basangwa for Kizza. Hakim Kiwanuka, Travis Mutyaba and Kenneth Ssemakula later came on for Waiswa, Mato and Ssentamu.
Before getting off, Mato went through on goal in the 76th minute but fired wide of goal.
In the closing stages of the game, Mutyaba gave a defence splitting pass to Youngman but his effort was saved by Ethiopia’s goalkeeper.
At the death of the clock, Mulondo failed to connect home a header from Karisa’s corner kick delivery.
Micho believes there were many positives picked from the game and thinks the team will be in perfect shape ahead of next Sunday’s game against Tanzania.
“We have played against a very strong side and there are many positives to pick from today’s match. We now have the next days to polish a few aspects ahead of the game against Tanzania.” He said.
Uganda will face Tanzania on Sunday, 28th August 2022 at the National Stadium, Dar es Salaam and the two teams will face off in the return leg on 3rd September at St. Mary’s Stadium, Kitende.
The winner on aggregate will qualify for the final tournament slated for January next year in Algeria.
Uganda Cranes Starting XI
Nafian Alionzi, Gavin Kizito Mugweri, Ibrahim Juma, Livingstone Mulondo, John Revita, Siraje Ssentamu, Marvin Youngman, Moses Waiswa, Rogers Mato, Martin Kizza, Milton Karisa
Substitutes Dennis Otim, Mathias Muwanga, James Begisa, Derrick Ndahiro, Walter Ochora, Kenneth Ssemakula,Saidi Kyeyune Travis Mutyaba, Isma Mugulusi, Richard Basangwa, Kenneth Ssemakula
Uganda Cranes head coach Milutin Sredojevic aka Micho has named a squad of 22 players that will travel to Ethiopia on Thursday evening.
The team comprised of three goalkeepers, eight defenders, five midfielders and six forwards will play two friendly games against Ethiopia on Friday and Sunday this week before connecting to Tanzania for the first leg of the CHAN Qualifiers on 28th August 2022 at Benjamin Mkapa National Stadium.
Coach Micho believes the team named will be able to execute the task at hand.
Uganda Cranes Head Coach Milutin Sredojevic aka Micho
“First of all, I need to give credit to the players that have worked really hard in training since we entered camp. And now we enter second stage which is checking match fitness and this will be tested in friendly matches against Ethiopia,” he stated after the final training session on Thursday morning at East High, Ntinda.
Four players from Vipers SC joined the camp on Wednesday and attended the final training session. These are namely; Livingstone Mulondo, Marvin Youngman, Siraje Ssentamu and Milton Karisa.
Micho explained why some players will not be part of the travelling squad citing several reasons.
“Two players from Vipers SC namely Halid Lwaliwa and Bobosi Byaruhanga are in process of securing Visas to go for professional stints but confirmation will about the teams will come from Vipers SC.” He indicated.
“Yunus Ssentamu already communicated in advance that he has private issues and we respect his decision but we hope to consider him in future engagements.”
“Additionally, some players had Passport issues and thus could not travel with us but I’m confident the team named will do a good job.” He stated.
The team travels on Thursday evening aboard Ethiopian airlines. The two friendlies will be played in Adama City.
Uganda Cranes will then depart for Zanzibar on Monday where the team will have an acclimatization camp, play a friendly match on Wednesday before connecting to Tanzania mainland on Friday.
The first leg against Tanzania will be played on Sunday, 28th August in Dar es Salaam while the return leg will happen on 3rd September at St. Mary’s Stadium, Kitende.
The winner on aggregate between Uganda and Tanzania will then qualify to the final tournament slated for January next year in Algeria.
Uganda Cranes will have two friendly matches against Ethiopia as part of preparations for the forthcoming African Nations Championship Qualifier matches against Tanzania.
Coach Milutin Sredojevic alias Micho confirmed the two games indicating this will help in fine tuning the team before facing Tanzania.
“From 25th of July when we started preparations, I believe we have done a good job considering players were coming from off season. We now have to engage a polishing aspect and on Thursday, we shall be flying to Ethiopia where the team will play two friendly matches on Friday and Sunday.” He confirmed.
The gaffer believes the two games against Ethiopia will be a good test to the team.
“Ethiopia is a good team and 95% of their national team players feature in their local league. They beat Egypt in the AFCON Qualifiers and that speaks volumes.” He added.
From Ethiopia, Uganda Cranes will head to Zanzibar for acclimatization before going to Tanzania.
“It is unfortunate that we could not secure the friendly game against Malawi and thus we opted for plan B which is going to Zanzibar where we shall just acclimatize to weather conditions in Tanzania. We shall have a friendly match on Wednesday next week before facing Tanzania on Sunday.”
Coach Micho also confirmed Vipers SC players will join the camp on Wednesday morning.
“We had summoned ten players from Vipers but five will travel with us and they will join camp on Wednesday morning.” He indicated.
Uganda will face Tanzania in the first leg on 28th August at Benjamin Mkapa National Stadium while the return leg will be played on 3rd September at St. Mary’s Stadium, Kitende.
