Category: Uganda Cranes

The date is March 17 2018, and we are in the 46th minute at Lugogo. KCCA FC fans looking restless as Ethiopia’s St George is proving to be a hard nut to crack. After a goalless draw in the first leg, KCCA FC just need any win to write history by becoming the first Ugandan Club to qualify for the CAF Champions League group stages.Muzamir Mutyaba starts a short corner to Mustafa Kizza’s path, and the roving left back whips in a lofty delivery in the crowded box. Muhammad Shaban senses the opportunity and makes his move. The forward rises highest to nick in a glancing header that leaves goalkeeper Robert Odongkara stunned.

The young striker wheels away in celebration as all players join him in the corner amidst wild celebrations from the fans. And KCCA FC holds on to seal a 1-0 win, thanks to Shaban’s goal, to storm the lucrative stage of the Competition. A Ugandan had been beaten between the posts but most importantly Ugandan football and Shaban were moving forward on the continent.

About six months later, after the deal to join Orlando Pirates FC hit a dead end, Shaban secures a deal to join Moroccon giants Raja Casablanca.

The move, was expected to be the start of the striker’s journey to more greater things, may be a deal to one of Europe’s top five leagues.The 19-year old had already proved his worth having led the scoring charts for KCCA FC a season back with 18 goals that included hitting four against URA in a 7-2 demolition. The wonder kid from Arua was also the top-scorer at the 2018 COSAFA U20 Championship that included a double against Zambia. But the move to Raja turned out to be one of Shaban’s worst decision. His only goal for Raja was the fifth on the day against Gabon’s Mberi Sportif in a CAF Confederation Cup first leg played at the Stade Mohammed V in Casablanca, where he had seven appearances.

On August 7th 2019, the striker was unveiled by Vipers SC via their website in a story where he appeared having a handshake with club President Dr. Lawrence Mulindwa as a featured image. In a subsequent interview, Shaban whose debut was delayed for a season due to a knee ligament, said that the fans should expect more from him.It took just eight minutes into his debut for Shaban to make his long wait worthwhile as he nodded in a Dissan Galiwango corner against Wakiso Giants FC at Kabaka Kyabaggu Stadium on December 12 2020. But that proved to be his only goal in a Vipers SC shirt, going on to play just seven more games at the club before he was shown the exit door.

Arua: East or West – Home Is the Best 

When everything seemed beyond repair for Shaban, the striker went by the old adage and returned home at Onduparaka FC.He fired blanks in the opening six games of the season against UPDF, Bright Stars FC, Arua Hill SC, BUL FC, Vipers SC and SC Villa, not to mention the other match with Police which he missed due to yellow card accumulations. It was indeed tough for him but he was planning and sharpening his boots for goals. On November 30, he finally got his first. It came against Express FC, in the 8th minute of the game. He showed instincts of a real goal poacher when he arrived in the area to bundle in from close range after Express FC goalkeeper had spilled an initial shot from Emmanuel Oketch. He ran to celebrate in the corner and made a summersault with relief and joy after getting a monkey off his back. The fans had waited for so long. Shaban, started to play with more purpose and drive, and went on to notch 14 more goals in the Uganda Premier League.His tally included a hat-trick against Police FC at Lugogo, three braces against Mbarara City, Busoga United FC and Express FC.And hit single digit goals against SC Villa, URA FC, Gaddafi FC and Tooro United FC.His goals were timely as throughout the most part of the season, Onduparaka FC were on the edge of the abyss but it was not meant to be as a massive show from striker Shaban opened the door for the Caterpillars resuscitation as the striker wreaked havoc on some of the league’s elite defences.

‘First of all I want to thank the Almighty Allah…. starts Shaban in an interview. ‘Secondly I thank the fans of Onduparaka FC, management plus also my managers at the Sepuya Agency of course we have been working with them hand to hand,’ he started before adding, ‘The fans did a good job welcoming me back at Onduparaka FC. My fans have loved me even though things have not been well. They have been with me together with my family motivating me to work harder, promising me that one day God will make things go through.’

Speaking about the Morocco spell, he explains: ‘There were challenges. What affected me mostly in Morocco was the injury and that is the major reason I had to come back to Uganda to rebuild myself so that I can go elsewhere. I joined Vipers SC when I was still injured then they took me to surgery. I was not feeling fine but you know Vipers SC is a big club that comes with pressure of winning trophies. They could not wait. I had to talk to the club chairman and the club President to release me so that I can go and start afresh. I went home and the people in Arua were also waiting for me to go back to reunite for a new start to work together again. I embraced the return, and started scoring though at first things did not work out well according to plan but I knew I would improve.’ noted Shaban.

Shaban’s targets, just like any other local player, is to become a mainstay on the National team and get bigger deals may be where his parent club can also get some money to buy more players.

 The Onduparaka FC forward and captain is part of the Uganda Cranes provisional squad summoned for the forthcoming 2023 TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations Qualifiers against Algeria and Niger.

‘It is everyone’s dream. Every player is working hard to get there and also go abroad. Being called back to the National team makes me a happy player. When a player joins the National team, he needs to work harder to see that he stays there because you are not representing yourself but the Nation.’

Shaban says, ‘I am a changed man because when I went to Morocco I had not yet matured, but at least now I am a different Shaban. I have learnt a lot, so any deal which comes through, I will make sure that I do not repeat the mistakes. You know those deals come with a lot of challenges; you become home sick, new food, different weather, but I was not patient enough. The injury frustrated me even though the team wanted me to stay but I had to request for my release to come back home and rebuild myself.’

Coach Dudu Bosco hails Shaba

Without doubt, Shaban Muhammad and Onduparaka FC Technical Director make a perfect fit. No one else understands Shaban more than Dudu.Dudu engineered Shaban’s return to Onduparaka FC as it was the case with Ceasar Okhuti seasons back.Okhuti had struggled to hit the ground running while playing for Bunamwaya FC (now Vipers SC), and Dudu who was coaching El Nasir (Sudan) then decided to sign the struggling striker.

‘So many people in Arua called and told me Caeser (Okhuti) was facing challenges and needed help. I took the striker to Juba and transformed him. He went on to score 13 goals in 11 games, finishing as the second top scorer. By the time he left Juba, Express FC had already secured his signature and ready to join the red army. He later joined KCCA FC and we know the amount of money they paid him.’

For Dudu, transforming Shaban back to his best, is not by coincidence or luck but rather a strategy.He describes Shaban as a hard working player who wants to win always and has not disappointed him this season.

‘It has not been very easy, the most important thing is that when I started working with the club, I had a meeting one on one with the club chairman and we drew a strategy aimed at helping the players and those key ones who were struggling outside Arua. Shaban was one of such players and this has not happened only to him but even other players elsewhere.’ He recalls.

During preseason, Shaban and Dudu were in Kampala the latter indicates, ‘we made sure we trained well and got someone who was helping us with fitness of the players. The form you saw with the players was not by mistake. We prepared them during preseason.’

‘He came back home, the fans and club welcomed him very well and showed him love. The entire team showered him with love. The Technical team worked with him and the good thing he listened and that was the genesis of his success.’

With Shaban’s contract set to expire, Onduparaka FC wants their prodigal son to stay.

‘We have come up with the decision to discuss about his possible stay for another season at Onduparaka FC because we are planning to do better than next season. Shaban should be part of the team.’

Shaban would be enjoying his off-season but for now National team duty is calling and his fans will be excited seeing him in action. The 2016 Airtel FUFA Player of the year is hoping for the best.

TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations Qualifiers, Cote D’Ivoire 2023

4th June 2022
Algeria V Uganda
(Oran Olympic Stadium, Oran)

8th June 2022
Uganda V Niger
(St Mary’s Stadium, Kitende)

England-based striker Ibra Sekajja has expressed his readiness to represent Uganda at the forthcoming 2023 TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations Qualifiers.

The Dulwich Hamlet star is one of the three players summoned by Coach Milutin ‘Micho’ Sredejovic to assess their quality.

Micho said Sekajja,
Odokonyero Nathan and Tirhys Luknyomoi need to prove their qualities in comparison with the rest of the players.

And Sekajja is banking on his experience to secure a place in the final squad before the team flies out to North Africa.

“I thank the coach for giving me this opportunity. But I feel, it has taken long to even be here. I feel so happy and I can’t wait to score goals to help the team win games,” Sekajja said after Thursday’s training.

“For me, I have played in top seven different leagues and all the leagues are different, coaches are different, tactics differ so it has helped (me) to adapt. I don’t think I will find any challenges adapting to the system of the national team coach.”

The 29-year old goal poacher is a product of English Premier League side Crystal Palace and has played for a couple of teams including Inverness CT, Bognor Regis, MK Dons, Livingston, Barnet etc.

He wants to be a member of Uganda Cranes squad that will secure a place back to Africa Cup of Nations.

Uganda Cranes is in Group F alongside Algeria, Niger and neighbours Tanzania.

Giving his opinion about the group, Sekajja said: “In our group, we have a chance of qualifying but Algeria will give us the hardest time. Good enough we are taking on Algeria first in the group and it will give us a clear picture as players to prepare for other games.”

Uganda will face Algeria on 4th June in Oran before hosting Niger four days later at St. Mary’s Stadium, Kitende.

TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN) Qualifiers, Algeria 2022

Second Round
Uganda will face the winner between Somalia and Tanzania

Uganda has learnt the pathway to the TotalEnergies African Nations Championship(CHAN), Algeria 2022. The draw for the qualifiers was conducted on Thursday in Cairo, Egypt.

The aforementioned tournament comes after every two years and organised by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) exclusively featuring players from the respective national championships.

In the draw conducted Uganda got a bye at the first round and will wait for the winner between Somalia and Tanzania at the next round. These will face off in July.

Therefore, Uganda Cranes will play in August with the winner on aggregate qualifying to the final tournament.

Uganda is seeking to qualify for the sixth time having appeared at the previous five editions (2011, 2014, 2016, 2018 and 2020).

Uganda Cranes head coach Milutin ‘Micho’ Sredojevic has made an assessment on the three England-based players that have been added to the team preparing for the forthcoming 2023 TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations Qualifiers.

Ibra Sekajja (Dulwich Harmlet FC),
Odokonyero Nathan and Tirhys Luknyomoi (AFC Port Chester FC) are the three players in context.

The trio will be assessed together with the players already in camp for inclusion in the final squad as FUFA finalises with processing of the official documents.

Micho said the trio were invited because they had a wonderful season in their respective clubs in England.

“But having in mind that they are not at the highest level of competition, we want to make in comparison between them and our locally based players,” the Serbian tactician said.

“If someone comes from England and is better than locally based players, of course they succeed to be in the travelling squad that will travel to Algeria and playing against Niger.

“However in the same moment I need to say that we are happy that they are having desire to play for Uganda. However this is not enough they need to come and prove their qualities in comparison with the rest of the players we shall who is best of the best.”

On Tuesday, the team had a double training session at Kampala Quality primary school – Kisasi.

“I am Happy with the commitment of the players in comparison with yesterday,” Micho briefly commented after the evening session.

Uganda will open the qualification campaign with an away fixture against Algeria on 4th June in Oran before welcoming Niger at St Mary’s Stadium in Kitende on 8th June 2022.

Uganda Cranes began preparations for the forthcoming 2023 TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations Qualifiers with the team summoned over the weekend entering residential camp at Cranes Paradise Hotel, Kisasi.

22 players, a blend of foreign and local based players were part of the first training sessions at Fast Fusion Indoor Facility and gym , Bugolobi and Kampala Quality playground.

Ibrahim Juma , Travis Mutyaba,Oscar Mawa , Emmanuel Kalyowa, Saidi Kyeyune and Denis Otim who are not part of the initial squad summoned were called up to train with the team.

This was under close supervision of head coach, Milutin Sredojevic, his assistant Moses Basena and the goalkeeping tactician, Fred Kajoba.

Micho hailed the competitive spirit of the players who trained, adding the start has been brilliant with the tasks and expectations ahead.

“I am very impressed by the commitment and character of the players in attendence. This is a great start ahead of our first game in the 2023 AFCON Qualifier. The fitness levels of these players is based on the successful completion of the league after two years of non sporting activities.” He said.

Micho promised to give chance to all players both local and foreign as ways of promoting capable and talented Ugandan players.

Uganda will open her campaign with an away fixture against Algeria on 4th June in Oran followed by a home game four days
later (8th June) against Niger at St Mary’s Stadium, Kitende.

Squad Summoned

Goalkeepers

Lukwago Charles, St. George-Ethiopia, Bellagambi Giousue, Huddersfield Town, England, Alionzi Nafian, URA FC Uganda

Defenders

Kizito Gavin, Sc Villa Uganda, Begisa James, UPDF FC, Uganda, Muleme Isaac, Viktoria Zizkov Czech Rep,Lwaliwa Khalid, Vipers SC Uganda, Ramadan Musa, Cincinnati USA, Mulondo Livingstone, Vipers SC Uganda, Walusimbi Enoch, Express FC Uganda

Midfielders
Byaruhanga Bobosi, Vipers SC Uganda, Youngman Marvin, Bright Stars FC Uganda, Mato Rogers, KCCA FC, Uganda, Miya Faruku, Lviv Ukraine,

Attackers

Karisa Milton, Vipers SC Uganda, Aliro Moses, Wakiso Giants FC Uganda, Kiwanuka Hakim, Proline FC Uganda, Yiga Najib, Vipers SC Uganda, Kizza Martin, Express FC Uganda,

Total Energies AFCON Qualifiers 2023
Group F
Algeria
Uganda
Niger
Tanzania

Uganda Senior Men’s National Football Team has learnt its opponents for the Total Energies Africa Cup of Nations Qualifiers Cote D’Ivoire 2023.

In the draw held on Tuesday, 19th April 2022, the Uganda Cranes have been pitted in Group F against Algeria, Niger and neighbors Tanzania.

Coach Milutin Sredojevic aka Micho has made assessment of Uganda Cranes opponents ahead of the games that will start in June.

The Serbian tactician believes his charges are pooled in one of the toughest groups in the qualifying phase.

“The long wait is finally over. I personally believe we are in a competitive group and one of the strongest groups. Both Niger and Tanzania have had representatives in the group stages of the CAF Club competitions this season while Algeria were winners of Africa Cup of Nations in 2019 and recent winners of the FIFA Arab Cup,” he stated before adding, “Someone would look at Algeria as group favorites but in modern football there are no small teams because gaps in African football have been reduced.”

Micho is aware the three Nations pose different challenges and thus different approaches must be implemented.

“We are facing teams with different approaches including two Francophone countries in Algeria and Niger then CECAFA opponent in Tanzania. Algeria have had disappointments recently not making it out of the group stage at the last Africa Cup of Nations and conceding a late goal to miss out on qualifying for the World Cup. So these Qualifiers will be a chance to redeem themselves,” Micho stated.

“Niger is a team with so many players abroad and very competitive. They have been to three of the last five Africa Cup of Nations editions. So many Ugandans would welcome the chance of playing Tanzania but it is a tricky opponent. They will have two teams in CAF Champions League next season, Simba FC is still doing well in CAF Confederation Cup and they have good players abroad. In the 2019 Qualifiers, we only got one point from Tanzania and therefore we need to respect them.” He added.

Micho who was the helm as Uganda qualified for the 2017 AFCON edition in Gabon therefore calls upon all stakeholders to play their part in aiding the Uganda Cranes to achieving the target of returning to the continental showpiece.

“I’m calling upon every stakeholder, all the technical people and all of us in FUFA to have good organization and detailed strategic plan on how we shall approach these games. I’m also calling upon the players who are the producers of results that this is the chance to show that you have what it takes to go back to the Africa Cup of Nations.”

The Qualifiers for the 2023 edition that will be hosted in Ivory Coast are expected to get underway in June this year but CAF will release the fixtures and exact dates at a later date.

Total Energies AFCON Cote D’Ivoire Qualifiers 2023
Group F
Algeria
Uganda
Niger
Tanzania

Uganda Senior Men’s National Football Team has learnt its opponents for the TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations Qualifiers Cote D’Ivoire 2023.

In the draw held on Tuesday, 19th April 2022, the Uganda Cranes have bern pitted in Group F against Algeria, Niger and neighbours Tanzania.

Algeria have won the coveted title twice with the last coming three years ago in Egypt and this will be the first time Uganda is facing the North African outfit in AFCON Qualifiers since 1999.

For neighbors Tanzania, the most recent competitive engagement came on the road to qualifying for AFCON 2019 where Uganda emerged table leaders in the group that also had Cape Verde and Lesotho.

The most recent encounter against Niger, the other Group F opponent came in 2018 in a friendly match that the West African Nation won 2-1.

However, the most memorable game against Niger for Uganda came in the 2008 AFCON Qualifiers when the latter won 3-0 at Mandela National Stadium courtesy of David Obua’s hat trick.

The Qualifiers for the 2023 edition that will be hosted in Ivory Coast are expected to get underway in June this year but CAF will release the fixtures and exact dates at a later date.

Uganda Cranes nicked a hard fought 2-1 win over Buganda Masaza Select Team on Friday in a practice game played at Kabaka Kyabaggu Stadium,Wakiso.

A goal in either half from Captain of the day Farouk Miya and substitute Sharif Ssaka guided the Cranes to victory.

Buganda Masaza Select Team got their consolation at the start of the second half through Abdallah Ssentongo.

In a closely contested encounter, Uganda Cranes made a cautious approach at the start with the Buganda Masaza Select Team asking questions to the delight of a sizeable crowd that came out to watch the game.

However, it was the National Team that got the first attempt at goal two minutes after kickoff but Martin Kizza fired into the side net.

On the other hand, Buganda Masaza Select Team made several inroads but lacked the much required calmness to break Uganda Cranes’ backline.

It was Miya who broke the deadlock in the 18th minute when Moses Aliro’s well delivered cross found him unmarked inside the area and he did no mistake to fire home.

Hakim Kiwanuka nearly doubled Uganda Cranes lead six minutes later when he beat his man for pace on the left flank but the attempt from outside the box went a few inches off target.

There was another chance for Uganda Cranes before the break off a quick break but Kiwanuka’s cross was too early for Kizza who was arriving at the far post.

At the end of the second half, coach Milutin Sredojevic made changes bringing on a new team.

Denis Otim, Brian Mato, Derrick Ndahiro, Ronald Owing, Steven Namisi, Sabir Andama, Francis Odongo, Emmanuel Mukisa, Clinton Komugisha, Sharif Saaka and Ezra Kaye all came on.

Three minutes upon restart, Ssentongo rose high to node home a well delivered corner kick by Ben Nakibinge’s to level matters.

Substitute Saaka helped Uganda Cranes to regain their lead powering home a header off a perfect cross from Brian Mato.

Uganda Cranes made a forced substitution with goalkeeper Otim brought off after sustaining an injury. He was replaced by Jeans Wokorach.

With 4 minutes to the end of the game, midfielder Francis Odongo was sent off for a second bookable offence but the Cranes held on to win the game.

The coach was impressed with the performance of the team and indicated the Buganda Masaza Select Team gave his charges a good test.

“It was a good test for the team. We faced a team that really put up a spirited fight. There were positives picked and I hope we can keep improving. Some of the players were making their first appearance for the National Team but they showed great character.” He said.

Uganda Cranes will now shift focus to Saturday (tomorrow) where they play another build up game against the Kampala Region Select Team at St. Mbaga Major Seminary.

Uganda Cranes Starting XI
Nafian Alionzi(GK), James Begisa Mpenza, Abdul Aziizi Kayondo, Joseph Bright Vuni, Musa Ramathan, Joseph Youngman, Hakim Kiwanuka, Farouk Miya (C), Martin Kizza, Moses Aliro

Substitutes
Denis Otim, Jeans Wokorach, Brian Mato, Derrick Ndahiro, Ronald Owing, Steven Namisi, Sabir Andama, Francis Odongo, Emmanuel Mukisa, Clinton Komugisha, Sharif Saaka and Ezra Kaye

Buganda Masaza Select Starting XI
Tonny Atugonza, Abdallah Ssentongo, Gideon Odongo, Arnold Odongo, Godfrey Arijole, Ismail Ramatala, Isaac Musiima, Sharif Ssengendo, Kennedy Kimera, John Ben Nakibinge, Isaac Ofoywroth

Substitutes
Michael Lutaaya, Angelo Kizza, John Kalema, Said Mayanja, Brian Omirambe, Gabriel Eragu, Jovan Mawejje, Joel Opio, Charles Batiibwe, Felix Wafula, Bernard Alijuna, Kenneth Sekalya, Akram Muzanyi

Uganda Cranes Regional Tour
Kampala Region Select Team vs Uganda Cranes
Saturday, 16th April 2022|4PM
St. Mbaga Major Seminary, Ggaba

Build up Match: Uganda Cranes vs Buganda Masaza Select Team

Date: 15^th April 2022

Time: 4pm

Venue: Kabaka Kyabaggu Stadium, Wakisha- Wakiso

Proudly sponsored by Airtel-Uganda and Nile Special

Uganda Cranes head coach Milutin Sredojevic alias Micho has summoned a squad of 24 players to feature in the Cranes Regional Tour match against Kampala Region Select Team at St. Mbaga Major Seminary, Ggaba on Saturday, 16th April 2022.

The squad named is a blend of players featuring in the StarTimes Uganda Premier League and StarTimes FUFA Big League.

The duo of defenders Abdul Aziizi Kayondo and Musa Ramathan who are bound to join Czech Republic outfit MFK Vyskov are also part of the squad.

The team will assemble at Cranes Paradise Hotel,Kisaasi on Friday (tomorrow at 10am)
and have a trial match at later in the day against the Buganda Masaza Select side, at Kabaka Kyabaggu Stadium, Wakiso.

All the aforementioned arrangements are aimed at getting the team ready for the forthcoming continental engagements that include the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations Qualifiers and 2023 African Nations Championship (CHAN).

Squad summoned

Goalkeepers
Nafian Alionzi (URA FC), Dennis Otim (Express FC), Jeans Wokorach (Ndejje University FC)

Defenders
James Begisa Mpenza (UPDF FC), Abdul Aziizi Kayondo (Vyskov FC), Brian Mato (Proline FC), Derrick Ndahiro (URA FC), Steven Namisi (Kataka FC), Joseph Bright Vuni (Arua Hill SC), Musa Ramathan (Vyskov FC), Ronald Owing (Calvary FC)

Midfielders
Ivan Serubiri (URA FC), Marvin Youngman (Soltilo Bright Stars FC), Francis Odongo (Kataka FC), Sabir Andama (Calvary FC), Emmanuel Mukisa (Kataka FC), Hakim Kiwanuka (Proline FC), Martin Kizza(Express FC)

Forwards
Rashid Kawawa (Arua Hill SC), Moses Aliro (Wakiso Giants FC), Farouk Miya (Lyviv), Michael Siwu (Blacks Power FC), Sharif Ssaka (Kyetume FC), Ezra Kaye Kizito (Kyetume FC)

Another eye catching action packed weekend it was for a number of Ugandan players in the diaspora.

As usual 102.1 fm’s Ronald Lusulire followed them up to find out who was in and who was out.

Kenya

Forward William Wadri scored in the 31st minute as his Bandari FC beat Nzoia Sugar 2-1 on the road in the Kenya Premier League. His fellow countryman Umar Kasumba also started while right back Rogers Aloro wasn’t in the match day squad.

Peter Lwasa started as his Gor Mahia FC side drew goaless at Tusker FC. Left back Fred Nkata wasn’t in the match day squad for the visitors.

Tunisia

Defender Richard Kasagga was solid in defence as his Olympique Beja drew goalless at home against Monastir in the Tunisia Premier League.

Scotland

Bevis Mugabi played full time at right back as Motherwell FC drew 2-2 at Livingston.

Israel

Timothy Awany played fulltime in defence as his Ashdod FC beat Maccabi Petach Tikva 1-0 at home in the Ligat Ha’al relegation round.

William Luwagga Kizito was an unused substitute as Nof Hagalil lost 2-0 at home against Bnei Jerusalem in the relegation round.

Bayo Fahad came on in the 71st minute for Moura Ali as his Bnei Sakhnin drew 1-1 at home against Netanya in the Championship round.

Czech Republic

Isaac Muleme played fulltime and was also booked in the 30th minute as his Zizkov side lost 3-0 at home to Brno in the second division.

Sweden

Ronald Mukiibi came on in the 65th minute for Granath as his Degerfors side lost their second straight game 2-1 at home to BK Hacken in the Allsvenskun.

David Owori was an unused substitute as his Utsiktens BK beat Brommapjkarna 3-2 at home in the Supprettan.

Tanzania

Taddeo Lwanga wasn’t in the match day squad as his Simba SC drew goaless at Polisi FC.

Portugal

Edrisa Lubega wasn’t in the match day squad as his Estrela drew goaless at Benfica B in the division 2.

South Africa

Denis Onyango who is still injured wasn’t in the match day squad as his Mamelodi Sundowns ejected Summerfield Dynamos 5-0 at home in the Nedbank cup.

Moses Waiswa was an unused substitute as his Supersport United side bowed out of the Nedbank cup 3-2 on penalties at Tshakhuma following a two all draw in normal time.

Zambia

Hashim Sempala was in as his Kabwe Worriors side beat Nkwazi 2-0 at home.

Goalkeeper Yasin Mugabi was an unused substitute as his Red Arrows side drew 1-1 at home against Zanaco.

England

Forward Uche Mubiru Ikpeauzi came on in stoppage time for Hugill as his Cardiff side beat Reading 2-1 on the road on the Championship.

Jordan Obita was an unused substitute as his Wycombe Wanderers drew 1-1 at Gillingham in the league one. Wycombe Wanderers got a red card in this encounter.

Ibra Sekajja featured as his Dulwich Hamlet side lost 2-0 at home against Oxford City in the National League south.

Denmark

Moses Opondo was introduced at the start of second half for Sigurdarson as his Horsens side drew goaless at home against Fredericia in the second tier championship round.

Robert Kakeeto featured as his Skive side lost 3-2 at home against Hellerup in the third tier.

Serbia

Pius Obuya featured as his Kabel Novi Sad side lost 4-0 at Javor in the second tier.

Germany

Herbert Bochorn was an unused substitute as his Bochum side drew goaless at home against Bayer Leverkusen in the Bundesliga.

Upcoming fixtures

Monday 11th April 2022.

Charles Lukwago and his St.George side visit Dire Dawa in Ethiopia.

Joseph Mpande and Moses Oloya will be in action as their Haiphong FC side visit Binh Dinh in the Vietnam cup.

Tuesday 12th April 2022

Derrick Nsibambi and his team Sebeta host Ethiopian Coffee.

Wednesday, 14th April 2022

Robert Odongkara and his team Wolkite Ketema host Bahir Dar Kenema.

Date: Tuesday 29th March 2022
Uzbekistan vs Uganda Cranes
Venue: Navbahor Stadium
Time 5pm (EAT)
Uganda Cranes will on Tuesday face off with hosts Uzbekistan in the 2022 Navruz cup Final in a highly anticipated battle at the Navbahor Stadium in Namangan, Uzbekistan. The match kickoffs at 5pm (EAT).
Uganda edged Tajikistan 5-4 on penalties in the semifinal after a 1-1 draw in normal time. A huge fixture awaits the Uganda Cranes as they will face the home team with the backing of the fans in the stands.

The Milutin Sredojevic coached side will also have to negotiate this tie without out injured inspirational midfielder Khalid Aucho who is not in shape (injury) and custodian Charles Lukwago who returned to his Ethiopian based club St. George. Fred Kajoba who handles the goalkeeping department will have to make a choice between Benjamin Ochan and Allionzi Nafian for the starting role between the posts.

The hosts Uzbekistan will put all their hopes in forward skipper Eldor Shomurodov who turns out for Italian giants AS Roma.
Shomurodov was inspirational when Uzbekistan came from a goal down to eject Kyrzstan 3-1 in the semifinal scoring one of the goals.
There will be competition for positions in the Uganda team especially the left back position between Azizi Kayondo and Herbert Achai, right back position occupied by Allan Kyambadde in the last game but UPDF’s James Begisa also stands a chance.
Both sides are using the mini tournament to prepare for the 2023 Asian cup Qualifiers (Uzbekistan) and 2023 Ivory Coast AFCON Qualifiers (Uganda).