Uganda Cranes head coach Milutin Sredojevic has confirmed his 21 man squad for the Regional tour against Buganda Region select on Sunday 20th March 2022 at Naama play ground.
The team consists of three goalkeepers, six defenders, seven midfielders and five Strikers.
Vipers SC midfielder Paul Mucureezi is the surprise late inclusion in the team following his sublime performance for the Venoms in recent games including their 3-0 win against FUFA Big League side Kataka FC in which he scored with Micho present in the St. Mary’s stadium stands.
Players like Kenneth Ssemakula, Gavin Kizito, James Begisa, miss out due to club engagements while forwards Muhammad Shaban and Patrick Kaddu suffered knocks.
The Cranes Regional tour is proudly sponsored by Airtel and Nile special.
17/ Sharif Saka (Kyetume FC) 18/ Ezra Kaye (Kyetume FC) 19/ Alfred Leku (Arua Hill SC) 20/ Muhammad Ssenoga (Tooro United) 21/Richard Basangwa (Gaddafi FC)
Uganda Cranes preparations for the upcoming regional tour and Uzbekistan invitational tournament were on Saturday morning intensified with a timely practice match against UPL side Wakiso Giants.
Ibrahim Juma (left) tussles for the ball with Wakiso Giants striker.
The match saw the Cranes win 3-2 in a highly contested tie played at the Kabaka Kyabaggu Stadium in Wakiso district.
Micho Sredojevic side drew first blood through a Rogers Mato header past Derrick Emukule thanks to a Herbert Achai assist.
Rogers Mato (in front) scored the opening goal.
The home side then levelled matters in the 16th through Ibrahim Kasule bouncing header off a Joshua Lubwama header.
Ukraine based forward Miya then restore the Cranes lead from the spot after Lubwama brought down Martin Kizza.
Farouk Miya in action against Wakiso Giants FC.
With a few minutes to half time, Kasule bagged his brace with an empty net to beat after rounding off custodian Charles Lukwago.
In the second Stanza, Cranes made several changes with an aim of evaluating and assessing the players fitness levels.
Alfred Leku replaces Muhammad Shaban.
Moses Aliro would have put the Cranes back in the lead but he had his penalty saved by custodian Kirya who had initially brought down Alfred Leku in the forbidden area.
With a quarter an hour to full time, FUFA Big League leading scorer Ezra Kaye won it for the Cranes brushing in a James Begisa well calculated cross.
After the match, the team immediately embarked on the journey to Mityana ahead of the Regional tour against Buganda Region select slated for Sunday 20th March 2022.
The final squad is yet to be named as Micho and his technical team awaits for the Vipers SC players who play against Kataka FC in the Stanbic Uganda cup round 16.
The Cranes Regional tour is proudly sponsored by Airtel and Nile Special.
Uganda Cranes starting line up against Wakiso Giants in practice Match at Kabaka Kyabaggu Stadium.
Charles Lukwago, Gavin Kizito, Hebert Achai, Najib Fesali, Kenneth Semakula, George Kasonko, Rogers Mato, Pius Akena, Patrick Kaddu, Farouk Miya, Martin Kizza.
Other substitutions
Benjamin Ochan, James Begisa, Bright Vuni, Ibrahim Juma, Moses Aliro, Marvin Joseph Youngman, Richard Basangwa, Muhammad Senoga, Richard Basangwa, Alfred Leku, Hassan Jurua, Edward Satro, Muhammad Shaban
Uganda Cranes has officially entered residential camp at the Cranes Paradise, Kisaasi ahead of the Regional tour on Sunday 20th against a Buganda select side in Mityana as well as Uzbekistan invitational tournament between 25th-29th March 2022.
The team began preparations with a single training session that took two hours at Kabaka Kyabaggu Stadium, Wakisha in Wakiso Town on Friday afternoon.
Cranes defender Kenneth Semakula in training at Kabaka Kyabaggu Stadium
23 players turned up for training with three foreign-based players. Ukraine-based forward Farouk Miya, Charles Lukwago and UAE based Pius Akena were part of the session.
Other new faces that were not initially part of the summoned squad included Arua Hill SC defender Bright Vuni, Proline’s Brian Mato, Wakiso Giants Moses Aliro, Kyetume FC duo of Ezra Kaye and Sharif Saaka.
Ukraine based forward Farouk Miya in training
Onduparaka FC forward Muhammad Shaban and Impala Hill forward Bruno Bunyaga sat out of the entire session with knocks.
Vipers SC, URA FC and Express FC players that were summoned missed out due to club engagements.
The Cranes Namutima Regional tour which is sponsored by Airtel and Nile Special will be held at Naama Play Ground in Mityana on Sunday 20th March 2022. The Cranes will play against Buganda Region Select Team.
Ethiopia based goalkeeper Charles Lukwago (middle) attended training at Kabaka Kyabaggu Stadium
Players who attended Day1 training at Kabaka Kyabaggu Stadium.
Goalkeepers
Lukwago Charles (St.George, Ethiopia), Benjamin Ochan (KCCA FC
Defenders
Begisa James (UPDF FC), Jurua Hassan (KCCA FC), Brian Mato (Proline FC), Moses Aliro (Wakiso Giants), Herbert Achai (KCCA FC), Bright Vuni (Arua Hill SC), Juma Ibrahim (KCCA FC), Satulo Edward (Wakiso Giants FC), Kizito Gavin (Sc Villa), Semakula Keneth (Sc Villa)
Miya Faruku (Lviv, Ukraine), Basangwa Richard (Gaddafi FC), Leku Alfred (Arua Hills SC), Shaban Mohammed (Onduparaka FC), Patrick Kaddu (KCCA FC), Ezra Kaye (Kyetume FC)
The resumption of the Uganda Cranes regional tours is set for this weekend with a trip to the Buganda Region at the Ssaza Grounds in Mityana.
Uganda Cranes coach has named a 26 man squad for the trip with the match to be played on Sunday 20th March 2022. The squad has three foreign based players Lukwago Charles, Faruku Miya and Chris Akena and will make the short journey for the tour sponsored by Airtel and Nile Special. The three players are in the country but undergoing privately organised training sessions.
The Uganda Cranes head coach Milutin ‘Micho’ Sredojevic has also included Bunyaga Bruno of Impala Hills FC who scored the winning goal for Buddu in the 2022 Masaza Cup Final
The Squad
Goalkeepers
Lukwago Charles (St George FC, Ethiopia)
Alionzi Nafian (URA FC)
Komakech Jack (Vipers SC)
Defenders
Begisa James (UPDF FC)
Jurua Hassan (KCCA FC)
Kayondo Azizi (Vipers Sc)
Juma Ibrahim (KCCA FC)
Najib Fesali (URA FC)
Satulo Edward (Wakiso Giants FC)
Olouch Bob (Vipers SC)
Mukundane Hillary (Vipers SC)
Kizito Gavin (Sc Villa)
Semakula Keneth (Sc Villa)
Midfielders
Kasonko George (BUL FC)
Youngman Marvin (Soltilo Bright Stars FC)
Yiga Najib (Vipers SC)
Akena Chris (Unattached)
Mutyaba Travis (Sc Villa)
Bunyaga Bruno (Impala Hills FC, Buddu Masaza Team)
Uganda Cranes head coach Milutin ‘Micho’ Sredojevic has summoned 35 players ahead of the upcoming FIFA International window in March 2022 as the preparations for the Total AFCON 2023 qualifiers start.
The sqaud has a combination of players in the StarTimes Uganda Premier League (20) and those playing elsewhere (15).
There are 5 goalkeepers, 9 defenders, 6 central midfielders, 7 offensive midfielders and 8 forwards.
Some of the returning players include Faruku Miya, team captain Emmanuel Okwi, Allan Kyambadde with new faces like Marvin Youngman (Soltilo Bright Stars FC), reigning Airtel FUFA footballer of the year Bobosi Byaruhanga, young players ; goalkeeper Jack Komakech, Steven Sserwadda, Najib Yiga, Derrick Kakooza, Sadat Happy Anaku and Alfred Leku.
Team captain Emmanuel Arnold Okwi returns to the fold after a spell of good form in Rwanda with Kiyovu
Returning Faruku Miya
Micho intends to use this pool of players for the upcoming four nation mini-tournament (Navruz Cup 2022) in Uzbekistan that will be held between 25th to 29th March in Markaziy Stadium, Namangan city.
Uganda Cranes will play alongside Tajikistan, hosts Uzbekistan and the Kyrgz Republic.
‘After qualifying for two consecutive AFCON finals in 2017 and 2019, Uganda Cranes missed out on the 2021 edition in Cameroon. We immediately went for early preparations to ensure qualification for AFCON 2023 in Ivory Coast with an international friendly match in South Africa, CECAFA senior challenge cup in Ethiopia (U-23), international build up in Ethiopia, six FIFA World Cup qualification matches and recently a UEFA-Asia tour. The upcoming mini-tournament in Uzbekistan will help us to conduct the main general check-up before the AFCON 2023 qualifiers in June 2022 (1st – 14th June). We have been in transition where several players have retired including captain Dennis Onyango, Hassan Wasswa, Mike Azira, Juuko and others. We have an important duty to make ourselves ready’ Micho revealed.
Uganda Cranes head coach Milutin Sredojevic
The whole team training programme will be released soon where two internal regional tours have been planned to help assess the returning players and the local legion.
‘We shall test the players with internal regional build up and tune the competitive mode since friendly matches are all about trying, testing and experimenting before naming the final 23 players who will travel to Uzbekistan.’ Micho added.
The final team to Uzbekistan will then be named before travelling for the first game against Tajikistan on 25th March 2022.
The third place play-off and final matches will then be held on 29th March 2022. All matches will be played at Markaziy stadium in Namangan.
Provisional Squad:
Goalkeepers: Charles Lukwago (St George FC, Ethiopia), Alionzi Nafian (URA FC, Uganda), Isma Watenga (Chippa United FC, South Africa), Benjamin Ochan (KCCA FC, Uganda), Jack Komakech (Vipers SC, Uganda)
Central Midfielders: Khalid Aucho (Yanga, Tanzania), Bobosi Byaruhanga (Vipers SC, Uganda), Steven Sserwadda (Red Bull New York, USA), George Kasonko (BUL, Uganda), Marvin Youngman (Soltilo Bright Stars FC, Uganda), Moses Waiswa (Supersport United, South Africa)
Uganda Cranes has been invited for the 2022 Navruz Cup in Uzbekistan between 25th to 29th March.
The CECAFA member nation will play in the four nation tournament that has Tajikistan, hosts Uzbekistan and Kyrgz Republic.
Uganda Cranes head coach Milutin “Micho” Sredojevic speaks of the importance of this four national tournament.
‘We have been invited for the Navruz Cup in Uzbekistan. This will be a general check-up for the Uganda Cranes team in preparation of the Total Energies AFCON 2023 qualifiers’ Micho revealed.
Uganda Cranes open the Cup campaign with Tajikistan on 25th March 2022. On the same day, Uzbekistan shall take on Krygz Republic.
The third place play-off and final matches will then be held on 29th March 2022.
All matches will be played at Markaziy stadium in Namangan.
Another action packed weekend it was for a number of Ugandan players abroad at their respective clubs.
Unlike the previous weekends, this one saw a number of players get on the score sheet.
From Cranes skipper Emmanuel Okwi, to Joseph Semujju, 102.1 FUFA fm’s Ronald Lusulire who also does Tugukyangira Bunayira (A program dedicated to Ugandan foreign based players) every Tuesday from 10pm-MidNight followed them up to find out who was in and who was out.
Rwanda
Uganda Cranes skipper Emmanuel Okwi bagged a brace as his Kiyovu FC side crushed Gicumbi 6-0 at home in the premier league. His goals came in the 23rd and 90th minutes respectively.
Emmanuel Okwi celebrates with a teammate after scoring.
Forward Musa Esenu featured for Rayon Sports as they drew goaless at home against APR FC in the Kigali derby.
Kenya
Peter Lwasa scored in the 42nd minute for Gor Mahia FC before his strike was canceled out by William Wadri in the 71st minute as they drew 1-1 at Bandari. Umaru Kasumba Started from the bench for Bandari while Rogers Aloro wasn’t in the match day squad.
Gor Mahia players celebrate after scoring.
Tanzania
Joseph Semujju got off the mark at Mbeya City FC with an 85th minute leveller as they drew 1-1 Tanzania Prison. Mbeya is coached by Mathias Lule, Joseph Kiwanuka and goalkeeping coach Ben Kalama.
Khalid Aucho was in as his Young African side beat Kagera Sugar 3-0 at home. Midfielder Jackson Kibirige and forward Hamis Diego Kizza also started for the sugar makers.
Brian Mululi scored in the 37th minute as his Mtibwa Sugars side beat Mbeya Kwanza 2-1 on the road. Boban Zirintusa was also in for the visitors.
Jospeh Ssemujju in action.
Algeria
Allan Okello wasn’t in the match day squad as his Paradou AC drew goaless at Chlef FC.
Vietnam
Geofrey Baba Kizito played full time and also got booked as his new side Nam Dinh drew goaless at home against Gia Lai.
Joseph Mpande and Moses Oloya played fulltime as their Haiphong FC beat Hong Linh Ha Tinh 1-0 on the road.
Serbia
Pius Obuya played full time as his second tier side Kabel Novi Sad lost 3-0 at home to Timok.
South Africa
Moses Waiswa started before he was subbed in the 59th minute for Ngoma as his Supersport United side lost 2-0 at home to Royal AM.
Custodian Ismail Watenga was an unused substitute as his Chippa United side lost 3-2 at home to Marumo Gallants.
Another custodian Salim Jamal featured as his Pretoria Callies drew 2-2 at Free state stars in the second tier.
David Owori came on as his new Swedish side Utsikten beat Karlstad 4-0 at home in a friendly match.
USA
Forward Edward Kizza wasn’t in the match day squad as his New England Revolution drew 2-2 at Portland Timber in the MLS.
Mike Azira wasn’t in the match day squad as his New Mexico beat El Paso 3-1 on the road in a friendly match.
Zambia
Hashim Sempala was present as his Kabwe Worriors side drew goalless at Prison Leopards.
Hashim Ssempala (left) closes down an opponent.
Goalie Yasin Mugabi was an unused substitute as his Red Arrows side beat Forest Rangers 2-1 on the road.
Israel
Timothy Awany wasn’t in the match day squad as his Ashdod FC side lost 3-1 at home to Netanya.
Bayo Fahad came on in the 58th minute for Moura Ali as his Bneisakhnin drew 1-1 at Bnei Jerusalem.
CAF Champions League
Denis Onyango wasn’t in the match day squad as his Mamelodi Sundowns beat Al Ahly 1-0 on the road to go top of group A.
Savio Kabugo wasn’t in the match day squad due to COVID-19 as his Jwaneng Galaxy side lost at the death 2-1 at CR Belzoguid in their own backyard.
CAF Confederation Cup
Joseph Ochaya wasn’t in the match day squad as his TP Mazembe side beat Coton Sport 1-0 at home in the dieing minutes.
Taddeo Lwanga wasn’t in the match day squad as his Simba SC fell 2-0 at RS Berkane.
Germany
Herbert Bochorn wasn’t in the match day squad as his Bochum side lost 1-0 at home to RB Leipzig.
Scotland
Bevis Mugabi played full time as his Motherwell FC side picked up a vital point at Rangers FC in a 2-all draw.
Portugal
Edrisa Lubega wasn’t in the match day squad as he is just returning from a 5 months lay off. His Estrela side lost 3-0 at Leixoes in the Segunda.
England
Jordan Obita played full time and also got booked in the 36th minute as his Wycombe Wanderers lost 3-2 at Accrington in the English League 1.
Uche Mubiru Ikpeauzi wasn’t in the match day squad as his Cardiff side lost 1-0 at home to Fulham in the Championship.
Ibra Sekajja featured for Dulwich Hamlet in the English National League south as they beat Braintree 1-0 at home.
Fixtures Today Monday 28th February 2022.
Ethiopia: Derrick Nsibambi’s Sebeta visits Arba Menche.
Israel: William Luwagga Kizito’s Nof Hagalil hosts Maccabi Tell Aviv.
Uganda Cranes staged a gallant display, coming from two goals down to defeat Moldova 3-2 during an international build up duel played at the Titanic Deluxe Belek Football Center, Turkey on Tuesday, 18 January 2022.
Dmitrii Mandricenco and Mihail Platica scored in the 10th and 13th minutes respectively for Moldova who took a 2-0 lead.
Uganda Cranes fought gallantly scoring through Patrick Henry Kaddu (set of penalties) and Milton Karisa for the maximum points.
After two draws with Iceland (1-1) and Botosani (2-2), Uganda Cranes got off the mark.
Uganda Cranes head coach Milutin “Micho” Sredojevic cited the key positives from the victory over Moldova.
“We showed the never say die attitude to come from two goals down and win the game. Scoring in all the three games was also a big plus for us” Micho remarked.
Uganda Cranes face Iraq on Friday, 21st January and will play Bahrain in the final game on 27th January before returning home on 28th January 2022.
Uganda Cranes XI: Isma Bin Rashid Watenga (G.K), Gavin Kizito Mugweri, Abdu Aziz Kayondo, Enock Walusimbi, Halid Lwaliwa, Ashraf Mugume, Bobosi Byaruhanga, Travis Mutyaba, Milton Karisa, Yunus Junior Sentamu, Henry Patrick Kaddu
Subs: Benjamin Ochan (G.K), Innocent Esimu Wafula, Eric Ssenjobe, Najib Fesali, George Kasonko, Rogers Mato, Bright Anukani, Steven Mukwala, Martin Kizza, Muhammad Shaban
Uganda Cranes played for the first time with Iceland during a competitive football encounter.
The contest ended one goal apiece at the Titanic Deluxe Belek Football Center in Belek, Turkey on Wednesday, January 12, 2022.
Henry Patrick Kaddu’s 30th minute penalty ensured that Uganda levels matters following an early goal conceded in the 6th minute through Jón Daði Böðvarsson’s header off a cross by Viðar Ari Jónsson.
Uganda Cranes head coach Milutin “Micho” Sredojevic was very delighted by the performance of the team and hailed the team for the character.
‘We have gained a lot from this game against Iceland who have played at the Euros and the FIFA World Cup. We pick important positives going forward as a country on how to defend and attack, use of the ball under minimal spaces and other important aspects of the game’ Micho spoke in a post match interview.
Focus for the Uganda Cranes will now shift to Botosani on Saturday, 15th January 2022 at the same venue.
Team Line Ups:
Uganda Cranes XI: Charles Lukwago (G.K, Captain), Gavin Kizito Mugweri, Abdul Azizi Kayondo, Enock Walusimbi, Halid Lwaliwa, George Kasonko, Milton Karisa, Rogers Mato Kassim, Henry Patrick Kaddu, Steven Desse Mukwala, Martin Kizza
Subs: Benjamin Ochan (G.K), Isima Bin Abdul Rashid Watenga (G.K), Innocent Wafula Esimu, Eric Senjobe, Kenneth Semakula, Bobosi Byaruhanga, Ashraf Mugume, Bright Anukani, Muhammad Jagason Shaban, Travis Mutyaba, Yunus Junior Sentamu, Ibrahim Orit
Iceland XI: Jökull Andrésson (G.K), Valgeir Lunddal Friðriksson, Ari Leifsson, Finnur Tómas Pálmason, Atli Barkarson, Viktor Örlygur Andrason, Viktor Karl Einarsson, Valdimar Þór Ingimundarson, Arnór Ingvi Traustason (Captain), Viðar Ari Jónsson, Jón Daði Böðvarsson
Uganda Cranes international build ups in Europe & Asia:
Programme:
10th January 2022: Travelling to Turkey
12th January 2022: Iceland Vs Uganda – Antalya, Turkey
15th January 2022: Botosani Vs Uganda – Antalya, Turkey
18th January 2022: Moldova Vs Uganda – Antalya, Turkey
21st January 2022: Iraq Vs Uganda – Baghdad
27th January 2022: Bahrain Vs Uganda – Bahrain city
28th January 2022: Return to Uganda
Uganda Cranes head coach Milutin Sredojevic confirmed the final team that left for the upcoming international build up matches in Europe and Asia.
The delegation left Entebbe International Airport at 3:00 PM aboard Ethiopian Airlines to Bole International Airport in Ethiopia.
They will then have a connecting flight to Cairo (still on Ethiopian Airlines) and connect via Turkish Airlines to Istanbul before arrival in Antalya city on Tuesday 11th January 2022 at 10:00 AM.
Uganda will play five international build up matches against Iceland, Botosani and Moldova in Turkey.
Two other build ups will be held in Asia; against Iraq in Baghdad and Bahrain in Bahrain city.
The first match against Iceland on 12th January 2022 in Turkey.
The second match will be played on 15th January 2022 against Botosani and the third match shall come on 18th January 2022 against Moldova. All matches in Europe will be played in Antalya.
Uganda Cranes in Asia:
Uganda Cranes shall then face Iraq on 21st January 2022 in Baghdad city, and finally Bahrain on 27th January 2022 in – Bahrain city.
The team returns home on the 28th January 2022. The matches in Europe are organized by Global Sport Management.
FUFA Executive Committee member Ahimibisibwe Bugingo is the leader of delegation.
Traveling Delegation:
Leader of Delegation: Dr. Apollo Ahimbisibwe Bugingo
FUFA Deputy CEO – Football: Decolas Kiiza
National Teams’ Officer: Paul Mukatabala Nantulya
Head coach: Milutin Sredojevic
Assistant coach: Moses Basena
Goalkeeping coach: Kajoba Fred Kisitu
Physiotherapist: Ivan Ssewanyana
Fitness Trainer: Ayobo Felix
Team Manager: Massa Geofrey
Official: Kasalirwe Dirisa
Kits Manager: Mulondo Samuel
Players:
Goalkeepers: Charles Lukwago (Saint George, Ethiopia), Isima Bin Abdul Rashid Watenga (Chippa United, South Africa), Benjamin Ochan (KCCA)
Another weekend that didn’t have so many Ugandan players take part in action due to a number of reasons like winter break for some of those plying their trade in Europe and break offs.
But nevertheless the less, we followed up on a few that played and here is how they fared.
In Eswatini, forward Bashir Mutanda netted a brace as his Mbabane Swallows side beat Denver 3-1 in the Swazi Premier League.
In the English FA cup, Uche Mubiru Ikpeauzi was on the score sheet as his Middleborough side eliminated Mansfield 3-2 on the road. His goal came in the 4th minute and was also booked in the 37th minute.
In the English League 1, Jordan Obita played full time as his Wycombe Wanderers drew 3-3 at home to Sunderland.
In the Portuguese Segunda, Edrisa Lubega wasn’t in the match day squad as his Estrela beat Covilha 3-1 on the road.
In Zambia, Kezironi Kizito played full time as his Buildcon FC beat Green Eagles 2-0 at home.
Hashim Sempala was brought on in the 75th minute for Cephas Mulombwa as his Kabwe Worriors side drew 1-1 at home against Indeni.
Ronald Nkonge wasn’t in the match day squad as his Nkana side beat Nkwazi 2-0 on the road.
Custodian Yasin Mugabi was an unused substitute as his Red Arrows side beat Zesco United 1-0 on the road.
In the Israel Ligat Ha’al, Timothy Denis Awany played full time as his Ashdod FC side beat B. Jerusalem 2-0 on the road.
William Luwagga Kizito came on in the 37th minute as his struggling Nof Hagalil fell 6-2 at home to Kiryat Shmona.
In the Germany Bundesliga, Herbert Bochorn was an unused substitute as his Bochum side beat Wolfsburg 1-0 at home.
In the Kenya Premier League, Peter Lwasa and Fred Nkata weren’t in the match day squad as their Gor Mahia FC beat Mathare 1-0 at home.
William Wadri started, Rogers Aloro was on the bench while Umaru Kasumba wasn’t in the match day squad as their Bandari FC side drew goaless at home to Police FC.
In the Mapinduzi cup,
Nicholas Wadada and Mathias Kigonya were rested as their Azam FC beat Yosso 5-1.
Taddeo Lwanga didn’t make the match day squad as his Simba SC drew goaless against Mlandege.
Khalid Aucho isn’t part of the Young African squad in the Mapinduzi cup as he was granted leave. They drew 2-2 against KMKM.
Allan Okello featured as his Paradou AC side lost 2-1 at home to Arba in the Algeria Ligue 1.
Uganda Cranes international build ups in Europe & Asia:
Detailed Programme:
9th January 2022: Team converges in the morning & Training in Afternoon
10th January 2022: Traveling to Turkey
12th January 2022: Iceland Vs Uganda – Antalya, Turkey
15th January 2022: Botosani Vs Uganda – Antalya, Turkey
18th January 2022: Moldova Vs Uganda – Antalya, Turkey
21st January 2022: Iraq Vs Uganda – Baghdad
27th January 2022: Bahrain Vs Uganda – Bahrain city
28th January 2022: Return to Uganda
Uganda Cranes head coach Milutin Sredojevic has summoned a team of 45 players in preparation for the upcoming international build up matches in Europe and Asia.
Uganda will play five international build up matches against Iceland, Botosani and Moldova in Turkey.
Two other build ups will be held in Asia; against Iraq in Baghdad and Bahrain in Bahrain city.
The team has two foreign based players, both goalkeepers Charles Lukwago (based in Ethiopia) and Isima Watenga (South African).
Uganda Cranes head coach Micho during a training session
According to the programe, the players will converge on the morning of 9th January 2022 and hold a training session later in the evening.
The travel date for Turkey is 10th January 2022 ahead of the first match against Iceland on 12th January 2022 in Turkey.
The second match will be played on 15th January 2022 against Botosani and the third match shall come on 18th January 2022 against Moldova. All matches in Europe will be played in Antalya.
Uganda Cranes in Asia:
Uganda Cranes shall then face Iraq on 21st January 2022 in Baghdad city, and finally Bahrain on 27th January 2022 in – Bahrain city.
The team returns home on the 28th January 2022.
The matches in Europe are organized by Global Sport Management.
The Full Summoned Squad:
Goalkeepers: Charles Lukwago (Saint George, Ethiopia), Isima Watenga (Chippa United, South Africa), Joel Mutakubwa (Express), Benjamin Ochan (KCCA), Nafian Alionzi (URA), Jack Komakech (Vipers)
Defenders: Gavin Kizito Mugwer (SC Villa), Innocent Wafula (KCCA), James Begisa (UPDF), Geriga Atendele (Arua Hill), Abdu Aziizi Kayondo (Vipers SC), Eric Senjobe (Police), Herbert Achai (KCCA), Juma Ibrahim (KCCA), Halid Lwaliwa ( Vipers), Denis Iguma (KCCA), Livingstone Mulondo (KCCA), John Revita (KCCA), Enock Walusimbi (Express), Fesali Najib (URA), Kenneth Semakula (Sc Villa), Joseph Bright Vuni (Arua Hill), Benjamin Nyakojjo (URA)
Not a weekend that had many Ugandan players abroad in action as most Leagues broke off due to the festive holidays.
But nevertheless the less, we kept close tabs on those who were in action and this is how they fared.
In the Israel Ligat Ha’al, defender Timothy Denis Awany played full time and kept a clean sheet as his Ashdod FC defeated William Kizito Luwagga’s Nof Hagalil 3-0. Luwagga was introduced in the 61st minute while Fahad Bayo wasn’t in the match day squad for Ashdod.
Defender Timothy Awany taking on William Kizito Luwagga
In the Tanzania Premier League, Khalid Aucho continued with his scoring form as he netted in the 81st minute to help his Yanga African side defeat Dodoma Jiji FC 4-0 in Tanzania. The goal was his second in the league and third this season.
Khalid Aucho celebrates after scoring.
Nicholas Wadada featured for full time while goalie Mathias Kigonya was an unused substitute as their Azam FC as they lost 2-1 to Taddeo Lwanga’s Simba SC on the road.
Nico Wakiro Wadada in action against Simba SC
On the other hand Taddeo Lwanga wasn’t part as he is still out with an injured.
In the Algeria Ligue I, Allan Okello put up a great show as his Paradou AC claimed a late 2-0 win away at Hussein Dey to move second on the log.
Allan Okello
In the English League 1, Jordan Obita featured full time and got booked in the 90+5 minutes as Wycombe Wanderers beat Charlton 1-0 on the road.
FUFA has called off the Uganda Cranes trip to United Arab Emirates due to challenges with flight travel.
Logistically, the time available for arrangement of an alternative flight is not enough for the contingent to fly into UAE.
The National team-Uganda Cranes was due to fly out on Wednesday 29th December 2021 for two intentional matches against AFCON bound sides Gabon and Mauritania on 30th December 2021 and 2nd January 2022 respectively.
International Build Up Games in Dubai and Abudhabi
Gabon Vs Uganda Cranes – 30th December 2021
Mauritania Vs Uganda Cranes – 1st January 2022.
Uganda Cranes head coach Milutin ‘Micho’Sredojevic has added three more players to the team that will travel to the United Arab Emirates for two international build up matches against AFCON bound team teams Gabon and Mauritania.
URA FC captain Shafik Kuchi Kagimu, BUL FC skipper George Kasonko and midfielder Chris Akena of UAE based club Ahly Shabab have been added to the team.
In the same vein, long serving utility player Denis Iguma has been omitted.
‘In line with FUFA strategic targets of the Uganda Cranes, we are continuing with preparations for CHAN 2022 Algeria, AFCON 2023 Ivory Coast, Olympic Games 2024 and the double header matches against Gabon and Mauritania in the UAE. For those two matches, we have selected available players. The team has a balance of maturity and experience with some youthful players from the U-17 team; Travis Mutyaba and Ibrahim Juma as well as five players from the AFCON U-20 team in Mauritania and a couple of returnees to the team’ Micho noted.
URA FC Defender Fesali Najib in training with the Uganda Cranes at Lugogo
The first game will be against Gabon on Thursday, 30th December 2021 and the second game against Mauritania on 1st January 2022.
The team departs for Dubai on 29th December 2021 and shall return on 2nd January 2022.
The updated summoned squad:
Goalkeepers: Watenga Isma (Chippa United), Mutakubwa Joel (Express FC), Komakech Jack (Vipers SC)
Uganda Cranes head coach Milutin ‘Micho’Sredojevic has summoned 21 players for the upcoming trip to the United Arab Emirates where the team will have two high profile international build up matches.
‘We are assembling the Uganda Cranes team that will be competitive to feature in several upcoming engagements like the AFCON 2013 and CHAN 2022 qualifiers. Such international buildup matches are a perfect measure for early preparations’ Micho revealed.
Uganda Cranes head coach Milutin Sredojevic
It is a blend of players from the StarTimes Uganda Premier League and the foreign based legion.
Two South African based players; goalkeeper Isma Watenga and Moses Waiswa are part of the team. Newly crowned 2021 Airtel FUFA Male Player of the year Bobosi Byaruhanga has also been included.
Uganda Cranes will play two AFCON bound teams Gabon and Mauritania.
The first game will be against Gabon on 30th December 2021 and the second game against Mauritania on 1st January 2022.
The team departs for Abu Dhabi on 29th December 2021 and shall return on 2nd January 2022.
The summoned team:
Goalkeepers: Watenga Isma (Chippa United), Mutakubwa Joel (Express FC), Komakech Jack (Vipers SC)
Two Uganda national football teams won over their Tanzanian counterparts on the day Tanzania celebrated their national day at the Benjamin Mpaka National Stadium, Dar es salaam.
The Uganda U-20 women team edged Tanzania Women team 1-0 with Hadijah Nandago scoring the match winner in the 18th minute.
This was the first of the double header on the day.
Uganda U-20 women team beat Tanzania U-20 team 1-0
In the second game, Uganda Cranes defeated Tanzania Taifa Stars 2-0. The goals came from Ivan Asaba and Joseph Bright Vuni, both second half subsistutes.
Asaba scored in the 72nd minute and Vuni, a defender at Arua Hill netted the second goal in the 90th minute.
Action between Uganda Cranes and Taifa Stars at the Benjamin Mpaka National Stadium, Dar es salaam
These two games were part of the celebrations as Tanzania celebrated their 60th Independence Day.
The Uganda U-20 women team is preparing for the return leg of the FIFA Women U-20 World Cup qualifier against South Africa in Johannsberg.
For the Uganda Cranes, head coach Milutin Sredoejvic used the build up to widen the pool of players in the national team docket as he assembles the teams for future engagements as CHAN 2022 qualifiers.
Uganda Cranes will this week on Thursday, face Tanzania’s Taifa Stars in an International Friendly game.
The game that will be played at the National Stadium in Dar es Salaam is part of events to commemorate Tanzania’s 60 years of Independence.
Coach Milutin ‘Micho’ Sredojevic has summoned a total of 18 locally based players that will travel to Tanzania on Thursday.
He also thanked Clubs and coaches for granting permission to the players summoned despite the invitation coming on short notice.
“I thank coaches that have stretched and allowed us to use some of the players bearing in mind that the League has not been stopped.” He said.
Coach Milutin Sredojevic and his assistant Moses Basena in a previous training session.
The coach indicates that this game helps to widen the pool of players as preparations for the 2022 Africa Nations Championship (CHAN) Qualifiers commence.
“We have started preparations for the qualification campaign of CHAN 2022 in Algeria. This gives us the opportunity to widen the pool of players.
Players Summoned
Goalkeepers: Joel Mutakubwa (ExpressFC), Jack Komakech (Vipers SC)
Defenders: James Begisa (UPDF FC), Ibrahim Juma (KCCA FC), Najib Fesali (URA FC), Joseph Bright Vuni (Arua Hill SC), Farouk Katongole (URA FC)
Midfielders: George Kasonko (BUL FC), John Byamukama (Express FC), Joseph Akandwanaho (Express FC), Travis Mutyaba (SC Villa), Steven Munguchi (Gaddafi FC), Frank Ssenyondo (Wakiso Giants FC), Frank Mulimi (Gaddafi FC)
Forwards: Ivan Asaba (Vipers SC), Alfred Leku (Arua Hill), Samuel Ssenyonjo (KCCA FC), Patrick Kaddu (Unattached)
