Innocent Wafula was born to the late Bwire Ogutu and Mary Omoding.
Like most footballers, Wafula fell in love with the beautiful game at the age of ten and virtually kicked whatever came his way.
The love was stimulated when his parents moved to the rich footballing hub of Walukuba in Jinja city, where football is the order of the day.
While at Walukuba, the little Wafula picked inspiration from retired Uganda Cranes Captain Geoffrey Massa and Moses Oloya who currently plays in Vietnam thus kept pursuing his dream of playing football to get to their level.
Because his parents were traders, Wafula moved with them wherever they went for business and therefore moved with them to Kenya and it is where he started playing serious football with Busia Combined Football Club and later Chemeli Sugar before joining giants Gor Mahia.
He later switched sides to Uganda Premier League League at Vipers Sports Club, playing two seasons and now at Mbarara City in the Western region.
Innocent Wafula dribbles the ball during Uganda Cranes first training session at the MTN Omondi Stadium, Lugogo
At Kogero, the flying right back featured with Ugandans like Dan Mzee Sserunkuma, Khalid Aucho and Godfrey ‘Baba’ Kizito.
His spectacular display at Gor Mahia tickled the Harambe Stars technical side to summon him for National Team Duties which later did not go well because his citizenship was doubted.
Wafula says that former Uganda Cranes Tactician Sredejovic ‘Micho’ Milutin had started monitoring his progress but unfortunately left before a call up.
‘Since then I lost hope of featuring for the Cranes and concentrated on club football’ said Wafula.
He narrates that returning to Uganda to play for Vipers revived his hopes of playing for Uganda Cranes thus this called up is a wakeup call to work harder .
‘God has granted me a rare second chance which I need to put to the best utilization. This might be my chance to feature at AFCON or even World Cup. I can not rule out the pressure but I will play my part and leave the rest to the technical team’ Wafula adds.
About the competition in his position, the soft spoken flying right back said that he welcomes the competition and it is positive for him because it pushes him to work harder and also learn from those who featured earlier for the Cranes.
While speaking about the Cranes transition process, Wafula says it is a good composition of the youth and experienced players, where the young can always learn from the experienced and by the time the young ones become mainstays it will be easy for them.
He also added that this transition is here for a reason and had not it been so he wouldn’t have been part of the squad.
International Build Up Match: Saturday, 12th June 2021
South Africa Bafana Bafana Vs Uganda Cranes
The National senior team A (Uganda Cranes) has on Monday, 31st May 2021 embarked on residential training at the MTN Omondi Stadium, Lugogo ahead of the up-coming international build up against South Africa.
Fourteen players turned up for the two hour session conducted by the head coach Abdallah Mubiru alongside the assistant Charles Livingstone Mbabazi.
Busoga United’s Isma Mugulusi shoots as Steven Sserwadda closes on during day one of the Uganda Cranes training at the MTN Omondi stadium, Lugogo on Monday, 31st May 2021
With the exception of the foreign based legion as well as those players whose clubs will be engaged in the upcoming Stanbic Uganda Cup return leg matches for the matches, the rest of the players were present.
Head coach Mubiru expressed gratitude upon the positive response of the players who turned up; with the right mentality, character and fitness.
Head coach Abdallah Mubiru closely monitors the proceedings
Soltilo Bright Stars’ Joseph Akandwanaho dribbles during the Uganda Cranes training session at the MTN Omondi Stadium, Lugogo
‘I thank the Almighty Allah for the gift of life and making all things happen. We have started our training sessions today in preparation for the match against South Africa. This is a rebuilding process for the team as most of the senior players retired from the beautiful game on the senior team. I am however happy by the attitude of the players on the team’ Mubiru disclosed.
All the players and officials were subject to the mandatory COVID-19 test before entering the residential camp at Cranes Paradise Hotel in Kisaasi.
Soltilo Bright Stars goalkeeper Simon Tamale collects the ball as Bright Anukani closes by
Day two of the training sessions will be held on Tuesday, 1st June 2021 at the MTN Omondi Stadium, Lugogo, kicking off by 9 am.
South Africa will host Uganda Cranes on Saturday, 12th May 2021 during the international build up match.
Experienced Striker Emmanuel Okwi has been appointed the new Uganda Cranes Captain to take over from Denis Onyango who retired. Okwi will lead the Cranes against South Africa on 10th June 2021 in an international friendly. His football journey has seen him play for 16 Time Uganda League champions Sc Villa, Tanzanian giants Simba SC, Young Africans and now at Egyptian club Al Ittihad Alexandria Club.He is a senior player on the National team.
FUFA media caught up with the Captain for a quick fire 5 questions.
Q1: FUFA Website: Congratulations on your appointment as the new Uganda Cranes Captain. How are you coming to terms with the new status?
Uganda Cranes Captain Emma Okwi: Thank you so much. First of all, I thank God for this opportunity I have got to lead my country. For every leadership opportunity comes from the Lord. I also take this opportunity once again to thank the technical team and players for the trust they have showed in me.
I am still trying to soak it in (this new role). It is something so huge and an honor that should not be taken for granted. The previous captains Geofrey Massa and Dennis Onyango were exemplary leaders. I learnt a lot from them. I will blend their leadership qualities with mine to serve the Nation.
Q2: FUFA Website: How valuable is it for you to lead the National Senior team?
Uganda Cranes Captain Emma Okwi: It is something huge that comes with alot of responsibilities. To play for the National Senior Team is already huge. You can imagine what it means to lead the team.
Q3: FUFA Website: It is a new chapter and that means you will lead a team that has a blend of youth and experience? How much are you looking forward to meeting the players and coaches again?
Uganda Cranes Captain Emma Okwi: Indeed it is a new chapter that I am excited about and looking forward to meeting players in a different leadership capacity on the National team. It is going to be nice meeting the players and coaches again.
Q4: FUFA Website: Have you shared already some notes with the technical team of Uganda Cranes yet about the international friendly with South Africa next month?
Uganda Cranes Captain Emma Okwi: To be honest we have not shared a lot with the technical team yet but I believe we have enough time to go through all the plans when I touch base and join the camp next week.
Q5: FUFA Website: Any message to the fans that follow you and Uganda Cranes?
Uganda Cranes Captain Emma Okwi: I thank the Uganda Cranes fans for the support they have given us in the past and we shall keep banking on their unconditional supporting with the team through thick and thin. We shall always try to do our best to get the right results and make them happy. I know how much the Uganda Cranes touches every heart for each Ugandan.
Uganda Cranes Head coach Abdallah Mubiru has named a 34 man squad for the International friendly match against South Africa National team Bafana Bafana on 10th June 2021.
Experienced striker Okwi Emannuel who plays for Egyptian side Ittihad Alexandria FC has been named the new Uganda Cranes Captain and will lead the Cranes against Bafana Bafana.
The team will enter camp on Sunday morning 30th May 2021 at 8am. They will camp at Cranes Paradise Hotel in Kisaasi.
Training starts on Monday 31st May 2021 at MTN Omondi Stadium, Lugogo.
The Squad
Goalkeepers: Watenga Ismael (Chippa United FC), Lukwago Charles (KCCA FC), Tamale Simon (Bright Stars FC), Kigonya Mathias (Azam FC)
Defenders: Bwomono Elvis (Southend United FC), Wafula Innocent (Mbarara City FC), Willa Paul (Vipers SC), Kizza Mustafa ( Montreal Impact FC), Kayondo Aziizi (Vipers SC), Lwaliwa Halid ( Vipers SC), Juuko Murushid (Express FC), Kizito Mugweri Gavin (SC Villa), Ssemakula Kenneth ( BUL FC), Mbowa Paul Patrick (URA FC), Walusimbi Enock (Express FC), Muhamud Hassan (Police FC).
Midfielders: Lwanga Taddeo (Simba SC), Waiswa Moses Ndhondi (SuperSport United FC), Byaruhanga Bobosi (Vipers SC), Sserubiri Ivan (URA FC), Anukani Bright (KCCA FC), Kagimu Shafik Kuchi (URA FC), Mugulusi Isma (Busoga United FC), Serwadda Stephen (KCCA FC), Lumala Abdu (Pyramids FC), Orit Ibrahim ( Vipers SC), Akandwanaho Joseph (Bright Stars FC).
Forwards: Okwi Emmanuel (Ittihad Alexandria FC), Bassangwa Richard (Vipers SC), Kaddu Patrick (Youssoufia Berrechid), Kakooza Derrick (Police FC), Sentamu Yunus ( Vipers SC), Kambale Eric (Express FC) and Okello Allan ( AC Paradou).
The CAF Emergency Committee, in consultation with FIFA, has decided to postpone the CAF Qualifiers for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™️ that were due to be played in June 2021 after taking into consideration the current challenges caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, and the need to ensure the optimal playing conditions for all participating teams.
The qualifiers will now take place in the existing windows of September, October and November 2021, and March 2022.
CAF is reassessing its protocols and processes to enhance the implementation of COVID-related protocols, including specifically focusing on pre-match testing which had been the source of some challenges in previous windows.
Uganda Cranes is in Group E alongside Mali, two neighbors Rwanda and Kenya.
Key decisions from the 24th FUFA Exco Meeting held on 30th April, 2021
The FUFA Executive is a policy making organ that takes key decisions on football matters in Uganda on a quarterly basis.
On Friday 30th April 2021, the FUFA President Eng. Moses Magogo chaired the 24th FUFA Executive Meeting in the board room of the Executive House-FUFA Complex in Mengo and key decisions were taken; Here is summary account of what was discussed.
1-COMPETITIONS
FUFA Women Super League
The Champions of the 2021 FUFA Women Super League will represent Uganda in the inaugural CAF Women Club Champions League. The Zonal qualifiers will run from July 17th to 1st August hosted by Kenya to determine the CECAFA representative to the inaugural CAF Women Club League Finals due in November this year.
Promotion and relegation in the Women football Competitions
Promotion: Two teams will be promoted from the FUFA Women Elite League 2020/21 season to the FUFA Women Super League.
Relegation: The bottom team in each group of the FUFA Women Super League 2020/21 season will be relegated to the FUFA Women Elite League.
Stanbic Uganda Cup
The Executive Committee confirmed Masindi Stadium, Kitara Region as the venue for the Uganda Cup Finals 47th Edition of Stanbic Uganda cup Final of the 2020/21 season.
The FUFA Drum 3rd Edition
The FUFA Drum 3rd edition (2021) shall be played at the FUFA Technical Centre (FTC). Dates will be communicated.
2021 CECAFA U-20 Women Championship
FUFA confirmed that it will host the CECAFA U-20 Women Championship that will be hosted at the FUFA Technical Centre, Njeru. The tentative date for kick off is 22nd August 2021.
The Executive also appointed FUFA 3rd Vice President Hon. Florence Nakiwala Kiyingi as the Chairperson of the Local Organising Committee 2021 CECAFA U-20 Women Championship.
CECAFA Senior Challenge Cup
The FUFA Executive approved Uganda will take part in the 2021 CECAFA Senior Challenge Cup in Ethiopia. This year’s CECAFA Senior Challenge Cup will be for players falling in the U-23 Category. Uganda will field predominantly the U-20 team that reached the Final of the Total Africa Cup U-20 Tournament in Mauritania. The decision to have the U-23 players for this tournament was reached on during the CECAFA Exco meeting held on 11th March 2021 at Sofitel Hotel, Morocco.
3rd Division (Regional) Leagues
FUFA Executive approved that the 3rd Division Leagues to be played across all the 8 FUFA Regions (West Nile, Northern, North East, Eastern, Buganda, Western, Kitara and Kampala). The Competitions Department has been tasked to come up with the appropriate format of play.
The 2020/21 Women regional League season has been nullified.
District Leagues
The 4th and 5th Division Leagues will not be organised this season.
FUFA Juniors League
The FUFA U-17 Juniors League 2020/21 season has been nullified.
The ODILO 3rd Edition
The ODILO (FUFA Primary Schools Football Competition) 3rd edition (2021) is annulled.
2nd Division League (FUFA Big League) 2020/2021
The group leaders in each of the groups and the best team after play offs involving the Runners up and 1st Runners up in each group, be promoted to the 1st Division League 2021/2022 season.
The last 2 clubs in each group shall be relegated to the third division while the winners of the 3rd division play offs shall be promoted from the 3rd Division.
Play off pairings:
Kampala/Buganda
Western/Kitara
Northern/West Nile
Eastern/North East
2-NATIONAL TEAMS’ TECHNICAL SET UP
National A Men’s Team (Uganda Cranes)
The Executive will continue to review the process and criteria for selecting the technical set up of the National Senior team -Uganda Cranes before any decision is made.
Uganda U-23 (Kobs)
Morley Byekwaso will be the Head coach of the Uganda U-23 team during the 2021 CECAFA Senior Challenge Cup in Ethiopia. Simeon Masaba (Assistant Coach), Stephen Kigundu (Goalkeepers’ Coach) and Ivan Ssewanyana (Physiotherapist) are also part of the technical team.
3 AIRTEL FUFA AWARDS 2021
The FUFA Exco approved the Airtel FUFA Awards to be organised in December this year since there have been a good number of competitions played in the season.
4-PRIZE MONEY
FUFA Executive approved to extend prize monies to Futsal Super League starting with the FUFA Financial Year 2022.
5- GENERAL ASSEMBLY 2021
FUFA Executive approved the Eastern Region Football Association to host the 97th FUFA Ordinary General Assembly on 21st August 2021 in Mbale City. The same Assembly will elect the new FUFA President and Executive into office for a four year term.
6-REGULATIONS
Club Licensing
The FUFA Executive approved a handbook of sanctions that will be reference for disciplinary measures for clubs that breach the Club Licensing regulations when the season is in-progress. The handbook also incorporates the CAF Requirements for the representative teams in CAF Competitions. The handbook will be released by the FUFA Competitions Department through Club Licensing Office.
Capacity Building
The FUFA Executive approved a new set of regulations to be followed by various stakeholders who are planning to organise capacity building courses during the ‘New Normal’ era of the Covid-19. Regulations will be released by the FUFA Football Development Department through Human Resource-Capacity Building office.
7-CHANGE OF CLUB NAMES
The following Clubs’ requests to change names were approved:
Busitema University FC to Ateker FC (Soroti, North East Region)
Bumadu United FC to Bundibugyo United FC (Bundibugyo, Kitara Region)
Volcop Lion’s FC to Fort City FC (Kabarole, Kitara Region)
Kiryandongo TC FC to Kiryandongo United FC (Kiryandongo, Kitara Region)
Pepsi FC to Uganda Pentecostal University FC (Kabarole, Kitara Region)
The following Clubs’ requests to change names were rejected:
Asingya FC to Rufura Proline Bwara FC (Kasese, Kitara Region)
Lugazi Municipal FC to Lugazi Sports Club (Buikwe, Buganda Region)
Kampala University FC to Lugazi FC (Buikwe, Buganda)
8- NATIONAL TEAMS’ REGIONAL TOURS 2021
The National Teams Regional Tours 2021 shall involve the U20 Boys and U20 Girls National Teams.
Another fabulous weekend it was for a number of Ugandan players in the diaspora that saw four find the back of the net.
102.1 FUFA fm’s Ronnie Lusulire kept a close follow up on the stars to find out who was in and out of action.
England
Forward Uche Mubiru Ikpeauzi scored in the 4th minute off a McCarthy assist to gift Wycombe Wanderers with 1-0 win at home against Bournemouth FC in the English Championship.
Uche Mubiru (L)
Left back Jordan Obita came on in the 79th minute for Thompson.
In the Premier League U23, Jayden Onen scored in the 1st minute and also got booked in the 56th minute as his Reading U23 side crushed Wolves U23 5-0 at home.
Right back Elvis Bwomono played full time as his South end beat Barrow 2-1 on the road in League2.
Sweden
Defender Ronald Mukiibi was yet again on the score sheet in the 9th minute off Sonko Sundberg assist but his side Ostersunds FK lost 2-1 at home to Varbergs in the Allsvenskun.
Isaac Ssewankambo also started but was cautioned in the 33rd minute before paving way in stoppage time.
Isaac Ssewankambo
Alexis Bbakka was an unused substitute as his Umea FC drew 2-2 at Gefle in the Div.1 Norra group.
Ugandan female star started yet againin Sweden
Forward Ritah Kivumbi started before coming off in the 68th minute for Micheale as her Mallbackens Women side drew goalless at home to Alingas FC in the Ellitettan League.
Viola Nambi wasn’t in the match day squad as her Vaxjo DFF W lost 1-0 at home to Kristianstads Women in the Damallsvenskan.
Egypt
Emmanuel Okwi scored his third season goal as Al Ittihad drew 2-2 at Smouha in the Premier League. His goal came in the 47th minute, got booked in the 53rd minute before coming off in the 74th minute. On the other side, Derrick Nsibambi started and came off in the 67th minute for El- Sayed.
Khalid Aucho came on at the start of second half for Al Wensh as his Misr Le Makasa side lost 2-0 at ENPPI.
Abdu Lumala wasn’t in the match day squad as his Pyramids FC side drew 1-1 at Zamalek.
Vietnam
Baba Kizito netted in the 70th minute as his Than Quang Nihn drew 1-1 at Binh Dinh.
Baba Kizito
Joseph Mpande played full time as his Haiphong lost 3-0 at Ho Chi Minh.
Moses Oloya came on in the 62nd minute for Dau Van Toan as his Hanoi beat Saigon 3-1 at home.
South Africa
Custodian Ismael Watenga (below) kept his third straight clean sheet as his Chippa United edged Stellenbosch 1-0 at home to boost their survival chances.
Denis Onyango also kept a clean sheet as his Sundowns side beat Orlando Pirates 3-0 on the road.
Moses Waiswa was an unused substitute as his Supersport United drew 1-1 at home with Baroka.
Daniel Isiagi featured as his Jomos Cosmos side beat Bizanga Pondo 1-0 in the second tier league.
Major League Soccer League (MLS)- USA
Mustafa Kizza started before coming off in the 80th minute for Johnsen as his CD Foot De Montreal drew goalless at home to Columbus Crew.
Forward Edward Kizza was an unused substitute as his New England Revolution side beat Atlanta United 2-1.
Turkey
Miya Farouk was an unused substitute as his Konyaspor FC side hammered Karagumruk 5-1 at home.
Czech Republic
Edrisa Lubega played full time as his Pribram FC lost 1-0 at home against Ceske Budejovice in the Premier League.
Edrisa Lubega (in Green)
Isaac Muleme wa son for the entire 90 minutes as his club Zizkov side beat Varnsdorf 1-0 at home in the second tier league.
DR Congo
Left fullback Joseph Ochaya featured as his TP Mazembe beat Sanga Balende 1-0 at home.
Guinea
Goalkeeper Robert Odongkara was out as his Horoya beat Kaloum Star 1-0 at home.
Morocco
Patrick Kaddu wasn’t in the match day squad due to injury as his Youssoufia Berrechid lost 1-0 at home to Diffa El Jadida.
Nelson Ssenkatuka wasn’t in the match day squad as his Mogreb Tetouan drew 1-1 against Rapide Qued Zem.
Denmark
Moses Opondo started and came off in the 69th minute for Frokjaer as his Odense FC lost 2-0 at Sonderjyske in the relegation round.
Robert Kakeeto wasn’t in the match day squad as his Aalborg beat Lyngby 4-0 at home In the relegation round.
Israel
Bayo Fahad and Timothy Awany were out injured as Ashdod FC drew 1-1 at Kiryat Shmona in the Championship round.
Still in Israel, already relegated William Kizito Luwagga will have his Hapoel Kfar Saba visit Hapoel Tel Aviv on Monday 3rd May 2021.
Scotland.
Bevis Mugabi came on in the 72nd minute for Lawless as his Motherwell Fac beat Kilmanork 2-0 at home in the relegation round.
Portugal
ALEX Kakuba was an unused substitute as CD Cova Piedade lost 5-1 on the road to FC Porto B in the Segunda.
Zambia
Custodian Yasin Mugabi wasn’t in the match day squad as his Red Arrows side beat Lusaka Dynamos 3-1 at home.
Left back Shafiq Batambuze sat out with an injury as his Kabwe Worriors beat Lumwana Radiants 2-0 at home.
Algeria
Allan Okello didn’t feature as his Paradou AC lost 5-4 in on penalties at Biskra following a barren stalemate in normal time in the Coupe De La Ligue.
Tanzania
Taddeo Lwanga started as his Simba SC side beat Kagera Sugar 2-1 at home. Jackson Kibirige also featured for Kagera.
Taddeo Lwanga of Simba SC (L) with Jackson Kibirige of Kagera Sugar after their encounter in the Vodacom Premier League in Tanzania
Burundi
Defender Joseph Othieno featured as his Musogati drew 2-2 at home to Les Elephants.
Allan Brian Kizza featured while Steve Mugisha was on the bench as their Le Messanger Ngozi drew 2-2 at home to Rukinzo.
Another weekend full of action for Ugandan players in the diaspora but do you know how they fared?
102.1 FUFA Fm’s Ronnie Lusulire who also hosts Tugukyangira Bunayira (Programme dedicated for news about Uganda’s foreign based players) on the football radio every Tuesday from 10pm-Midnight kept a keen eye on the stars.
Sweden.
Defender Ronald Mukiibi leveled matters for his Ostersunds FK side in the 81st minute as they drew 1-1 at Malmo FF in the Allsvenskun. Isak Ssewankambo and Mukiibi all played full time.
Forward Alexis Bbakka was an unused substitute as his club Umea beat Haninge 1-0 at home in the Division 1 Norra group.
Female player forward Viola Nambi was not in the match day squad as her Vaxjo DFF W lost 2-0 at Hacken W in the Allsvenskun Women.
Ritah Kivumbi scored in the 51st minute for her club Mallbackens Women against Bollstanas SK Women in the Elittetan Women. Kivumbi’s team won 3-1.
Czech Republic
Striker Edrisa Lubega scored the only goal of the game in the 12th minute off Zorvan assist as his Pribram FC beat Karvina 1-0 on the road in the Premier League. The goal was his second of the season.
Left fullback Isaac Muleme played full time but saw yellow in the 79th minute though his side Zizkov drew 1-1 at Lisen in the division 2.
South Africa
Custodian Ismael Watenga put up a brilliant performance as his Chippa United side drew goalless at home to Golden Arrows.
Recently retired national team keeper Denis Onyango was between the sticks as his Mamelodi Sundowns lost 2-1 at home to Kaizer Chiefs.
Midfielder Moses Waiswa started before being substituted in the 56th minute for Manziba as Supersport United drew 1-1 at Black Leopards.
Daniel Isiagi came on in the last 20 minutes as his Jomo Cosmos side lost 1-0 at home to Steenberg United in the division 2.
Tanzania
Custodian Mathias Kigonya kept a clean sheet as his Azam FC beat Young African 1-0 on the road thanks to Prince Dube strike. Right back Nicholas Wadada also played full time for Azam.
Mathias Kigonya kept a clean sheet for Azam FC
Defender Wadada (L) jumping highest to win the aerial battle
Midfielder Taddeo Lwanga wasn’t in the match day squad as he was away on a compassionate leave to attend the burial of his sister but Simba SC beat Gwambina 1-0 on the road.
Turkey
Farouk Miya was an unused substitute as his Konyaspor FC drew goalless at home to Hatayspor.
Egypt
Uganda Cranes assistant Captain Emmanuel Okwi came on in the 67th minute for Saleh as his Al Ittihad side lost 2-0 at home to Pyramids FC in the Premier League. Abdu Lumala wasn’t in the visitors’ match day squad.
Stylish midfielder Allan Kyambadde featured as his El Gouna side lost 1-0 at Aswan in the Egyptian cup.
Scotland
Defender Bevis Mugabi was an unused substitute as his Motherwell FC side lost 3-2 on penalties at Hibernian following a 2 all stalemate in normal time of the Scottish Cup.
Israel
Striker Bayo Fahad and Defender Timothy Awany weren’t In the match day squad due to injuries as their Ashdod FC side drew 0-0 at home to Maccabi Petah Tikva in the championship round.
William Luwagga Kizito played full time as his Hapoel Kfar Saba lost 1-0 at home to Netanya in the relegation play off stage. This defeat condemned his club to relegation.
England
Forward Ikpeauzi Uche Mubiru played full time as his Wycombe Wanderers lost 2-1 at Cardiff in the Championship.
Right back Elvis Bwomono played full time as his Southend United beat Leyton Orient 2-1 at home.
Zambia
Left back Shafiq Batambuze played for 19 minutes before he was stretchered off injured but his club Kabwe Worriors beat Forest Rangers 1-0 on the road.
Ethiopia
Isaac Isinde was in as his Hadiya Hossana drew 1-1 at Fasil Ketema.
Major League Soccer (USA)
Mustafa Kizza started before paving way for Sejdic in the 84th minute as his Club De Foot Montreal surrendered a two goal lead at draw 2-2 at Nashville.
Forward Edward Kizza was an unused substitute as his New England Revolution beat DC United 1-0 at home.
Denmark
Robert Kakeeto was not in the match day squad as his Aalborg FC lost 1-0 at Horsens in the relegation round.
Attacking midfielder Moses Opondo came on in the 88th minute for Larsen as his Odense FC side beat Lyngby 2-0 at home in the relegation round.
Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)
Joseph Ochaya played full time as his TP Mazembe side drew 2-2 at home to JSK.
Burundi
Allan Brian Kizza featured while Mugisha Steven was on the bench as their Le Messanger Ngozi progressed to the Burundi Cup quarter finals following a 1all away draw at Inter Star. They progressed on a 2-1 aggregate.
Defender Joseph Othieno’s Musongati also progressed to the quarter finals.
Portugal
Alex Kakuba wasn’t in the match day squad as his 10-man CD Cova Piedade drew 0-0 at home to Oliveirense in the Segunda.
Morocco
Patrick Kaddu wasn’t in the match day squad due to injury as his Youssoufia Berrechid side won 1-0 at Chabab Mohammedia in the Botola Pro League.
Nelson Ssenkatuka wasn’t in the match day squad as his Mogreb Tetouan beat Moulodia Oujda 2-1 on the road.
Djibouti
Custodian Sulait Luyima guided his Arta Solar side to the Djibouti Premier League Championship.
Monday 26th April 2021 Fixtures
England
Jayden Onen and his Reading U23 visit Sunderland U23.
Ethiopia
Chrizestom Ntambi and Sebeta FC visit Bahir dar Kenema.
Isaac Isinde and Hadiya Hossana host Dire Dawa.
Germany Bundesliga2
Herbert Bochorn and Bochum visit Darrmstadt.
Tanzania
Boban Zirintusa and Mtibwa Sugars host Polisi TZ.
Custodian Cleo Setuba, Joseph Zziwa and their Biashara Mara United visit Jackson Kibirige’s Kagera Sugar.
The Head Coach of the Uganda Men’s National team, Johnathan McKinstry, has today reached an agreement with FUFA to bring an end to his 18 months at the helm of the Uganda Cranes.
FUFA would like to thank Coach McKinstry and his staff for the work and dedication to developing the Uganda Cranes during their tenure.
Coach McKinstry departs Uganda having won 2 in every 3 games played, recording a 67% WIN rate from the 18 games he has overseen – including 12 wins, 3 draws and only 3 defeats.
In addition to this, Coach McKinstry guided Uganda to victory in the CECAFA Challenge Cup 2019 where Uganda won all of the games contested, for only the second time in their history.
We would like to thank Coach McKinstry for the professionalism demonstrated during his employment with FUFA, and we wish him well in all his future endeavours.
Uganda results under Johnathan McKinstry
13/10/2019
Ethiopia
0 – 1
Uganda
19/10/2019
Uganda
3 – 0
Burundi
13/11/2019
Burkina Faso
0 – 0
Uganda
17/11/2019
Uganda
2 – 0
Malawi
07/12/2019
Uganda
2 – 1
Burundi
09/12/2019
Somalia
0 – 2
Uganda
11/12/2019
Eritrea
0 – 2
Uganda
15/12/2019
Uganda
4 – 1
Djibouti
17/12/2019
Uganda
1 – 0
Tanzania
19/12/2019
Uganda
3 – 0
Eritrea
12/11/2020
Uganda
1 – 0
South Sudan
16/11/2020
South Sudan
1 – 0
Uganda
01/01/2021
Cameroon
1 – 1
Uganda
04/01/2021
Zambia
0 – 2
Uganda
07/01/2021
Niger
0 – 3
Uganda
18/01/2021
Rwanda
0 – 0
Uganda
22/01/2021
Uganda
1 – 2
Togo
26/01/2021
Uganda
2 – 5
Morocco
Kampala, Uganda. 19 Dec 2019. Johnathan McKinstry (Head Coach, Uganda) with the winner’s trophy. Uganda v Eritrea, Final, CECAFA Senior Challenge Cup 2019. Star Times Stadium at Lugogo. Uganda win 3-0, and claim their 15th CECAFA title (but only the 2nd where they have done so without losing any games in the tournament). Credit: XtraTimeSports (Darren McKinstry)
Johnathan McKinstry (Head Coach, Uganda) with the winner’s trophy, CECAFA Senior Challenge Cup 2019. Uganda win 3-0, and claim their 15th CECAFA title, but only the 2nd where they have done so without losing any games in the tournament. Credit: XtraTimeSports (Darren McKinstry)
Another icon of Ugandan football draws the curtains to such an illustrious career with the Uganda Cranes.
Denis Masinde Onyango has been the best goalkeeper I have watched in the World. For those who follow, it is not the first time I am saying this. We have always been sure that there is Denis to carry the team when it needed the goalkeeper.
He has been a great athlete, disciplined sportsman and patriotic footballer. He has taken choice to retire and we should celebrate him for the hard decision. If you asked me, he is one of those few players that should have stayed forever but we have to accept that players come and go. It is just human. Denis wanted to announce his retirement in Malawi immediately after the game but was advised to hold on for a better timing. There was always not going to be the right timing for Denis to retire. FUFA took a decision to organize testimonial matches for national team players who retire after 8 years of service or those that have put indelible marks to the team as decided by the FUFA Executive.
Definitely Onyango will have the option to take the testimonial match at the right timing.
I wish Denis the best of the rest his athletic football career and hope the game retains him to serve it in different capacities.
The Uganda Cranes will shift focus to the forthcoming Africa 2022 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers that will get underway in June this year.
The Cranes are pooled in Group E alongside Mali and neighbours Kenya and Rwanda.
The quest for a first ever appearance at the global showpiece will begin with a trip to Nairobi to face Kenya between 5th-8th June 2021.
Uganda will then return to action with a home fixture against Mali on matchday two. The dates will be between 11th -14th June.
Matchday three and four will be a double header against Rwanda with the first leg coming between 1st -4th September in Kigali before facing off in Kampala in a space of two-three days.
The penultimate game will see Uganda host Kenya in the first week of October and later end the group phase with a trip to Bamako, Mali between 10th-12th October.
The group winner after six games will go into the final qualifying phase that will have nine other group leaders.
There will be a draw for the final ten teams and the five winners on aggregate will represent Africa at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar next year.
Uganda Cranes missed out on the opportunity of qualifying for the 2021 Total Africa Cup of Nations after losing to Malawi on Monday.
Prior to the game, Uganda needed just a point to earn a third successive appearance at AFCON.
Richard Mbulu’s goal in the 16th minute turned out to be the decisive moment of the game played at the Kamuzu Stadium in Blantyre.
The striker squeezed down to head home from Peter Banda’s cross from the left flank.
Faruku Miya in action against Malawi
Coach Abdallah Mubiru made four changes from the team that had started against Burkina Faso in Kitende.
Ronald Mukiibi started in central defence ahead of Halid Lwaliwa who picked a knock in training
Moses Waiswa, Mustafa Kizza and Ibrahim Orit were the other changes made in place of Taddeo Lwanga, Abdu Lumala and Patrick Kaddu in that order.
Mukiibi sustained an injury towards the end of the first half and was replaced by Uganda Hippos captain Garvin Kizito Mugweri who made his debut on the Senior National Team.
In the second half, there were further changes made in a bid to find the equalizer with Lwanga, Allan Okello and Yunus Ssentamu coming on.
Focus will now shift to the 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifiers that start in June.
Uganda Cranes Starting XI
Dennis Onyango, Nico Wadada, Joseph Ochaya, Ronald Mukiibi, Murushid Juuko, Mike Azira, Moses Waiswa, Ibrahim Orit, Emmanuel Okwi, Faruku Miya, Mustafa Kizza
Uganda Cranes Contingent left on Sunday morning aboard Uganda Airlines Chartered flight to Blantyre for the final and decisive AFCON Qualifier against Malawi to be played on Monday 29th March 2021.
Majestic walk as players get ready for the trip to Malawi
FUFA Executive Committee Member Ronnie Kalema is the Leader of the Delegation but FUFA President Eng. Moses Magogo, 1st Vice President Justus Mugisha and Executive Committee Member Ariga Rasoul have also travelled with the team.
Dr. James Ssekajugo and National Teams Officer Paul Mukatabala traveled as advanced party team to prepare for the arrival of the team.
The 23 man Squad that was named by the head coach Abdallah Mubiru and travelled today has;
Uganda Cranes assistant coach Abdallah Mubiru is optimistic that the team can seal qualification away against Malawi on Monday next week.
Mubiru who was in charge of the game in the absence of head coach Johnathan McKinstry was left disappointed that the team couldn’t secure all three points against Burkina Faso at home (St. Mary’s Stadium) on Wednesday.
Uganda Cranes assistant coach Abdallah Mubiru speaking to the media after the game
‘Definitely this is not the resulted we wanted. Our target was to win here and go into the final game in a better position but I’m happy with performance of the players. They put up a good fight and fought until the final whistle.’ Said coach Mubiru.
He was however impressed with the fighting spirit from the players especially in the second half and he is confident the team can get a positive result away in Malawi.
Coach Abdallah Mubiru and Captain Dennis Onyango after the game.
‘I think we deserved more than a point especially with our performance in the second half but we shall take the point and go back to rectify the mistakes before the game against Malawi. We now know that job must be completed in Malawi.’ He indicated.
‘Even before this game, we know that no matter the outcome, we had to secure a good result away in Malawi. Therefore, we shall use the time between now and Monday to polish up.’
Uganda remains second in group B on 8 points and need just a point against Malawi on Monday, 29th March 2021 to qualify.
Uganda Cranes captain Dennis Onyango is confident the chance of qualifying for next year’s Total Africa Cup of Nations is still within reach despite a goalless draw at home against Burkina Faso.
Uganda played out a barren stalemate with West African side Burkina Faso on Wednesday at the St. Mary’s Stadium, Kitende.
Uganda Cranes Starting XI against Burkina Faso.
The skipper indicated that the result was not what they hoped for but was delighted with the performance especially in the second half.
‘I’m happy with the performance of the boys especially in the second half. We played better football and created more chances but like the coach said, it is still in our hands despite getting just a point today. We must go to Malawi with the right attitude and play for the positive result on Monday.’ He said.
Uganda Cranes captain Dennis Onyango and Burkina Faso skipper Charles Kabore talking to the match officials before kickoff.
‘I’m happy with the performance of the boys especially in the second half. We played better football and created more chances but like the coach said, it is still in our hands despite getting just a point today. We must go to Malawi with the right attitude and play for the positive result on Monday.’
Uganda remains second in group B on 8 points and need just a point against Malawi on Monday, 29th March 2021 to qualify.
Uganda Cranes’ goal-less home stalemate will Burkina Faso at the St Mary’s Stadium in Kitende during round 5 of the Total AFCON 2021 qualifiers leaves the CECAFA giants on the brick of qualification, pending the last away game with Malawi next Monday.
The Cranes staged a gallant display especially in the second half and had midfielder Ibrahim Orit hit the woodwork off Faruku Miya’s corner kick.
The opening stanza had produced half chances through Miya, Patrick Henry Kaddu and Emmanuel Okwi.
Abdul Lumala in action
At the start of the second half, Orit replaced winger Abdul Lumala and offensive midfielder Moses Waiswa came on for Mike Azira as the Uganda Cranes intensified their raids towards the opposition goal.
Fahad Azizi Bayo took over the place for the injured Patrick Henry Kaddu towards the hour mark.
Uganda Cranes best chance of the game came on 69 minutes when Orit rose highest to nod Miya’s curling corner kick onto the cross bar.
Waiswa’s industriousness had the Cranes raid the opposition although with no breakthrough.
Action between Uganda Cranes and Burkina Faso at St Mary’s Stadium, Kitende
Miya twice had an opportunity to score but was fluffed by the Burkina Faso goalkeeper Herve.
Burkina Faso qualified for the finals even with a game to play against South Sudan in Ouagadougou.
Meanwhile, Uganda and Malawi will face off in a grand finale next Monday for the remaining slot.
Malawi beat South Sudan 1-0 in Khartoum to make 7 points. South Sudan bows out of the qualifiers.
Uganda Cranes will resume preparations for the Malawi clash on Thursday ahead of the chartered flight set to depart on Sunday.
Team captain Denis Onyango leads his charges from dug outUganda Cranes XI Vs Burkina Faso
Uganda Cranes XI: Dennis Onyango (Goalkeeper – Captain), Nicholas Wadada, Joseph Ochaya, Halid Lwaliwa, Murushid Juuko, Taddeo Lwanga, Abdu Lumala, Mike Azira, Patrick Henry Kaddu, Emmanuel Okwi, Faruku Miya
Changes:
46’ Ibrahim Orit In, Abdul Lumala Out
46’ Moses Waiswa In, Mike Azira Out
58’ Fahad Bayo In, Patrick Henry Kaddu Out
The substitute players during the national anthem
Subs Not Used: Charles Lukwago (G.K), Salim Jamal Magoola (G.K), Ronald Mukiibi Ddungu, Elvis Bwomono, Mustafa Kizza, Allan Okello, Yunus Sentamu, Daniel Isiagi Opolot, William Luwagga
Reactions:
Abdallah Mubiru, Uganda Cranes Head Coach:
We give thanks to Almighty Lord for whatever we have achieved from the game. We had a game where I feel we were unlucky. The players put up a good fight. We tried our best in the game. We knew that even before the game, it would all end in Malawi. We are going back to the drawing board to play for the game away against Malawi. We have to select a better team to face Malawi.
Denis Onyango, Uganda Cranes Captain:
I am very happy for the performance of the team. We lifted out tempo in the second half and created half chances. The introduction of Moses Waiswa and Ibrahim Orit pushed us further in the second half. We still needed this result. It is still in our hands. We need to do ourselves a favour. We need to play total football. We need to carry on the momentum. It is in our hands. We need and must qualify for AFCON finals.
TOTAL AFCON 2021 Qualifiers (Group B) – Wednesday, 24th March 2021
Uganda Cranes Vs Burkina Faso (4PM) – Live at St Mary’s Stadium, Kitende
(Follow on 102.1 FUFA f.m and all official FUFA social media platforms)
Uganda Cranes head coach Abdallah Mubiru has released the starting line up and the substitutes to face Burkina Faso during the group B TOTAL AFCON 2021 qualifiers at the St Mary’s Stadium, Kitende.
Captain Dennis Onyango starts in the goal posts ahead of Salim Jamal and Charles Lukwago.
Denis Onyango talks to the head coach Abdallah Mubiru during the last training session at St Mary’s Stadium, Kitende
The other ten players are; Nicholas Wadada, Joseph Ochaya, Halid Lwaliwa, Murushid Juuko, Taddeo Lwanga, Abdu Lumala,Faruku Miya, Mike Azira, Patrick Henry Kaddu and Emmanuel Arnold Okwi.
There are rich options on the substitutes bench with a collection of Charles Lukwago (G.K), Salim Jamal Magoola (G.K), Ronald Mukiibi Ddungu, Elvis Bwomono, Mustafa Kizza, Allan Okello, Moses Waiswa, Ibrahim Orit, Yunus Sentamu, Daniel Isiagi Opolot, Fahad Bayo, William Luwagga, Allan Kyambadde, Timothy Awanyi, Garvin Kizito Mugweri, Mathias Kigonya (G.K) and Bobosi Byaruhanga.
Tadeo Lwanga (left) and Emmanuel Arnold Okwi in training at the St Mary’s Stadium, Kitende. Both players start the game against Burkina Faso
The match is behind closed doors and will be live on 102.1 FUFA f.m, the Football Radio as well as all official FUFA social media platforms.
State Television, UBC TV will also broadcast the game live.
Uganda Cranes comes to the game with 7 points, one behind leaders Burkina Faso with maximum points needed to enlighten hopes of a third straight slot to the TOTAL Africa Cup of Nations finals tournament.
Uganda Cranes XI: Dennis Onyango (Goalkeeper – Captain), Nicholas Wadada, Joseph Ochaya, Halid Lwaliwa, Murushid Juuko, Taddeo Lwanga, Abdu Lumala,Faruku Miya, Mike Azira, Patrick Henry Kaddu, Emmanuel Arnold Okwi
Subs: Charles Lukwago (G.K), Salim Jamal Magoola (G.K), Ronald Mukiibi Ddungu, Elvis Bwomono, Mustafa Kizza, Allan Okello, Moses Waiswa, Ibrahim Orit, Yunus Sentamu, Daniel Isiagi Opolot, Fahad Bayo, William Luwagga, Allan Kyambadde, Timothy Awanyi, Garvin Kizito Mugweri, Mathias Kigonya (G.K), Bobosi Byaruhanga
FUFA has confirmed plans to fly the Uganda National Team (Uganda Cranes) to Malawi by chartered flight for the final Total AFCON qualifier to be played on 29th March 2021.
Uganda Airlines will fly the team on one of its bombardiers.
The latest development was confirmed by FUFA Communications Director, Ahmed Hussein.
‘The team will fly out on 28th March 2021 aboard Uganda Airlines Bombardier. It is important for the National Team to travel with a lot of comfort during the current COVID-19 times when you need the entire team to move together for better preparations,’ he said before adding that, ‘ the final contingent will be released by FUFA.’
It will be the second time in this campaign that FUFA has paid for a chartered flight to transport Uganda Cranes. The opening fixture against Burkina Faso saw Cranes use Uganda Airlines as they picked a valuable point off the West African Giants in Ouagadougou.
Uganda plays Burkina Faso on Wednesday at St. Mary’s Kitende. The Cranes are currently second in group B on seven points.
