Category: Uganda Cranes

8^th September 2018

Total AFCON 2019 Qualifier
Uganda Vs Tanzania

Venue: Mandela National Stadium Namboole

Date: 8^th August 2018

Entry charges-Tickets: 15,000-(Ordinary), 40,000-(VIP), 150,000/- (VVIP)

Wednesday 15^th August 2018: Uganda Cranes Coach Sebastien Desabre to announce Squad for the Uganda vs Tanzania match

Ahead of the Total AFCON 2019 encounter between Uganda and neighbors Tanzania, the National team’s official sponsors Airtel together with partners Nile Special, NIC, EcoBank, Bul and BetLion have revealed that they will continue with their commitment towards the Uganda Cranes aimed at posting good results.
In their deliberations at the press conference held on Wednesday morning at FUFA House, full support was pledged by representatives of the 5 companies that attended the function aimed at driving support for the 8^th September clash.

Remmie Kisakye-Head Brand & Communications Airtel

‘We are proud and believe that we have done enough together with FUFA to make sure that the team is ready. I urge the media to give a positive picture which will give the encounter the desired hype through professional reporting. As the official sponsors of the Uganda Cranes, we are committed to ensure that the National team shines and we shall mobilise fans to fill Namboole and thus raise the Uganda flag high. Statistics show that Uganda has an upper hand over Tanzania in past meetings and this will play a key role on 8^th September. We want the Uganda Anthem to be played again at AFCON finals and together we will win’.

Isaac Sekasi- Country Head of Marketing Nile Breweries

‘This is the longest partnership we have held in the history of Nile Breweries. We are celebrating our ten years’ partnership with the Uganda Cranes and FUFA in a special way together with fans. A lot of activities have been arranged beginning next week to ensure that we give the upcoming game the publicity it deserves. After 39 years of waiting, we now want to see the Uganda Cranes qualify regularly for AFCON and even make it to the FIFA World cup. This is very possible’

Primrose Kobusingye- Head of Marketing and Communications EcoBank Uganda

‘We are looking forward to doing it again to rekindle the memories of AFCON Gabon 2017. Our commitment is to ensure a big turn up at Namboole to support the Uganda Cranes.

Pamela Abonyo- Head Corporate Communications NIC Holdings

The Uganda vs Tanzania encounter will cement our partnership with the Uganda Cranes. As the official insurance partners, we continue with our commitment for more years to come. It has been a great 10 year partnership that has brought us success with the Uganda Cranes’

 Lionel Kabenge- Managing Director BetLion Uganda

‘We have doubled the Uganda Cranes jackpot all for the upcoming Tanzania encounter. We shall do whatever it takes to drive traffic to Namboole on match day’

MAIN PHOTO: L-R Esther Musoke (FUFA Marketing Director, Primrose Kobusingye- Head of Marketing and Communications (Ecobank), Isaac Sekasi-Country Head Marketing (Nile Breweries/Nile Special), Remmie Kisakye (Head Brand and Communications-Aritel Uganda), Pamela Abonyo (Head Corporate Communications-NIC), Lionel Kabenge (MD Betlion Uganda), Noela Byuma (Brand Strategy Manager-Airtel Uganda). 

TOTAL AFCON 2019 Qualifiers (Group L):

Saturday, September 2018

• Uganda Cranes Vs Tanzania Taifa Stars

Ticket Prices:

• Ordinary – Shs 15,000
• VIP – Shs 40,000
• VVIP – Shs 150,000

FUFA has officially announced a 50% reduction on ordinary tickets for the Uganda Cranes versus Tanzania Taifa Stars AFCON 2019 group L qualifier due on 8th September at Mandela National Stadium, Namboole.

An ordinary ticket for the last home games against Egypt and Ghana (FIFA 2018 World Cup Qualifiers Russia) each went for 30,000/-. However FUFA has now set the entrace fee at 15,000/- (Ordianry Ticket) and 40,000/- (VIP) while 150,000/- (VVIP) for the fans to catch the action when Uganda Cranes take on Tanzania.

Addressing the media at FUFA House during the weekly press conference at Mengo, Kampala, Decolas Kiiza, the FUFA Finance Director thanked the Government of Uganda and the President, General Yoweri Kaguta Museveni for considering a budgetary allocation to the National team, in particular to run the 2019 AFCON qualification campaign.

Kiiza, who was flanked by the FUFA Communications Manager Ahmed Hussein noted that the reduced ticket prices have been considered because of the Government support;

‘FUFA would like to extend our gratitude to the Government of Uganda led by the President General Yoweri Kaguta Museveni. We also thank the Minister of Education and Sports Hon Janet Kataha Museveni, the State Minister of sports Hon Charles Bakabulindi, the Department of Physical Education under Commissioner Omara Apita, officials from the National Council of Sports (NCS) and some Members of Parliament who worked tooth and nail to have this budgetary allocation approved’

Uganda Cranes will host neighbours Tanzania on Saturday, 8^th August 2018 at Mandela National Stadium, Namboole.

Kiiza also noted the date upon which the tickets will hit the market to be communicated in the near future.

Uganda Cranes currently leads group L with three points following the 0-1 away win  over Cape Verde Islands.

Tanzania and Lesotho both share a point having played to a one all draw in their opening group game.

Uganda Cranes Regional Tours

Meanwhile, the Uganda Cranes regional tours sponsored by Airtel and Nile Special continue this weekend with a match against the Eastern region select team in Bugiri.

The team commenced training at Star Times Stadium, Lugogo on Monday and will train until Thursday before departing on Friday for Bugiri.

Two weeks ago, the Uganda Cranes team played a tour match with Kitara region select at Kasese wich ended in a 2-2 draw.

MAIN PHOTO: L-R – FUFA Communications manager Ahmed Hussein and the federation Finance Director Decolas Kiiza addressed the media concerning the Uganda Cranes update.

Uganda Cranes Regional Tour-Bugiri

Saturday, 4^th August 2018

Eastern Region Select vs Uganda Cranes

Uganda Cranes players attended a non-residential training in preparation for the tour of Eastern Region in Bugiri on Saturday 4^th August 2018.

Twenty players turned up for the training that was conducted by the Head coach Sebastien Desabre and his assistant Mathias Lule on Tuesday Morning at StarTimes Stadium Lugogo.

Moses Oloya (Ha Noi T&T in Vietnam), Linkoping City FC defender Ivan Bukenya, Yassar Mugerwa and Nicolas Sebwato returned to National team duty and were among the players in training.

Bright Stars FC captain Nelson Senkatuka, defenders Murushid Juuko of Simba SC and URA FC’s Paul Patrick Mbowa missed the Tuesday session.

URA FC new recruit Ronald Musana who was named Man of the Match in The FUFA Drum semifinal tie between Buganda and Bukedi received his first call up to the National team and was part of the training.

Kirinya Jinja SS midfielder Joel Madondo and Vipers SC Defender Bashir Asiku received their second call-up after being part of the recent region tour game against Kitara Region a couple of weeks ago.

The players who turned up for training today;

Goalkeepers: Ismail Watenga (Vipers SC), Sebwato Nicolas (Onduparaka FC), Saidi Keni (Proline FC)

Defenders Mujuzi Musitapha (Proline FC), Asiku Bashir (Vipers SC), Madoi Aggrey (Vipers SC), Isaac Isinde (Kirinya JSS FC), Yayo Lutimba (Vipers SC), Ivan Bukenya (Linkoping City FC Sweden), Aucho Khalid (East Bengal, India), Yasir Mugerwa (Fasil Kenama, Ethiopia) Waiswa Moses (Vipers SC), Taddeo Lwanga (Vipers SC), Ronald Musana (URA FC) Moses Oloya (Ha Noi T&T, Vietnam), Milton Karisa (Vipers SC) and Joel Madondo (Kirinya JSS FC), Martin Kizza (SC Villa) and Daniel Mzee Serunkuuma (Vipers SC)

The Cranes Regional tours are sponsored by Nile Special and Airtel.

Uganda Cranes Regional Tours 2018

FT: Kitara Region Select 2-2 Uganda Cranes

Goals: Robert Baruku, Rogers Lwebuga (Kitara), Allan Kyambadde, Daniel Sserunkuma (Uganda Cranes) 

Uganda Cranes head coach Sebastien got the real love from the people of Kasese when the National team kicked off the 2018 regional tours this weekend.

It was the first time for the Frenchman to take the Uganda Cranes out on the tour. Kitara named a team as per the rules and regulations of the competition (Non Uganda premier League players) but matched the Uganda Cranes players over the 90 minutes.

The match attended by mammoth crowds ended in a 2-2 at Nyakasanga grounds-Kasese. Uganda Cranes took the lead through Allan Kyambadde before Kitara equalised through Robert Baruku. Kitara later scored their second to send the home fans in total joy. Rogers Lwebuga was the man who had raised Kitara’s hopes with a possible winner over Cranes until Daniel Sserunkuma dashed their hopes of picking up a first ever win over Cranes of the Regional Tours. Uganda Cranes has played Kitara three times-won 2 of the outings.

Earlier today Uganda Cranes was involved in a Corporate Social Responsibility activity within Kasese as they visited Kilembe Mines Hospital and a soccer Academy called Sports Club Bronken. Uganda Cranes head coach and FUFA Marketing Director Esther Musoke led the FUFA team to these two places.  The Uganda Cranes regional Tours are sponsored by Airtel and Nile Special.

Pictorial

The Uganda Cranes regional tours are back. The first opportunity to host the National senior team this year will head to Kitara Region Football Association in Kasese on Saturday 21^st July 2018.

Twenty players have been summoned to start training on Wednesday evening at the StarTimes Stadium, Lugogo.

The team will travel to Kasese on Friday morning.

The Squad: Saidi Keni (Proline FC), Isma Watenga (Vipers Sc), Musitafa Mujuzi (Proline FC), Bashir Asiku (Vipers SC), Geoffrey Wasswa (Vipers SC), Joseph Nsubuga (SC Villa Jogoo), Paul Patrick Mbowa (URA FC), Aggrey Madoi (Vipers SC), Tadeo Lwanga (Vipers SC), Nicholas Kasozi (SC Villa Jogoo), Ivan Eyam (Kataka FC), Yayo Kato Lutimba (Vipers SC), Moses Waiswa Ndhondi (Vipers SC), Abraham Ndugwa (Masavu FC), Milton Karisa (Vipers SC), Allan Kyambadde (SC Villa Jogoo), Martin Kizza (SC Villa Jogoo), Joel Madondo (K-Jinja SS), Nelson Senkatuka (Bright Stars FC) and Dan Sserunkuma Muzeyi (Vipers SC)

Uganda Cranes regional tours are sponsored by Airtel and Nile special.

The Uganda Cranes will resume 2019 AFCON Qualification Campaign in September 2018 with a match against Tanzania at Mandela National Stadium, Namboole.

MAIN PHOTO: Tadeo Lwanga (R) in action for Vipers SC against KCCA FC. He is in the 20 man squad summoned for the Uganda Cranes regional tour of Kasese. 

International Friendly Match:

Saturday 2, June, 2018

Niger Vs Uganda –Stade General Seyni Kountche, Niamey (9PM in Niger, 11PM EAT)

Live on 102.1 FUFA fm

After a 1-0 loss to Central African Republic on Wednesday, the Uganda Cranes Coach Sebastian Desabre has revealed his plans for the last game against the hosts Niger and the objectives for the one-week camp.

In his interview with www.fufa.co.ug, the soft spoken Frenchman said that he will not press the panic button due to the loss against CAR because his plans are more than results at the moment.

“We lost to CAR and it’s hurting because no one would like to be on a losing side. We conceded a goal after a puerile defensive lapse but we were just unlucky that we never converted the many chances we got as we dominated the game for most of the minutes ” Said Desabre.

He added that the main objective for the one week camp is to improve the game level of the team and change the playing philosophy to the one desired.

“It’s possible to play for results now but when we are not counting on the future. At a moment we agreed to make mistakes which won’t be repeated during crucial games because we would have perfected with our intended style of play. I will alternate my players to give a chance to others because we are still assessing who fits in our intended style of play and philosophy.” Added the Frenchman.

Desabre further said that he is impressed with the progress of the team but they still have to risk to read a good game, play like a team, mentally change game philosophy but this can’t be achieved in a small period of time.

We have a lot learn but we can’t do it in a small period of time. To achieve this we shall have to use a pool of players from whom we shall consider those who fit in our philosophy though per now we have eight key players whom we are currently the pivot of the team. Don’t judge me now, let the real assessment come in September against Tanzania and October against Lesotho. My main target is project Cameroon 2019 and Qatar 2022 and I believe with time to those competitions we will be in a perfect shape after several test matches

The former Ismaily SC coach believes that it is not all about qualifying to compete for AFCON or World Cup but to qualify and compete.

The coach promised to make several changes in the Saturday game against Niger and asked Ugandans for support as he builds a strong team

International Build Up Match:

• Central African Republic 1-0 Uganda

Central African Republic overcame Uganda Cranes 1-0 at the Stade Général Seyni Kountché in Niamey on Wednesday night under floodlights.

Ralph Kottoy scored the lone goal on the night towards the end of the first half.

Uganda Cranes rallied back gallantly but fell short until the final whistle.

There were changes for the team as the game progressed.

William Luwagga Kizito and Milton Karisa became the first two players to be introduced in the 54th minute during a double substitution for Faruku Miya and Yunus Sentamu respectively.

Then Isaac Muleme came on for Allan “Dancing Rasta” Kateregga in the 61st minute before striker Edrisa Lubega replaced Aucho Khalid barely three minutes left on the clock.

Uganda will play Niger on Saturday in the final build up match.

Niger had earlier drawn 3 all with Central African Republic during the first game.

How Uganda Cranes lined up:

Jamal Salim (G.K), Denis Iguma, Joseph Ochaya, Murushid Jjuuko, Timothy Awanyi, Khalid Aucho (87’ Edrisa Lubega), Hassan Wasswa Mawanda (Captain), Faruku Miya (54’ William Luwagga Kizito), Yunus Sentamu (54’ Milton Karisa), Emmanuel Okwi, Allan Kateregga (61’ Isaac Muleme)

Subs Not Used:

Charles Lukwago (G.K), Allan Kyambadde, Taddeo Lwanga, Moses Opondo, Bevis Mugabi

QUOTES FROM THE POST MATCH PRESS CONFERENCE:

Sebestien Desabre (Head coach):

We played and fought well during the match. I saw the effort of fighting spirit from all the players. Unfortunately, it was just one mistake that cost us. We shall plan ahead for the next match and we have to improve

Hassan Wasswa Mawanda (Captain):

The players gave their all but did not get the result we all desired. It is a wake up call for us and the opportunity to rectify our mistakes early enough before the AFCON 2019 qualifier against Tanzania. We need to regroup so soon and clean the mistakes before taking on Niger on Saturday.

Fixtures

30^th May 2018

Uganda vs CAR 11pm (EAST) at Stade General Seyni Kountche

2^nd June 2018

Niger Vs Uganda at  11pm (EAST) Stade General Seyni Kountche

All Matches Live on 102.1 FUFA fm

Moses Opondo is one of the 23 players summoned by the Uganda Cranes Tactician Sebastien Desabre for a one week camp in Niger.

The 20 year old Opondo is optimistic of his call up and is looking forward for his first test against Central African Republic on Wednesday evening.

While speaking to www.fufa.co.ug, the soft spoken lad said that when he is given the opportunity, he will play his role to impress the tactician for future assignments.

‘I am looking forward to my debut when I pull on the Uganda colors. However I still need to prove my worth for this selection’ said Opondo

The Vendsyssel FF forward adds that he has to utilize this Niger training Camp to prove his ability in order to fulfill his dream of playing for the Cranes in more competitive matches.

Meanwhile the team had a double training session on Tuesday morning and late evening at the Stade General Seyni Koutche ahead of the first encounter against CAR on Wednesday.

Head coach Sebastien is using the camp for bonding purposes and assessing his players ahead of the resumption of the Total 2019 AFCON Qualifiers in September.

FUFA Communications Department brings you highlights of the team’s training session on Tuesday through the lens.

Main Photo: Uganda Cranes Fitness Coach Gerome Noel Tony directing Cranes midfielder Moses Opondo during training in Niger.

MAIN PHOTO: Fitness trainer Gerome D’Antonio with Opondo during training in Niger.

Fixtures

30^th May 2018

Uganda vs CAR at Stade General Seyni Kountche

2^nd June 2018

Niger Vs Uganda at  Stade General Seyni Kountche

All Matches Live on 102.1 FUFA fm

Uganda Cranes safely arrived in Niamey on Monday evening ahead of the three Nations tournament with an aim of further preparations for Project Cameroon 2019.

The Qualification campaign for the 2019 Total Nations Cup to be hosted by Cameroon resumes in September with Uganda Cranes hosting Tanzania at Mandel National Stadium.

The team is accommodated at Hotel Tenere in Niamey the Capital of  Niger and later managed to conduct their maiden training session at the Stade General Seyni Koutche outer pitch.

Twenty-one players were part of the session under the close eye of Head Coach Sebastian Desabre, his Assistant Mathias Lule, Goalkeeper Coach Fred Kajoba and the fitness instructor D’Antonio Gerome.

The players yet to join- Captain Denis Onyango and Moses Opondo are expected to join the rest on Tuesday evening.

Emmaneul Okwi and Joseph Ochaya connected with the team at Bole Airport in Addis Ababa while Bevis Mugabi, Yunus Sentamu and Edrisa Lubega had earlier arrived in Niamey.

The Full Squad.

Goalkeepers: Denis Onyango (Mamelodi Sundowns-SouthAfrica), Salim Jamal Magoola (Al Marriek-Sudan), Charles Lukwago (KCCA FC-Uganda)

Defenders: Denis Iguma (AL-Nabi Sheet Clun-Lebanon), Nico Wakiro Wadada (Vipers-Uganda), Murushid Juuko (Simba-Tanzania), Bevis Mugabi (Yoevil Town-England), Timothy Denis Awany (KCCA FC –Uganda), Isaac Muleme (Alassiouty Sport- Egypt)

Midefielders: Joseph Benson Ochaya (Lusaka Dyanmos-Zambai), Hassan Wasswa Mawanda (Tala’ea El Gaesh-Egypt), Khalid Aucho (Free Agent), Taddeo Lwanga(Vipers-Uganda), William Kizito Luwagga (CSM Politechnica Lasi-Romania), Milton Karisa (Vipers-Uganda), Allan Katerega (Cape Town City-South Africa), Faruku Miya (Stardard Liege-Belgiium), Moses Opondo (Vendsyssel FF –Denmark), Allan Kyambadde (SC Villa Jogoo-Uganda)

Strikers : Emmanuel Okwi (Simba-Tanzania), Yunus Sentamu (KF Tirana-Albania), Shaban Muhammad (KCCA FC-Uganda) & Edrisa Lubega (Floridisdorfer AC-Austria)

LOD: Issa Kakaire Magoola

Head Coach: Sebastien Desabre

Assistant Head Coach: Mathias Lule

Goalkeeper Coach: Fred Kajoba

Physical Fitness Instructor: D’Antonio Gerome

Team Physician: Ronald Kisolo

Team Physiotherapist: Ivan Sewanyana

Team Coordinator: Crispus Muyinda

FUFA Delegates: Jamal Ngobi (Eastern Football Association) & Johnson Fairfax Nyiria (North East Football Association)

FUFA Secretariat: Richard Nandigobe Semanda

Media Officer: Hamzah Nsereko Kawuma Afriqana

30^th May 2018

Uganda vs CAR

Stade General Seyni Kountche

2^nd June 2018

Niger Vs Uganda

Stade General Seyni Kountche

The Uganda National senior football team The Cranes has departed this morning (3am) to Niamey, Niger for double engagements in a three Nation tournament started from 27^th May-2^th June 2018.

The Cranes will play Central African Republic on Wednesday 30^th May and the hosts Niger on Saturday 2^nd June.

Players who have been training with the team at Lugogo Stadium travelled in a contingent that departed from Entebbe International aboard Ethiopian Airlines.

The rest of the Cranes players, Onyango Denis and Emanuel Okwi will connect with the National team in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia while England based defender Bevis Mugabi, Yunus Sentamu, Moses Opondo and Edrisa Lubega will join the team in Niger.

Meanwhile, Gor Mahia’s Godfrey Walusimbi was left behind due to his Club’s local engagements. He was replaced by SC Villa’s midfielder Allan Kyambadde.

The opening Match between Niger and CAR ended in a 3:3 draw on Sunday 27^th May 2018.

Contingent:

Charles Lukwago, Salim Omar Magoola.

Denis Iguma, Nico Wadada Wakiro, Murushid Juuko, Timothy Denid Awany.

Others, Isaac Muleme, Hassan Wasswa Mawanda, Joseph Ochaya, Khalid Aucho, Tadeo Lwanga, Kizito William Luwagga, Milton Kalisa, Allan Kateregga, Shaban Muhamad, Allan Kyambadde and Faruku Miya.

Denis Onyango, and Emanuel Okwi, Yunus Sentamu, Moses Opondo, Bevis Mugabi, Edrisa Lubega, to join the team in Ethiopia and Niger respectively.

Officials:

Issa Magoola (Leader of Delegation)

Sebastien Desabre (Head Coach)

Mathias Lule (Asst. Head Coach)

Gerome Noel Tony (Fitness Coach) to join in Casablanca.

Fred Kajoba (Goalkeeper Coach)

Ronald Kisolo (Team Physician)

Ivan Ssewanyana (Team Physiotherapist)

Crispus Muyinda (Team Coordinator)

Johnson Nyiria (Delegate)

Jamal Ngobi (Delagate)

Richard Semanda (Staff)

Hamza Kawuma Nsereko (Team Media Officer)

The Uganda Cranes have started preparations ahead of the Niger Camp slated for 27th May to the 3rd June 2018.

The first session was held on Tuesday morning at the Startimes Stadium, Lugogo with six players in attendance.

The one hour session consisted of fitness drills and shooting from a distance, which was closely supervised by the team head Coach Sebastien Desabre and his assistant Mathias Lule.

After the training, silky forward Allan Kateregga told www.fufa.co.ug that he is delighted for such opportunity at the senior team and looking forward to utilize it so that he is often considered by the coach .

“It is such a blessing to be summoned for the senior national team to me as a player and my career. I pray that God gives the strength and grace so that I can execute very well so as to continue being part of the coach’s plans as long as I can” Said Kateregga.

The South African based “Dancing Rasta” made his Uganda Cranes debut on Monday 4th December 2017 against Burundi in the CECAFA Senior Challenge Cup which was hosted by Kenya.

Training resumes on Wednesday 23rd May 2018 at the Star Times Stadium, Lugogo.

Players who attended the Tuesday session:

Salim Jamal Magoola , Murushid Juuko, Isaac Muleme, Hassan Wasswa Mawanda, Khalid Aucho and Allan Kateregga.