Event: FUFA Press Conference- Uganda Cranes Head coach to address media
Date: Wednesday 7th March, 2018
Venue: FUFA House
Time: 10am
FUFA Communications Department has confirmed that the Uganda Cranes coach Sebastien Desabre will hold a press conference on Wednesday 7th March 2018 at 10am at FUFA House, Mengo.
The Frenchman will release information about the National A Team-Uganda Cranes.
‘Sebastien and his assistant Matia Lule will address the media on matters about the National teams and future international engagements. They have programmes to communicate to the media for dissemination to the public’ said FUFA Communications Manager Ahmed Hussein.
Sebastien has categorically stated that he wants to use the next International break to be of great value to the National team players.
MAIN PHOTO: Uganda Cranes Head coach Sebastien Desabre
Former Uganda Cranes Coach Moses Basena and the current goal keeping coach Fred Kajoba will fly out tonight to the United States of America for a coaching course.
The will spend three weeks at the New York Red Bulls Football Club which features in the US Major League Soccer.
While talking to www.fufa.co.ug, Basena was grateful of FUFA for the financial support and former Uganda Cranes Skipper Ibrahim Sekagya for the great opportunity rendered to him to add on his knowledge as a football coach.
‘It is such a great opportunity for me as an individual and the game of football in Uganda. I expect to learn a lot from the coaches at Red Bulls because they are ahead of us as regards to professionalism and football dynamics’ said Basena
Basena issues instructions during one of the Uganda Cranes training sessions
He added that he looks forward to share what he will learn with fellow Ugandan Coaches thus help them cope with the modern game.
While the excited Kajob said that he will have a double gain because he serves as a goalkeeping coach for the Uganda Cranes and Head Coach at Uganda Premier League side Bright Stars FC.
Fred Kajoba (left) and Moses Basena at Entebbe International Airport prior to departure for U.S
‘This is a lifetime opportunity, thanks to FUFA and legendary Sekagya for the opportunity which any coach would like to land on. Ugandan football will not be the same again after the course’ emphasized Kajoba
FUFA catered for the coach’s return air tickets, accommodation and the allowances while in the USA.
MAIN PHOTO: The FUFA President Eng Moses greets the Uganda Cranes coaches Fred Kajoba and Moses Basena prior to kick off of the return legof the 2018 CHAN Qualifier against Rwanda.
Football Symposium (on Technical development of football):
10th March 2018
Venue to be confirmed
Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA) has confirmed a stake holders football symposium, slated for 10th March 2018.
FUFA President Eng. Moses Magogo revealed the development to the media on Wednesday, 14th February 2018 during the press conference at Mengo, Kampala.
After the success script from the first ever football symposium held in 2015, where we engaged the Government and laid strategies that eventually yielded into the eventual qualification of Uganda Cranes to AFCON after 38 years, the federation will once again hold another symposium, this time round rotating on the technical aspect of the game.
Different stake holders of the game as Coaches, Medical practitioners, Government, Ex-internationals, administrators, stadium managers, media, other others will be invited.
This symposium will take place on 10th March 2018.
Uganda Cranes head coach Sebastien Desabre affirms there were key important lessons learnt from the recently concluded 2018 Championship of African Nations (CHAN) tournament in Morocco.
Addressing the media during a press conference on Wednesday at FUFA House in Mengo, the Desabre who was flanked by the FUFA President, Eng. Moses Magogo and the CEO, Edgar Watson hinted on the aspect of improving physical aspect of players.
L-R: Ahmed Hussein (FUFA Communications Director), FUFA President Moses Magogo, Sebastien Desabre and FUFA CEO Edgar Watson
There is need to improve on the physical aspect of the players as observed from the 2018 CHAN tournament in Morocco. I am also qualified in physical training and i will offer a hand in assisting local clubs.
The other aspects Desabre talked about:
Improve the relationship and interaction with the clubs towards the development of local football
Regularity of friendlies and regroupings in order to create a real synergy between the players and to set up prinicples of the games.
Strengthening the National Team A (Locally based players, Players abroad, Binational players, Statistics software, March Friendly match, May training camp, AFCON 2019 qualifiers)
Developing a strong U-23 Team (Establish list of 40 local players, find new players, regular camps for U-23, Specific training sessions, friendly games, Olympic Tokyo 2020 qualifiers)
Establishing a strong U-20 (Setting up a list of 40 local players, find new players, regular camps, Specific sessions, Friendly games, World Cup U-20 2019 qualifiers)
Affluent Organization (Tools & Equipment, clothing, Medical Organization, Staff Animation, Administration management with players and good working environment)
Development of Club Football (Uniform physical, Specific training for attackers, create diploma of physical preparation in football, coaching support at clubs, debate dinner, statistic meeting
Improved relationship with the media (Good media plan, better relationship with the federation’s executive as well as press and TV relationship)
Wednesday 14th February, 2018: FUFA Press Conference at FUFA House in Mengo
FUFA President Eng. Moses Magogo and Uganda Cranes coach Sebastien Desabre have met on Monday morning 12thFebruary 2018 at FUFA House to plan for the beautiful game in the country.
With a Press conference coming up on Wednesday at FUFA House starting 10am, the duo discussed details about the just concluded CHAN Finals in Morocco, International engagements for Uganda Cranes including the 2019 AFCON Qualification campaign.
L-R National Teams’ Officer Ntege, Uganda Cranes coach Sebastien Desabre and FUFA President Moses Magogo at FUFA House on Monday morning.
‘More details of the meeting will be revealed during the Press conference on Wednesday at FUFA House. It will be another opportunity for the media to interface with the FUFA President and Uganda Cranes coach’ said FUFA Communications Manager Ahmed Hussein
The meeting was also attended by the Deputy CEO Humphrey Mandu and National Teams’ Officer Patrick Ntege Kaweesa.
The Uganda Cranes delegation at the TOTAL CHAN 2018 tournament in Morocco safely and successfully returned home on Wednesday afternoon aboard Qatar Airways on flight QR 1387 via Doha to Entebbe International Airport.
The players and officials were warmly welcomed by the FUFA national teams’ officer Patrick Ntege and Muhammod Blatter Kalema at around 2:30 p.m.
Bernard Muwanga, the team captain upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport on Wednesday
The delegation also had on board the FUFA President and CAF Executive Committee Member Eng. Moses Magogo and Hamid Juma, a FUFA Executive Committee member.
Milton Karisa at the Entebbe International Airport Arrival lounge
‘We learnt a lot of things while in Morocco. This CHAN tournament was good for the exposure of players as well as a platform to prepare for the future tournaments. There is an official press conference planned after the CHAN tournament that will be addressed by the FUFA President and the head coach Sebastien Desabre. The date and venue will be notified to the members of the media’ Ahmed Hussein, the FUFA Communications manager told the media at the Airport.
Ahmed Hussein addressing the media after the Uganda Cranes team arrival from Morocco
After checking out, the players and officials were then received by their friends and family members.
The Uganda Cranes bus drove the team to Kampala at the FUFA headquarters.
Meanwhile, head coach Sebastien Desabre is in Europe where he will continue with the official duties as he interacts with many of the European based players.
TOTAL CHAN 2018 Championship (Group B final matches):
Uganda 0-0 Cote D’Ivoire
Zambia 1-1 Namibia
Uganda Cranes and Cote D’Ivoire played to a goal-less draw during the final group B match played at Marrakech stadium on Monday night.
The starting team named by head coach Sebastien Desabre had two key changes from the previous line up.
Aggrey Madoi and Musitafa Mujjuzi were the new players introduced.
Derrick Nsibambi races away from the Ivorian players during the gameIbrahim Sadam Juma had a decent game against Cote D’Ivoire
Uganda Cranes created a couple of chances which fell to Sadam Ibrahim Juma, Milton Karisa, Allan Kyambadde and second half substitute Muzamiru Mutyaba.
There were only two substitutions made in the game. Mutyaba replaced Kyambadde with 30 minutes left and Nelson Senkatuka came on for Derrick Nsibambi, the scorer of the only goal Uganda left with in the tournament.
Action from the Uganda – Cote D’Ivoire match on Monday night
The Uganda Cranes head coach told a post match press conference that he is pretty sure the team will improve a great deal given the exposure at CHAN 2018. He also hinted on how he will continue to monitor all the players including the others playing outside Uganda and test them out in the March international friendly designated days.
We came into this game with positivity to finish above Ivory Coast. We created chances but never utilized them.
My boys are learning the style of play we need to display.Such competitions are good for the players. CAF organised a good tournament. We shall not be the same after this tournament. FIFA dates in March will help me to continue evaluating the players including the foreign based.
Players from the 2016 CHAN helped the new kids on the block for this tournament.
Uganda Cranes head coach Sebastien Desabre during the press conference
Meanwhile, Zambia played to a one all draw with Namibia to finish top and second respectively.
Uganda Cranes XI Vs Cote D’Ivoire
Relatedly, the team travel lite-nary back home will be communicated in the due course and the FUFA President Eng. Moses Magogo alongside the head coach Desabre will address the media on a confirmed date and venue.
Team Line Ups:
Uganda XI: Isima Bin Abdul Rashid Watenga (G.K), Nico Wakiro Wadada, Aggrey Madoi, Musitafa Mujjuzi, Bernard Muwanga (Captain), Taddeo Lwanga, Milton Karisa, Juma Sadam Ibrahim, Allan Kyambadde (60’ Muzamiru Mutyaba), Derrick Nsibambi, (75’ Nelson Senkatuka), Isaac Muleme
Subs Not Used:
Benjamin Ochan (G.K), Abubakar Kasule, Joseph Nsubuga, Moses Waiswa Ndhondhi, Rahmat Ssenfuka, Paul Mucureezi, Seif Batte
Injured: Muhammad Shaban, Keni Saidi (G.K)
Suspended: Timothy Dennis Awany
Head coach: Desabre Serge Louis Sebestien (France)
Monday, 22nd January: Uganda Cranes Vs Cote D’Ivoire
Marrakech (10 p.m, East African Standard Time)
Live on 102.1 FUFA f.m and all Official FUFA Social Media plat forms
Uganda Cranes will play in their final group B match at the TOTAL CHAN 2018 championship in Morocco against Cote D’Ivoire this coming Monday, 22nd January 2017 in Marrakech.
This will be the final group game for the two countries at the biannual championship that only accommodates locally based players.
The Uganda Cranes team had previously lost by 3-1 and 1-0 to Zambia and Namibia respectively in the earlier matches.
Striker Nelson Senkatuka attempts to dribble past head coach Sebastien Desabre in training on Saturday
After the Saturday training session, Uganda Cranes head coach Sebastien Desabre remained optimistic the team will perform to the e
The game against Cote D’Ivoire is not a friendly match. We need every player to give in 100 percent commitment to make sure Uganda finishes third in the group. The evaluation of players continues and with the football exhibited in the first two matches, this will be a good stepping stone to continue with the team.
Positive energy:
Desabre has also demanded positive energy like it was in earlier two matches.
We are demanding the same positive energy from the players like in the earlier two games at CHAN 2018 as we finish up the group games on Monday.
Shaban Boost:
Striker Muhammed Shaban trained with the rest of the teammates on Saturday morning.
The KCCA forward had missed the previous match against Namibia due to an ankle sprain.
Shaban’s timely recovery will boost the attacking options with Derrick Nsibambi and Nelson Senkatuka all available for the match.
Goalie Keni Saidi sickness:
On a worrying note however, goalkeeper Keni Saidi missed the Saturday training due to a bout of malaria.
The rest of the players are ready for the match on Monday. Only defender Timothy Awanyi is expected to miss the game due to suspension.
Uganda Cranes players in training on Saturday morningUganda Cranes players
The Uganda Cranes will conduct the final training session on Sunday with the pre match press conference ahead of Monday’s final group game.
Namibia defeated Uganda Cranes 1-0 during the two countries’ second group B matches at the TOTAL CHAN Championship in Marrakech, Morocco on Thursday night.
Panduleni Nekundi scored deep in added time of the second half to see the Brave Warriors to their second win in the tournament.
Bernard Muwanga leads the rest of the Uganda Cranes team from the dressing rooms
Uganda Cranes had been the better side for long spells of the game with Milton Karisa, Derrick Nsibambi and Allan Kyambadde coming close on different moments.
Derrick Nsibambi in action
Head coach Sebastien Desabre had called for only one change from the team that lost 3-1 to Zambia.
Goalkeeper Isma Watenga replaced Benjamin Ochan on the starting list with the rest of the players maintained.
Uganda Cranes’ defender Timothy Awanyi was sent off after a foul with about 14 minutes left on the clock.
Uganda Cranes XI vs Namibia
Zambia who had earlier defeated Cote D’Ivoire 2-0 thus progress to the quarter finals with Namibia.
Uganda’s final group B match will be held on 22nd January 2018 against Cote D’Ivoire.
A section of passionate Uganda Cranes fans in the terraces during the match against NamibiaSebastien Desabre, Uganda Cranes head coach
Uganda Cranes XI Vs Namibia:
Isma Watenga (GK), Nico Wakiro Wadada, Isaac Muleme, Dennis Timothy Awanyi, Bernard Muwanga (C), Taddeo Lwanga, Milton Karisa, Muzamir Mutyaba (85′ Sheif Batte), Derrick Nsibambi, Ibrahim Sadam Juma (56′ Paul Mucureezi), Allan Kyambadde (74′ Nelson Senkatuka)
Subs Not Used: Saidi Keni (G.K), Benjamin Ochan (G.K), Aggrey Madoi, Rahmat Senfuka, Joseph Nsubuga, Mustapha Mujjuzi, Shaban Muhammed, Mubarak Kasule, Moses Waiswa
Uganda Cranes will return to action on Thursday with all their minds set on picking up maximum points against Namibia.
Having lost the opener against Zambia 3-1 in Group B at the Grand Stade Marrakech, in Morocco the Head coach Sebastien Desabre has cautioned his players not to relax.
One of the senior players on the team Sadam Ibrahim Juma attended the official press conference on Wednesday morning together with Sebastien and FUFA Communications Manager Ahmed Hussein.
Sebastien watching his troops during training on Tuesday evening
‘We know what is at stake in the next two games. We have belief in every player in the team. We all win or lose as a team. We never pick out individuals for any mistakes made during the game. Mistakes are made by the entire team not just one player’ said Sadam.
In reference to goalkeeper Benjamin Ochan following a question from the media during the press conference, Sadam responded;
‘We have total confidence in every player in the team. We know Ochan is a very good goalkeeper and we trust him. Everyone in camp is looking forward to the game against Namibia’ added Sadam.
Sadam Ibrahim Juma says every player in camp is ready for the next game against Namibia on Thursday.
The head coach promised not to change his philosophy about he wants his players to play football.
‘I will not change my philosophy of offensive football. My players know I need a positive reaction from them in the next two games to remain in the tournament. Attacking football calls for a compact backline’ said Frenchman Sebastien.
Sebastien also confirmed that striker Muhamad Shaban will not be available for selection against Namibia.
Sebastien durig the Press conference on Wednesday
‘He is not feeling well. He injured his ankle during training. We might use him in the final group match. However we have options that will come in and do a good job’ added Sebastien.
L-R Sadam Juma, Sebastien Desabre and Ahmed HusseinL-R FUFA President Eng. Moses Magogo with the team Doctors Kisolo Ronald and Ivan Sewanyana at the training in Marrakech
Uganda Cranes will play Namibia on Thursday at the Grand Stade Marrakech at 7.30pm Local time (10.30pm EAST). Match will be broadcast live on 102.1 FUFA fm.
MAIN PHOTO: Sadam Juma at the Press conference on Wednesday morning
Uganda Cranes Head coach Sebastien Desabre has conducted two training sessions since Sunday when his team lost 3-1 to Zambia in the opening match of Group B in the Total CHAN Finals 2018, Morocco.
However for every training session held on Monday and Tuesday, the Frenchman has preached positivity and belief from his players.
‘Let us plan for the next game against Namibia. Nothing is impossible in football. I believe you all know what is expected of us on Thursday’ said Sebastien after the training on Tuesday held at the outer pitch of the Grand Stade Marrakech.
‘We created many chances in the first half against Zambia but never utilized them well. We are planning well for our next crucial match’ added Sebastien
All players took part in the training session on Tuesday except for KCCA FC striker Muhammad Shaban who suffered a knock on his ankle of the right leg.
‘I have 22 other players in camp and I need to see them rise to the occasion if Shaban doesn’t make the squad on Thursday. We need to make a difference with good results’ said Sebastien.
Shaban’s injury will be assessed by the Uganda Cranes medical team.
Shaban sat out Tuesday’s session with an ankle injury picked up on Monday in training.
Tuesday’s training session was watched by the Minister of State for Sports Hon Charles Bakkabulindi and FUFA President Eng. Moses Magogo.
Wednesday’s activities for Uganda Cranes;
Official Press Conference: 11am Local Time (2pm EAST) Grand Stade Marrakech
Official Training: 4pm Local Time (7pm EAST) at Annex 4, Grand Stade Marrakech (Opening 15minutes for Media)
MAIN PHOTO: Uganda Cranes Head coach Sebstien Desabre
TOTAL 2018 CHAN CHAMPIONSHIP (Group B): Zambia 3-1 Uganda
Lazarous Kambole, Augustine Mulenga and Fackson Kapumbu all had a goal each as Zambia Chipolopolo Stars rolled off the TOTAL 2018 CHAN Championship on a sound note with a 3-1 victory over Uganda Cranes in Marrakech on Sunday.
Derrick Nsibambi scored Uganda’s consolation.
Here is the pictorial from the match.
Muzamiru Mutyaba dribbles during the game on Sunday night in MarrakechFans in the stands (Photo by CAF Media division)Derrick Nsibambi celebrates his strikeUganda Coaches in the dug out: (L-R) – Fred Kajoba (Goalkeeping coach), Mathias Lule (Assistant coach) and the head coach, Louis Serge Sebestien DesabreUganda Cranes bench during the customary pre-match customs in MarrakechUganda Cranes XI vs Zambia prior to the TOTAL 2018 CHAN Championship in Marrakech, Morocco
L-R (Standing): Ibrahim Sadam Juma, Denis Timothy Awanyi, Tadeo Lwanga, Milton Karisa, Allan Kyambadde, Benjamin Ochan and Bernard Muwanga (Captain).
Front Row (L-R): Muzamiru Mutyaba, Derrick Nsibambi, Isaac Muleme and Nico Wakiro Wadada
Milton Karisa dribbles away from Zambia’s Augustine Kabaso Mulenga as Nico Wakiro Wadada follows closely during the matchL-R FUFA President Eng. Moses Magogo, CAF President Ahmad Ahmad and Minister of State for Sports Hon. Charles Bakkabulindi in MarrakechDerrick Nsibambi fights for a high ball with Zambia’s captain Ziyo Tembo during the match in MarrakechZambia’s goalkeeper Toaster Nsabata reacts faster to collect a high ball ahead of Allan Kyambadde and Derrick NsibambiUganda Cranes head coach Sebastien Desabre during the post match press conference
Uganda’s next match will be against Namibia on Thursday, 18th January 2018 in Marrakech.
Team Line Ups:
Uganda Cranes XI: Benjamin Ochan (GK), Nico Wakiro Wadada, Isaac Muleme, Timothy Denis Awany, Bernard Muwanga, Tadeo Lwanga, Milton Karisa, Ibrahim Sadam Juma (70′ Shaban Muhammad), Allan Kyambadde (80′ Nelson Senkantuka), Muzamiru Mutyaba (75′ Moses Waiswa Ndhondhi), Derrick Nsibambi
Subs Not Used:
Keni Saidi (G.K), Isma Watenga (G.K), Abubakar Kasule, Joseph Nsubuga, Musitafa Mujuzi, Rahmat Ssenfuka, Aggrey Madoi, Paul Mucureezi
Head coach: Louis Serge Sebestien Desabre (France)
Derrick Nsibambi is joined by Ibrahim Sadam Juma to celebrate the Uganda’s equalizer that made the game 1 all
Uganda Cranes suffered a heart breaking start at the 2018 Total Championship of African Nations (CHAN) Tournament in Morocco on Sunday in Marrakech.
The Cranes lost 3-1 to Zambia Chipolopolo Stars during one of the two group B matches.
With four minutes to the end of the first half, striker Derrick Nsibambi cancelled out Lazarous Kambole’s 38th minute opener as the two sides rested for the mandatory half time break tied one goal apiece.
Muzamiru Mutyaba dribbles during the game on Sunday night in Marrakech
Zambia scored two further goals in the second half through Augustine Mulenga and Fackson Kapumbu in the 63rd and 71st minutes respectively.
Uganda Cranes new head coach Sebestien Desabre called for changes as Muhammad Shaban replaced Ibrahim Sadam Juma with twenty minutes left on the clock.
Midfielder Moses Wasiwa came on for Muzamiru Mutyaba on 75 minutes and striker Nelson Senkantuka replaced Allan Kyambadde inside the final ten minutes.
The changes however did not have any instant impact.
Isaac Muleme was cautioned with less than five minutes left on the clock.
Milton Karisa dribbles away from Kabaso Mulenga (shirt 17) during the match
The Chipolopolo Stars now lead group B with three points and a two goal difference margin, ahead of Namibia who registered a slim 1-0 win against Cote D’Ivoire.
Uganda’s next match will be against Namibia on Thursday, 18th January 2018 in Marrakech.
Uganda Cranes XI vs Zambia prior to the TOTAL 2018 CHAN Championship in Marrakech, Morocco
Team Line Ups:
Uganda Cranes XI: Benjamin Ochan (GK), Nico Wakiro Wadada, Isaac Muleme, Timothy Denis Awany, Bernard Muwanga, Tadeo Lwanga, Milton Karisa, Ibrahim Sadam Juma (70′ Shaban Muhammad), Allan Kyambadde (80′ Nelson Senkantuka), Muzamiru Mutyaba (75′ Moses Waiswa Ndhondhi), Derrick Nsibambi
Head coach: Louis Serge Sebestien Desabre (France)
Zambia XI:
Toaster Nsabata (G.K), Simon Silwimba, Fackson Kapumbu, Adrian Chama, Ziyo Tembo (Captain), Donashano Malama, Kondwani Mtonga, Ernest Mbewe, Augustine Kabaso Mulenga, Lazarous Kambole, Alex Ng’onga
Subs:
Moses Mapulanga (G.K), Allan Chibwe (G.K), John Mwengani, Lawrence Chungu, Chanda Mushili, Martin Phiri, Mike Katiba, Larry Bwalya, Godfrey Ngwenya, Jackson Chirwa, Isaac Shamujompa, Friday Samu
Head Coach: Wedson Witson Nyirenda (Zambia)
Officials:
Center Referee: Mehdi Abid Charef (Algeria)
1st Assistant Referee: Mokrane Gourari (Algeria)
2nd Assistant Referee: Seydou Tiama (Burkina Faso)
Fourth Official: Mustapha Ghorbal (Algeria)
Commissioner: Ibrahim Musa Gusau (Nigeria)
General Coordinator: Amadeo Nguema Ondo Bindang (Equatorial Guinea)
Uganda Cranes Fixtures at the Total 2018 CHAN Finals in Morocco-(Group B)
Uganda Cranes Fixtures at the (Group B)
All matches in Marrakech, UG time in Brackets
Uganda Vs Zambia –14th January 2018 7.30pm (10.30 pm)
Uganda Vs Namibia –18th January 2018 7.30pm (10.30 pm)
Uganda Vs Ivory Coast –22nd January 2018 7 pm (10 pm)
With a few hours left to the kick off the Group B match between familiar foes in football Zambia and Uganda, expectations are high in cmap according to the Cranes skipper Bernard Muwanga.
During the official press conference held at the Grand Stade Marrakech, the SC Villa Jogoo skipper said that he is ready to lead his fellow players at the tournament.
‘I know what is expected of us in this tournament. I will use experience gained from the several games I have played at the senior level to guide my teammates’ said Muwanga a former Captain of Bright Stars FC who helped the Kawempe based side join the top flight in the Uganda Premier League in 2013.
Uganda Cranes captain Muwanga says his boys are ready for the opening match
Muwanga led his players during the final training session conducted at the outer pitch of the main stadium. Ugandan fans, football Delegates, MPs, and NCS administrators attended the training session also watched y FUFA President Eng. Moses Magogo.
FUFA President Eng. Moses Magogo (L) with Uganda Cranes coach Sebastien Desabre in Marrakech on Saturday eveningUganda Cranes players training on Saturday evening under floodlights
Sebastien Desabre-my boys are 100% ready
I have been with the team for the last ten days following my appointment as Head coach of Uganda Cranes. Uganda has a lot of potential and we shall work as a team to improve the levels of the national team.
Sebastien Desabre spoke English for the entire press conference. He says he is happy with the project at stake for him with FUFA. He believes in his players at CHAN Finals 2018
Our opening game is very important. Zambia is a good side and we are ready to face them. It is 50-50 for either side. Our target is to win the first game.
Goalkeeping coach Fred Kajoba in red top with three keepers L-R Benjamin Ochan, Watenga Ismail and Said Keni during training on Saturday evening
Uganda has failed to go past the group stage in the three previous editions in (2011, 2014, and 2016) but our first objective is to do better by reaching the knockout stage.
Ugandan MPs during training on Saturday
The second objective is to evaluate the players for the upcoming qualifiers of the Africa Cup of Nations to be played in September and October against Tanzania and Lesotho.
Follow my instructions-Sebastien tells his players
All the 32 matches will be broadcast live on 102.1 FUFA fm.
Official Hash tag: #TotalCHAN2018
MAIN PHOTO: Skipper Bernard Muwanga (L) and Uganda Cranes coach Sebastien Desabre during the official press conference
Uganda Cranes Fixtures at the Total 2018 CHAN Finals in Morocco-(Group B)
Uganda Cranes Fixtures at the (Group B)
All matches in Marrakech, UG time in Brackets
Uganda Vs Zambia –14th January 2018 7.30pm (10.30 pm)
Uganda Vs Namibia –18th January 2018 7.30pm (10.30 pm)
Uganda Vs Ivory Coast –22nd January 2018 7 pm (10 pm)
Head coach Sebastien Desabre led his players to Stade de Marrakech for the official training on Friday night under floodlights.
The magnificent stadium with a capacity of 45,240 fans will be host to all the Uganda Cranes three matches in Group B.
The official training session lasted Exactly one hour but there will be another one tomorrow at 6pm Local time (9pm EAST) at a venue to be allocated by the Local Organizing Committee.
All the 23 players were involved in the session monitored by the entire technical team.
‘We are ready for the tournament. The attitude showed during training is what we need on Sunday. Let’s not relax. We have an important match to start with and we must get good results’ Sebastien told his players after the training session.
At the end of the session the head coach took time off to take photos with his players.
Official press conference:
Meanwhile Uganda’s official press conference will be conducted at 11.30 am at the Media Conference room of the Stade de Marrakech.
MAIN PHOTO: Uganda Cranes Head coach Sebastien with L-R Paul Mucureezi, Timothy Awanyi, Joseph Nsubuga and Captain Bernard Muwanga after training on Friday
Uganda Cranes Fixtures at the Total 2018 CHAN Finals in Morocco-(Group B)
Uganda Cranes Fixtures at the (Group B)
All matches in Marrakech, UG time in Brackets
Uganda Vs Zambia –14th January 2018 7.30pm (10.30 pm)
Uganda Vs Namibia –18th January 2018 7.30pm (10.30 pm)
Uganda Vs Ivory Coast –22nd January 2018 7 pm (10 pm)
Uganda will open its campaign at the Total 2018 CHAN Finals against Zambia on Sunday.
The final 23 players were named on Tuesday after the build-up match against Congo in Rabat.
‘I am happy with the positive attitude shown during this period we have been in camp. The players and staff have been immense. Team work will be key when we arrive in Marrakech’ said Uganda Cranes coach Sebastien after the morning training session on Thursday at the FUS Rabat grounds.
‘It is a good team and we expect them to make Ugandan fans happy by getting good results on the pitch’ added Sebastien.
Isaac Muleme who is at his 3rd Successive CHAN Finals is optimistic of good results.
‘We have been facilitated well and all is fine in camp. The players are raring to go We have learnt a lot of things under the new coach and we expect to make a difference on the pitch’
Uganda Cranes to set foot in Marrakech on Thursday
The Uganda Cranes Contingent will leave Rabat for Marrakech today.
The team has been in Rabat for residential camp acclimatizing with the weather ahead of the kickoff of the championship.
Uganda is in Group B alongside Zambia, Ivory Coast and Namibia.
On Wednesday, Head coach Sebastien Desabre rested all the 11 players who started the game against Congo but the rest of the squad players were involved in training at the FUS Rabat grounds later in the evening.
Thursday’s training was conducted at 9am Local time (Midday in Uganda).
The team will travel to Marrakech at 2pm.
MAIN PHOTO: Saddam Juma, Mutyaba Muzamiru and Timothy Awanyi after today’s training.
Uganda Cranes Fixtures at the Total 2018 CHAN Finals in Morocco-(Group B)
Uganda Cranes Fixtures at the (Group B)
All matches in Marrakech, UG time in Brackets
Uganda Vs Zambia –14th January 2018 7.30pm (10.30 pm)
Uganda Vs Namibia –18th January 2018 7.30pm (10.30 pm)
Uganda Vs Ivory Coast –22nd January 2018 7 pm (10 pm)
The final squad for Uganda Cranes at this year’s CHAN Finals in Morocco has been named by Head coach Sebastien Desabre.
After two build up matches against Guinea (1-1) and Congo, The French man was in position to check on the players who were in camp and come up with the final list.
Uganda is in the same group with Zambia, Ivory Coast and Namibia in the CHAN Finals that starts on 12th January.
Final Squad: Watenga Isma, Ochan Benjamin and Saidi Keni, Nico Wakiro Wadada, Joseph Nsubuga, Awanyi Timothy, Mustapha Mujuzi, Muwanga Bernard, Muleme Isaac, Madoi Aggrey, Karisa Milton, Paul Mucureezi, Kyambadde Allan, Batte Seif, Senfuka Rahmat, Lwanga Taddeo, Kasule Abubaker, Waisswa Moses, Saddam Juma, Mutyaba Muzamir, Shaban Muhammad, Nsibambi Derrick, Senkatuka Nelson.
Two players Tom Masiko and Mustapha Kizza will return home from camp where they have been with the team in Rabat since last Thursday.
MAIN PHOTO: Uganda Cranes Head coach Sebastien Desabre
Uganda Cranes kicked off its preparation for the Total 2018 CHAN Finals with a 1-1 draw against West African side Guinea in a match played at the FUS Stade Molay E Hassan Stadium.
The weather wasn’t the friendliest on the evening for a 6pm kick off time (9pm in Uganda) on day that was punctuated by heavy rains right from 5am in the morning. However there were no rains during the game but the biting cold was a menace though the players put on a spirited show to earn a draw.
Uganda Cranes Starting XI vs Guinea on Saturday in Rabat
Head coach Sebastien Desabre used the chance to assess his players further before he names his final 23 man squad for the CHAN Finals. He has one more practice game against Congo on Tuesday still in Rabat before travelling to Marakesh.
With Ismail Watenga set to miss out the opening fixture against Zambia, KCCA FC shot stopper Benjamin Ochan’s experience will come in handy for the team. He started and played the entire game.
Nicholas Wadada, Isaac Muleme, Timothy Awanyi and skipper Bernard Muwang were in charge of the back four. Taddeo Lwanga, Moses Waiswa, Milton Karisa, Saddam Juma, Allan Kyambadde and Derrick Nsibambi are the other players who completed the starting line-up.
There were early exchanges of short crisp passing of the ball involving Saddam, Kyambadde and Lwanga which resulted in a free kick after Nsibambi was fouled. The resultant free kick never yielded any result as Saddam kicked it in a forest of defenders.
Karisa forced goalkeeper Abdoulaye Kante to parry his shot over the bar but there two moments where Guinea could have taken the lead only to be saved by both the post and cross bar in a space of one minute all in the second half.
Second half substitutes Shaban Muhammad, Senkatuka and Paul Mucureezi never gave Guinean backline any chance to rest. Their sheer speed and skill resulted into a goal for Nelson to tap in Mucureezi’s assist.
Mucureezi (with ball) provided the assist for Nelson Senkatuka to score the equaliser
Guinea’s goal was scored by Camara Saidouba Bissiri.
In brackets players who came on. Subs made: Waiswa (Rahmat Senfuka), Karisa (Muhammad Shaban), Saddam (Muzamiru Mutyaba), Taddeo (Kasule), Nsibambi (Nelson)
Only Masiko Tom and Mustpha Kizza watched from the stands.
Head Coach Sebastien Desabre
‘We had two good chances in the first half where we enjoyed possession. Our second half wasn’t the best in the opening 20 minutes but we changed the strategy and system to 4-4-2. From then on the game was so open to both sides. I liked the attitude, mentality and character of the team. This game has given me chance assess players further which allows me to make a choice on the squad and line up’
Captain- Bernard Muwanga
‘It has been good game despite missing out on a win. We have learnt a lot but my department needs to be alert in the next game to avoid conceding. Today’s game has helped us learn a lot as we have targets for CHAN Finals’
Goal scorer-Nelson Senkatuka
‘It is good to score. We were a better side in the first half. The boys enjoyed the strategy passed to them by the coach. I think we could have won the game if it has stayed 0-0. It wasn’t an easy match as we conceded a sloppy goal’
