FUFA: Federation of Uganda Football Associations

Category: Uganda Cranes

  • We are on the right track after 2017 AFCON- Micho

    We are on the right track after 2017 AFCON- Micho

    The National Team Coach Sredejovic ‘Micho’  Milutin talked of team’s experience at AFCON 2017 at the Press conference held at FUFA House in Mengo on Wednesday .

    After qualifying, the team had a mission ahead of scorings a goal, getting a point and winning a game in the competition.

    ‘Though the team had a mission, lack of experience and naivety cost us a lot’ said Micho

    Micho added that the three competitive matches played by the Cranes were such a good lesson which requires plenty of tuition to pay for.

    Micho added that Uganda was eliminated from the competitions at the group stages in a way far from where the team wanted to be but firmly on the road to take Ugandan football to the place desired to be.

    Micho further talked of the upcoming competitions which Uganda needs to prepare for-AFCON 2019, FIFA Russia 2018 World Cup and CHAN qualifiers.

    ‘This year we have CHAN 2018 qualifiers which is a chance to develop players who will engage in the Project Cameroon 2019 and Russia 2018 World Cup’ added Micho

    He further said that Uganda is looking forward to prepare for CHAN and qualify for the 3rd consecutive time from where a couple of players will be promoted to the senior side.

    Talking of the Ugandan clubs involved in CAF Competitions, the Serbian tactician said that they will give full support in a bid to see them reach the group stages to match with the National team.

    ‘Uganda will utilize the FIFA days for two friendly matches where new faces will appear and checked, retaining those who would have performed and others giving way’

    Micho alos displelled rumours about his future saying that he still has a binding contract to honour with FUFA.

    Micho concluded his speech by thanking every Ugandan from the President to the new born Ugandan for the unconditional love to the National team.

    MAIN PHOTO: Uganda Cranes coach Milutin Sredojevic (M) during the pres conference on Wednesday at FUFA House. FUFA President Eng. Moses Magogo (L) and Rogers Byamukama (R) also attended.

  • Post 2017 AFCON Press Conference: FUFA President Eng. Magogo addresses media

    Post 2017 AFCON Press Conference: FUFA President Eng. Magogo addresses media

    FUFA President Eng. Moses Magogo adressed the media today at FUFA House in Mengo. In his speech fufa.co.ug captured some of the excerpts and also gives you the full text. The FUFA President appreciated efforts from various people as below;

    • HE the President of the Republic of Uganda Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, The Hon Minister of Education and Sports Mama Janet Museveni for the moral and financial support to FUFA. We couldn’t achieved anything without this support.
    • The Right Honourable Speaker, Mama Rebecca Kadaga and the entire Parliament of Uganda for the recognition, attendance and financial Support.
    • The Minister of State for Sports, the Department of Sports and NCS tirelessly worked with us in this campaign and together we gained a lot of experience. I recognize all the support we received from various government institutions and staff in particular State House, the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Education and Sports.
    • The FIFA President, FIFA, CAF President and CAF for financial and organizational support we recieved
    • The FUFA Executive Committee, the FUFA Delegates, the FUFA Staff, the Club Chairmen, the Referees, the Coaches, the Clubs, UPL board and Staff, and the entire football internal stakeholders who supported the plans and programmes.
    • The Technical Team of the Uganda Cranes headed by Coach Milutin Sredojevic and the gallant players for the fight in the qualifiers and final tournament.
    • Airtel the Official Sponsors of the Uganda Cranes, Nile Special, BIDCO, NIC, ECOBANK, AZAM, COCA COLA and all other clubs and football sponsors.
    • The Media for the role of the 4th The positive criticism helped us improve; the unjustified propaganda motivated us to work harder. In general there was a huge improvement in the support we got from the media compared to the previous campaigns. Many of you have covered your first ever AFCON finals and you must have learnt a lot more just like us.
    • Ugandans and those who support Uganda for the love. Starting from those who watch the league matches at all levels to those who come to Namboole. FUFA highly appreciates the fans that travelled to Gabon and also those who remained home and followed us on TV. I will never forget 2 emotional moments in our engagement with the fans; In Abu Dhabi where Ugandans lay in the way of the bus carrying the team to stadium for the match against Slovakia and when we got out in Entebbe on returned and found thousands of fans waiting in the middle of the night for the team that had not progressed beyond the group stage. I thank all those fans whom we find us and they congratulate us because they indeed appreciate the work in progress. Radio Simba did a wonderful job in mobilizing the fans that turned up on Friday when the team returned home from Gabon.
    • FUFA President also talked about the possibility of hosting the 2025 AFCON finals but that would need alot of support and green light from Government.

    Full speech by FUFA President FUFA President Post AFCON

    MAIN PHOTO: L-R Communications Manager Ahmed Hussein, FUFA President Eng. Moses Magogo, Cranes coach Micho and Executive Ciommmittee member Rogers Byamukama during the weekly press conference onWednesday at FUFA House. 

  • Ugandan Referees assigned for CAF Champions League Duties.

    Ugandan Referees assigned for CAF Champions League Duties.

    The Confederation of African Football has appointed Uganda referees to officiate  CAF Champions Leagues  games  between Ziammoto FC (Zanzibar) Vs Club Ferroviaria da Beira (Mozambique)  plus Tanzania’s  giant Yanga FC battling Comoros’ Ngaya Club De Mde.

    Mashood Ssali will be the center referee for the as Zinzibar’s  Zimamoto host  Club Ferroviara da Beira from Mozambique being assisted by Hussein Bugembe and Musa Balikowa Ngobi as Chelegat Ali Sabila will be the 4th official of the game on the 2nd of February 2017.

    While the game between  beween Yanga and Ngaya Club De Mde will be officiated by Alex Muhambi as the center referee assisted by Ronald Katenya and Lee Okello with Brian Nsubuga Miiro as the 4th official on on day 17th -19th weekend of February 2017.

  • Pictorial: Uganda Cranes treated to a heroes’ welcome from Total 2017 AFCON finals in Gabon

    Pictorial: Uganda Cranes treated to a heroes’ welcome from Total 2017 AFCON finals in Gabon

    The Uganda Cranes contingent of players and officials was treated to a heroes’ welcome from the Total Africa Cup of Nations finals in Gabon.

    Some of the players as they returned home at Entebbe International Airport

    The team left Gabon at 2 p.m (4 p.m in Uganda) with a stop over in Addis Ababa before embarking on the final journey home.

    They were received by a good number of fans who carried placards with different welcome messages and images for each of the 23 man squad and officials on the team.

    FUFA President, Eng. Moses Magogo led the delegation to Gabon
    Some of the waiting fans
    FUFA Finance Director Decolas Kiiza, National teams officer Patrick Ntege Kaweesa joined by the Uganda Cranes players at the team arrival in Entebbe
    The excited fans at the Entebbe Airport

    FUFA has communicated an official press conference specifically for the AFCON tournament this Wednesday at FUFA House in Mengo.

  • 2017 AFCON: FUFA to hold post tournament press conference on Wednesday

    2017 AFCON: FUFA to hold post tournament press conference on Wednesday

    FUFA has confirmed that a press conference will be held on Wednesday 1st February 2017 at FUFA House in Mengo in relation to the 2017 AFCON in Gabon.

    Uganda Cranes returned home on Friday morning after taking part in the AFCON finals for the first time in 39 years.

    ‘The press conference will handle all matters about the Uganda Cranes participation in the AFCON finals and the future plans’ said FUFA Communications Manager Ahmed Hussein

    FUFA President Eng. Moses Magogo and Uganda Cranes coach Milutin Sredojevic will address the media on that day.

  • Miya named man of the match as Uganda draws with Mali

    Miya named man of the match as Uganda draws with Mali

    AFCON 2017 (Group D) – Final Matches:

    Uganda 1-1 Mali – Played at Stade D’Oyem

    Egypt 1-0 Ghana – Played at Stade De Port Gentil

    Mali and Uganda drew 1-1 Wednesday on a rain-drenched Oyem pitch to exit the Africa Cup of Nations after disappointing Group D campaigns. Uganda had already been eliminated and Mali needed to win and hope Egypt lost to Ghana to have a chance of sneaking through as runners-up.
    But record seven-time champions Egypt won 1-0 in Port-Gentil to top the final standings with seven points and Ghana also progressed with six.

    Mali ended third with two points and Uganda, returning to the tournament after a 39-year absence, came last with a solitary point. Farouk Miya gave the Ugandan Cranes a 70th-minute lead in northern Gabon and Yves Bissouma equalized three minutes later.

    Faruku Miya in action

    A torrential pre-match downpour created puddles of water in some areas of the pitch. In such demanding conditions, teams often prefer a direct, long-ball approach, but the Malian Eagles and the Ugandan Cranes opted for a passing game.

    It delivered comical results at times as players from both teams overran a ball that got stuck in the heavy pitch.

    Genuine scoring chances were scarce with Mali captain Yacouba Sylla coming as close as anyone to breaking the opening-half deadlock.

    Impressive winger Bissouma pushed the ball into the area just outside the box and Sylla unleashed a shot that was just too high.

    Uganda Cranes fans in the terraces at Stade D’Oyem

    After having a 69th-minute goal correctly disallowed with two players clearly offside, Uganda went ahead almost immediately after.

    Belgium-based teenager Miya latched on to the ball outside the box and gave goalkeeper Oumar Sissoko no chance with a stinging shot.

    Mali levelled when Bissouma slammed a medium-range free-kick in front of goal past a poorly organised defensive wall and wide of goalkeeper Robert Odongkara.

    The first competitive match between the countries took place in a 20,000-seat stadium built for the tournament outside the town of Oyem.

    Readying a venue surrounded by a huge rain forest was a close call with workers applying the finishing touches just hours before the first matches last week.

    Like the other three Cup of Nations venues in Gabon, the Oyem pitch has come under fire from coaches.

    Tournament officials showed little sympathy, however, with one telling Ivory Coast handler Michel Dussuyer “you have played on worse elsewhere”.

    CAF committee member and former Senegal striker Khalilou Fadiga was equally unmoved by complaints.

    Technical team singing the national anthem

    “Let the players not expect the pitches in Africa to be like those in Europe,” he said.

    Faruku Miya recieves his man of the match award

    Uganda Cranes contingent will return home on Friday morning at 1.40am aboard Ethiopian airlines.

    Story credit: Cafonline.com

  • Total 2017 AFCON: Uganda Cranes XI vs Mali

    Total 2017 AFCON: Uganda Cranes XI vs Mali

    AFCON 2017 (Group D) Final Matches:

    Uganda Vs Mali – Stade D’ Oyem

    Ghana Vs Egypt – Port Gentil

    Team line ups:

    Uganda Cranes XI: Dennis Odongkara, Dennis Iguma, Godfrey ‘Jajja Walu’ Walusimbi, Hassan Wasswa Mawanda, Murushid Jjuuko, Geofrey ‘Baba’ Kizito, Khalid Aucho, Moses Oloya, William Luwaga Kizito, Faruku Miya and Joseph Ochaya.

    Subs:

    Salim Omar Magoola (G.K), Tonny Mawejje, Junior Yunus Sentamu, Geofrey Massa, Nico Wakiro Wadada, Isaac Isinde, Muhammad Shaban, Shafik Batambuze, Michael Azira

    Injured: Denis Onyango (Goalkeeper) and Timothy Denis Awany

    Mali XI: Oumar Sissoko (G.K), Hamari Traore, Lassana Coulibaly, Yacouba Sylla (Captain), Moussa Marega, Moussa Doumbia, Molla Wague, Mamoutou N’diaye, Yves Bissouma, Mahamadou N’Diaye, Ousmane Coulibaly

    Subs:

    Youssouf Kone, Salif Coulibaly, Charles Blonda Dit Modibo Traore, Mustapha Yatabare, Kalifa Coulibaly, Sambou Yatabare, Mohammed Konate, Samba Sow (with yellow card warning)

    Injured: Bakary Sako, Soumaila Diakite, Djigui Diarra

  • TOTAL 2017 Africa Cup of Nations: Uganda Cranes official Portrait

    TOTAL 2017 Africa Cup of Nations: Uganda Cranes official Portrait

    UGANDA CRANES OFFICIAL DELEGATION AT THE 2017 TOTAL AFCON TOURNAMENT:

    Third Row (L-R): Timothy Denis Awany, Geofrey ‘Baba’ Kizito, William Luwagga Kizito, Muhammed Shaban, Dennis Iguma, Faruku Miya, Godfrey Walusimbi, Nico Wakiro Wadada, Michael Azira, Isaac Isinde and Hassan Wasswa Mawanda.

    Middle Row (L-R ): Ivan Ssewanyana, Murushid Jjuuko, Aucho Khalid, Moses Oloya, Geofrey Sserunkuma, Robert Odongkara, Salim Omar Magoola, Dennis Onyango, Shafiq Batambuze, Tonny Mawejje, Yunus Junior Sentamu, Joseph Ochaya and Saidi Lugolobi (Uganda National teams’ Kits Manager).

    First Row (L-R): Patrick Ntege (FUFA National teams’ manager), Chrispus Muyinda (Team manager), Fred Kajoba (Goalkeeping coach),, Milutin ‘Micho’ Sredejovic (Head coach), Eng. Moses Magogo (FUFA President and leader of delegation), Geofrey Massa (Team Captain), Rogers Byamukama (FUFA Executive Committee Member), Hamid Juma (Head of Technical and FUFA Executive Committee member), Ahmed Hussein (FUFA Communications Manager and the official media officer, Uganda Cranes at AFCON 2017) and Ronald Kisolo (Team Doctor)

    The Uganda Cranes qualified to play at the 2017 Total Africa Cup of Nations finals in Gabon after 39 years. This was after finishing second in the qualifiers behind Burkina Faso (completed among the two best runners up in the 13 groups alongside Togo).

    Uganda was pooled in group D at the finals alongside Egypt, Mali and Ghana.

    The team was based in Port Gentil city and was officially accommodated at Hotel Du Parc. The first two games against Ghana and Egypt were played at Stade De Port Gentil.

    The last group game will be held at Stade D’Oyem, a great stadium that is situated over 400KM away from the Gabonese capital city, Libreville.

    MUJJE TULUMBE. PROJECT CAMEROON 2019

    PHOTO CREDITS: FUFA Communications Department

  • Pictorial: Uganda Cranes conduct training session ahead of Mali clash

    Pictorial: Uganda Cranes conduct training session ahead of Mali clash

    The Uganda Cranes team conducted their opening session on Monday evening  ahead of the final group D encounter against Mali at Stade  Oyem.

    The training took place at Stade Bitam a 5 minute drive from the team hotel but the match on Wednesday will be played at Stade Oyem about 75 KM from where the team is accommodated at Benedicta Hotel in Bitam.

    www.fufa.co.ug brings you the pictorial.

    Uganda Cranes players fight for possession
    Goalie Odongkara with the ball
    Shafiq Batambuze fights for possession with Luwagga William

    On Wednesday, Uganda – Mali game will take place at the same time Ghana will be facing Egypt in Port Gentil.

    Young striker Muhammed Shaban in action

    Uganda fell 1-0 apiece to Ghana and Egypt in the opening two matches.

    L-R: FUFA Marketing Director Esther Musoke, FUFA President Eng Moses Magogo and Communications Manager Ahmed Hussein
  • Total Africa Cup of Nations 2017: Pre-match press conference – Uganda Cranes eye maximum points from last game

    Total Africa Cup of Nations 2017: Pre-match press conference – Uganda Cranes eye maximum points from last game

    L-R: Dr Ronald Kisolo, FUFA Executive Committee member Rogers Byamukama, Team manager Chrispus Muyinda and skipper Geofrey Massa

    After arriving safely in Oyem City from Port Gentil on Sunday, the Uganda Cranes is set to face Mali on Wednesday.

    The team officials (manager Chrispus Muyinda, team doctor Ronald Kisolo), head coach Milutin Sredojevic and the captain, Geofrey Massa addressed the media on Monday.

    This was during the official pre-match press conference and the match coordination meeting held at Stade De Oyem about 75 KM from the team hotel, Hotel Benedicto, located in Bitam town.

    L-R: Coach Micho, Ahmed Hussein and Team captain, Geofrey Massa

    Media officer Ahmed Hussein, coach Micho and Geofrey Massa addressed the media and expressed their willingness to fight for the maximum points come Wednesday.

    Uganda Cranes team manager Chrispus Muyinda and the team captain Geofrey Massa after the press conference at stade De Oyem

    Geofrey Massa:

    We are disappointed that we didn’t get points from the games against Ghana and Egypt but the boys will not give up on Wednesday. We want to win.

    We shall be hungry for three points. Expect big performance from the players.

    Coach Micho:

    This was another tough group of teams Ghana, Mali and Egypt with rich history in African football.

    I’m proud of the players led by Massa. They carried the Ugandan flag high. Mali will feel the heat on Wednesday.

    Millions of fans back home will follow the match on Wednesday. We want to give our best and make them happy.

     One moment can decide very many things in football. Ghana and Egypt have the potential to go further in the AFCON tournament. 

    I’m fully focused on the 90 minutes ahead of us. There is a world cup dream. Two matches coming up at Namboole Stadium in Kampala.

    I have a contract until 2018. I’m fully focussed on Uganda Cranes. FUFA are doing a good job with my contract.

    The match co-ordination team was ably represented by the FUFA Executive committee member Rogers Byamukama, Team doctor Ronald Kisolo and  the team manager, Chrispus Muyinda.

  • Total Africa Cup of Nations: Hard fighting Uganda Cranes in slim loss to Egypt

    Total Africa Cup of Nations: Hard fighting Uganda Cranes in slim loss to Egypt

    Saturday January 21, 2017

    Egypt 1-0 Uganda

    Uganda Cranes lost narrowly to Egypt 1-0 in the second group D match at the 2017 AFCON tournament.

    The Egyptians required a late winner, two minutes from full time much to the disappointment of the Cranes who had staged a gallant fight throughout.

    The match was played at Stade De Port Gentil on Saturday night as cheered by a great passionate crowd who traveled all the way to Gabon.

    Tonny Mawejje was mercurial against Egypt

    Head coach Milutin ‘Micho’ Sredojevic called for three changes from the side that played Ghana in the opener.

    Aucho Khalid, Godfrey Walusimbi and Murushid Jjuuko started in a game Uganda needed to win to keep hopes of a quarter final slot alive.

    Khalid Aucho was at his best against Arsenal’s Elneny in the match against Egypt
    Uganda Cranes captain, Geofrey Massa in action

    Senegalese referee, Malang Diédhiou was in charge of the match where the Cranes also proved they are force on the African continent.

    Dennis Onyango, Hassan Wasswa Mawanda, the returning Murushid Jjuuko, Joseph Ochaya, Faruku Miya and Godfrey Walusimbi were particularly impressive.

    There were changes when teenager Muhammed Shaban replaced historic captain Geofrey Massa, Nico Wadada came in for Miya and a  late replacement when Moses Oloya came in for Dennis Iguma.

    Uganda Cranes fans passionately cheered the team from start to finish. They were later joined by Mali and Tunisia fans
    The FUFA President, Eng. Moses Magogo was joined by FUFA Executive committee members Hamid Juma and Rogers Byamukama, the FUFA publicist Ahmed Hussein in the stands at Port Gentil. There are quite a number of other FUFA others
    Uganda Cranes technical bench and substitute players passionately singing the national anthem
    Uganda Cranes substitute players

    Micho believes it is not the end of the road for Uganda.

    “We have learnt a lot from this experience. All the games played at 2017 AFCON continue to make us a better brand” Micho told the post match press conference.

    The team flew to Oyem on Sunday morning where they are now camped until Wednesday set for the last match against Mali.

    Uganda Cranes XI:

    Dennis Onyango (GK), Dennis Iguma, Godfrey Walusimbi, Hassan Wasswa Mawanda, Murushid Juuko, Khalid Aucho, Geofrey ‘Baba’ Kizito, Tonny Mawejje, Faruku Miya, Geofrey Massa (Capt), Joseph Ochaya

  • Total Africa Cup of Nations: Uganda Cranes XI vs. Egypt

    Total Africa Cup of Nations: Uganda Cranes XI vs. Egypt

    Saturday January 21, 2017

    Egypt Vs Uganda – Stade de Port Gentil @ 8pm (Local Time) 10pm (EAT)

    Live on 102.1 FUFA f.m and FUFA official facebook page and twitter handle

    Uganda Cranes starting line up against Egypt has three changes from the one which played against Ghana last Tuesday.

    Aucho Khalid, Godfrey Walusimbi and Murushid Jjuuko start in a game Uganda needs to win to keep hopes of a quarter final slot alive.

    Senegalese referee, Malang Diédhiou is in charge.

    Uganda Cranes XI:

    Dennis Onyango (GK), Dennis Iguma, Godfrey Walusimbi, Hassan Wasswa Mawanda, Murushid Juuko, Khalid Aucho, Geofrey ‘Baba’ Kizito, Tonny Mawejje, Faruku Miya, Geofrey Massa (Capt), Joseph Ochaya

  • AFCON 2017: Speaker of Parliament to visit Uganda Cranes camp

    AFCON 2017: Speaker of Parliament to visit Uganda Cranes camp

    The Speaker of Parliament Hon. Rebecca Kadaga is in Gabon ahead of Uganda Cranes match against Egypt at Port Gentil on  Saturday night.

    She arrived at the Leon Mba International Airport in Libreville on Friday evening.

    ‘We expect the Speaker to fly to Port Gentil on Saturday morning where she will meet the players and other team officials’ Ahmed Hussein, the FUFA spokesman confirmed the visit.

    ‘The Speaker is an ardent follower and lover of football-especially Uganda Cranes. She rallied behind the team when prepapring for the final qualification game against Comoros in 2016 and the team won’ added Hussein.

    ‘She will also talk to the players and officials with a word of inspiration or two’.

    Uganda takes on Egypt on Saturday night in a group D match.

  • CAF B coaching course set to climax this Sunday

    CAF B coaching course set to climax this Sunday

    The two week Confederation of African Football (CAF) coaching course that kicked off at Fufa Technical centre in Njeru on Monday 9th January and stretches up to Sunday 12th January 2017 will climax on Sunday

    49 coaches from the super division clubs and some from other National Football Teams are attending the course supervised by Sunday Kayuni, a CAF instructor from Tanzania.

    The participants are being taken through different coaching course units including

    The Theory of coaching methods; practical, physical preparation for teams in realistic activity; the theory and practice of defensive play; defending in a game situation; attacking and defending at set plays, corners and throw ins; playing in the final third of the field; systems of play – which was a power point presentation; process of team selection and communication with players on the bench during a game and practical sessions relating to retaining shape (defensively) and value of mobility in attack.

    Also in Modern trends in football, Planning and pre-season preparation, System Development and Evaluation, Ball possession and communication, Game reading and Match Analysis among others.

    One of the participating coaches, Golola of Club Vipers is thrilled with the course modules and he hopes this will help him know deeply about the game.

    “I want to first thank CAF and FUFA for organizing for us this course because we have learnt a lot in these two weeks we have been here and I feel am now technically uplifted.”

    “We have now learnt new modern tactics that I feel will help us in developing good players for the future.” Remarked soft-spoken Golola.

    Course will climax on Sunday 22 and FUFA Vice President Justus Mugisha is expected to preside over at the closing ceremony

    The CAF Coaching course is aimed at helping to educate and equip coaches with new modern coaching knowledge at various levels at their work-places.

  • 2017 AFCON: Egypt vs Uganda; Pre-match press conference

    2017 AFCON: Egypt vs Uganda; Pre-match press conference

    Total 2017 AFCON-Group D

    Egypt vs Uganda 

    Stade Port Gentil

    10pm EAST (8pm in Gabon)

    Live on 102.1 FUFA fm

     

    Uganda Cranes head coach Milutin Sredojevic and regular player Hassan Wasswa Mawanda were at the official pre-match press conference ahead of tomorrow’s Total 2017 AFCON finals Group D match in Port Gentil.

    Egypt and Uganda will face on Saturday at 10pm (EAST, 8pm in Gabon).

    Prior to the press conference, both teams Uganda and Egypt had representatives at the mandatory coordination meeting in preparation for the game.

    Manager Chrispus Muyinda, Rogers Byamukama, Ahmed Hussein and Dr. Ronald Kisolo represented Uganda Cranes at the meeting.

    Uganda will wear White tops, black shorts and white socks. Uganda Cranes goalkeepers will put on all yellow.

    Egypt has confirmed to use red top, white, black socks with white strips while the keepers all Green.

    Press conference for Uganda Cranes

    Hassan Wasswa Mawanda

    ‘We are not under any pressure. We are here to enjoy the tournament, learn alot and get good results against all the teams we play against. Our net game will be very important to the entire team’ said Hassan Wasswa who represented the captain Geoffrey Massa.

    We know what the Egyptians can offer on the table. We have studied them for a long time and we are ready for the match’

    ‘Come tomorrow anyone who has done his homework well will win the game. We  have done ours and let us wait for the match against Egypt’

    ‘We came here to work and enjoy our football. We are taking each game at a time’

    Hassan Wasswa in Yellow during the press conference. On the left is CAF Media officer Ayishat.

    Milutin ‘Miccho’ Sredojevic-Head coach Uganda Cranes

    ‘We know the value of tomorrow’s match. We think out the fans back home in Uganda and how much joy we shall bring on their faces when we get a good result against Egypt’ said Micho.

    Micho at the press conference on Friday afternoon in Port Gentil.

    Uganda Cranes will hold the final training session later today at 7pm, Stade Sogara.

     

  • Total AFCON 2017: Juuko, Aucho will boost the team

    Total AFCON 2017: Juuko, Aucho will boost the team

    Uganda Cranes will have two more players available for selection as they head into the fixture against Egypt on Saturday at Stade Port Gentil in the ongoing Total AFCON 2017 finals in Gabon.

    Defender Murushid Juuko and midfielder Khalid Aucho missed the game against Ghana which Cranes lost 1-o. The due were serving suspension picked up from the qualification campaign.

    Juuko and Aucho trained on Wednesday at Stade Sogara and head coach Micho said he is happy to see the players back.

    ‘Let us plan accordingly following the availability of the two players. Juuko and Aucho will add value to the team. I will not face any headache in the team selection. We always need our best players all available for duty’ said Micho.

    Hassan Wasswa told www.fufa.co.ug that his fellow players are looking forward to the game against the Pharaohs

    ‘We are not under any pressure. We shall play to get better for results to keep us in the competition. The players are fired up as you evidenced in training’

    Uganda Cranes will return to training on Thursday afternoon at Stade Sogara starting 3.30pm. All Photos were taken from Wednesday’s training. 

  • Total 2017 AFCON: Ghana vs Uganda; Micho at the Post Match press conference

    Total 2017 AFCON: Ghana vs Uganda; Micho at the Post Match press conference

    Here are Milutin Sredojevic’s post match press conference quotes at Stade Port Gentil after Uganda Cranes  fell to Ghana on Tuesday 17th January, 2017

    ‘WE SHALL GIVE 200% AGAINST EGYPT ON SATURDAY’

    We have not been here for 39 years. In the first half, we had what I call stage fright.

    We committed a mistake that I cannot explain and Andrew Ayew scored from the penalty.

    At halftime, we needed to awaken the players so that they believe we can play in tournaments like this.

    We made a risk at the latter stages playing 3-2-5 but it didn’t work. I am very proud of my team and will not look for individual mistakes. My team has shown that we have the technical and physical ability but we still have to work more.

    We will play against giants Egypt and Mali and we will make sure to give 200% of our efforts.

    Micho at the post match press conference with Ghana coach Avram Grany

    We came with a mission to prove that we did not qualify by accident, and I believe we showed that.

    We showed that we can play even for more than 90 minutes.

    But sometimes there are some naive mistakes may be because of the pressure of being a goal down.

    I have learnt that at this level of competition we cannot make silly mistakes like what we have done and we will not do that against Egypt and Mali.

    We have done everything to get a good result and this has been a great lesson for my players.

    We showed that we are capable playing against the best in Africa.

    I congratulate Ghana who are always a top team in Africa. We will have two key players Murshid Juuko and Khalid Aucho back from suspension and I believe we shall get better against Egypt.

  • Total AFCON 2017 finals: Ghana defeats Uganda at Port Gentil

    Total AFCON 2017 finals: Ghana defeats Uganda at Port Gentil

    Full-Time: Ghana Black Stars 1-0 Uganda Cranes

    Uganda Cranes fell down 1-0 to Ghana Black Stars during the group D opener at Port Gentil stadium.

    Andre Ayew slotted home the lone strike of the day, a penalty in the 31st minute after a professional foul on Harrison Afful by defender Isaac Isinde.

    Isinde also received a booking for the foul.

    Isaac Isinde and Michael Azira combine forces to stop Jordan Ayew
    Christian Atsu of Ghana being closed down by Joseph Ochaya

    The Cranes created a couple of changes through Faruku Miya, who shot at the base of the post after a played through ball by William Luwagga Kizito.

    Team skipper Geofrey Massa, Miya and Mawejjje all had attempts narrowly missed.

    Wiliam Luwagga Kizito dribbles during the match

    Uganda played Gallantly but lost the battle upon return to the Africa Cup of Nations championship after a 39 year absence.

    The next game for Uganda will be on Saturday, 21st January 2017 against Egypt. On the same day, Ghana will return to action against Mali. Both matches will be played at Port Gentil Stadium.

    Goalkeeper Denis Onyango had a great day at office despite conceding a penalty

    Team line ups:

    Ghana XI: Braimah Razak (G.K), Abdul Rahman Baba, Harrison Afful, Daniel Amartey, John Boye, Mubarak Wakaso, Thomas Teye Partey, Jordan Pierre Ayew, Andre Ayew, Christian Atsu, Asamoah Gyan (Captain)

    Changes:

    37′ Frank Opoku Acheampong replaced Abdul Rahman Baba

    71′ Asamoah Gyan with Emmanuel Badu Agyeman replaced Asmoah Gyan

    83′ Afriye  Acquah replaced Andre Ayew

    Subs Not Used:

    Richard Ofori (G.K), Abdual Fatawu Dauda (G.K), Andrew Kyere Yiadom, Jonathan Mensah, Ebenezar Assifuah, Bernard Tekpetey, Edwin Gyimah, Samuel Tetteh

    Head coach: Abraham Grant (Israel)

    Uganda Cranes XI: Dennis Onyango, Dennis Iguma, Joseph Ochaya, Isaac Isinde, Hassan Wasswa Mawanda, Tonny Mawejje, Geofrey ‘Baba’ Kizito, Michael Azira, Faruku Miya, William Luwaga Kizito, Geoffrey Massa (Captain)

    Changes: 

    45′ Moses Oloya replaces Michael Azira

    59′ Muhammed Shaban replaced William Luwagga Kizito

    69′ Geofrey Sserunkuma replaced Isaac Isinde

    Subs Not Used:

    Robert Odongkara (G.K), Yunus Junior Sentamu, Nico Wadada Wakiro, Godfrey Walusimbi, Salim Omar Magoola (G.K), Timothy Dennis Awany, Shafiq Batambuze

    Not available: Khalid Aucho, Murushid Juuko

    Head coach: Milutin Sredojevic (Serbia)

    Match officials:

    Center Referee: Joshua Bondo (Botswana)

    1st Assistant Referee: Abdelhak Etchiali (Algeria)

    2nd Assistant Referee: Olivier Safari Kabene (Cote D’Ivoire)

    Uganda Cranes technical bench officials sing the national anthem ahead of kick off

    Follow key moments

    Kick off: 7 p.m East African time

    1′ Start of the game: Ghana 0-0 Uganda Cranes

    3′ Tonny Mawejje tests goalie Razak Brimah from about 20 yards on the left side of the playing field.

    10′ Ghana 0-0 Uganda

    17′ Corner for Ghana.

    20′ Ghana 0-0 Uganda

    27′ Ghana 0-0 Uganda

    31′ Goal for Ghana through Andre Ayew’s penalty.

    37′ Frank Opoku Acheampong replaced injured Abdul Rahman Baba.

    43′ Faruku Miya shot hits the lower post for Ghana. Chance missed for Uganda missed.

    HALF TIME: GHANA 1-0 UGANDA

    Second Half start: Ghana 1-0 Uganda. Change for Uganda. Moses Oloya comes in for Michael Azira

    59′ Muhammed Shaban replaces William Luwagga Kizito

    69′ Geofrey Sserunkuma replaces Isaac Isinde

    90′ Three minutes of added time

    Full-Time: GHANA BLACK STARS 1-0 UGANDA CRANES