The latest FIFA Rankings released on Thursday indicate Uganda Cranes is 73rd and the best in the entire CECAFA region.
The Rankings put Uganda on 488 points after two results played this month.
Uganda Cranes lost 1-0 to Zambia in the international friendly to Zambia and won by the same margin in the 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Congo Brazzaville.
Uganda Cranes head coach, Micho addresses the media at FUFA House on Wednesday
Kenya closely follows on 89th, Burundi is 133rd, Sudan is 140th, Rwanda at 101st, Sudan climbs 10 places to 140th, Tanzania (160th) and South Sudan also drops by two places to 169th.
Uganda’s 2017 AFCON opponents:
Egypt is 36th (719 points), Ghana Black Stars fall to 53rd with 611 points and Mali is 61st (569 points).
The next FIFA Rankings will be released on 22nd December 2016.
The National Football team Uganda Cranes rolled off preparations for Gabon with the first non residential training on Wednesday at Mandela National stadium.
The afternoon downpour interrupted the training session as only ten players attended.
‘We are no bothered by the turn up as the players had communicated to me. We shall have a full house for a practice match on Thursday’ said Cranes Head coach Milutin Sredojevci.
Uganda Cranes will play against The Saints at Nakivubo on Thursday and it will a behind the closed door training session.
Players who attended; Ismael Watenga (Goalkeeper), Nicholas Wadada, Halid Lwaliwa, Rashid Toha, Richard Kasagga, Hassan Wasswa, Ibrahim Sadam Juma, Keziron Kizito, Tonny Mawejje, Muhammad Shaban.
Pictures from today’s traning
This is the way- Micho shows his players Rashid Toha and Muhammad Shaban during training
Pix
Al the way from West Nile playing for Onduparaka FC- Shaban Muhammad on National team duty.
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This is how we do it. Micho passing on tips to his players on Wednesday at Namboole stadium.
Pix
L-R Toha Rashid, Keziron Kizito, Halid Lwaliwa, Saddam Juma
The Fountain of Honour of the Republic of Uganda, His Excellency President Yoweri Museveni Kaguta has fulfilled the promise made of paying the bonuses of all the Uganda Cranes players and officials who were part of the team that qualified for the 2017 AFCON finals in Gabon.
FUFA Communications Manager Ahmed Hussein confirmed the development to the media during the weekly press conference on Wednesday at FUFA House in Mengo.
‘We are in touch with State House over the transfer of the players and officials bonuses on to their accounts. Some players and officials have received their bonuses but we shall ascertain the exact details when the process is completed and release an official statement’ said Hussein.
‘FUFA is very grateful of the President’s generous heart of giving to sports and in particular to FUFA. The President has always supported our activities when approached and we are confident he do the same for the AFCON Finals as he promised when he hosted the Uganda Cranes at Luncheon in Entebbe at State House’ added Hussein.
Uganda Cranes Head coach who led the team to the dreamland after 39 years of waiting has already released the programme for the team that will see them camp in Tunisia and Dubai before flying to Gabon in 2017.
FUFA President Eng. Moses Magogo in a Blue suit hands over the portrait of Uganda Cranes XI to HE President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni and First Lady Janet Museveni that started against Comoros. Cranes beat Comoros 1-0 to qualify for the 2017 AFCON finals.
Uganda Cranes’ head coach, Milutin ‘Micho’ Sredejovic has released the detailed programme for the national team ahead of the AFCON 2017 finals in Gabon.
The detailed programme includes residential and non training, training camps and international friendly matches.
Flanked by the assistant coach Moses Basena, Ahmed Hussein (FUFA communications manager) and the deputy FUFA CEO, Humphrey Mandu, Micho boldly underlined utmost committment to the national team.
I have a life contract with Uganda. I am fully committed to my job as the Uganda Cranes head coach.
The programme to prepare the team for the AFCON finals in Gabon is comprehensive as we humbly appeal to the Government to come in with the timely financial support as promised by His Excellency the President of Uganda.
Coach Micho and his assistant Moses Basena during the press conference at Mengo on Wednesday
The coach appealed to the media to support the cause as the training starts with non-residential drills.
Meanwhile, 25 players start training on Wednesday evening at Nelson Mandela National Stadium.
Full Training Programme:
23rd – 25th November 2016 – Non-residential training for 25 players
26th November 2016 – Break for KCCA Vs Tusker International club friendly match
17th – 30th November 2016 – Training sessions
30th November 2016 – Provisional list of Uganda Cranes players for AFCON 2017
15th – 16th December 2016 – Non Residential training sessions
17th – 18th December 2016 – Total rest for the players
19th – 24th December 2016 – Residential training session
25th December 2016 – Christmas day (Rest)
26th December 2016 – Training resumes till 30th December 2016 in Kampala
29th December 2016 – Option for international friendly match
30th December 2016 – Team departure for Tunisia training camp
1st January 2017 – International friendly match against Libya
4th January 2017 – Uganda Cranes will play Tunisia
5th January 2017 – Traveling to Dubai camp (Al Wasl)
5th – 13th January 2017 – Dubai training camp with options of two international friendly matches between 8th and 11th November 2016
13th January 2017 – End of camp
14th January 2017 – Polishing aspect and traveling to Gabon
Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA) in conjunction with Ecobank have officially launched a special fundraising drive for the national team, Uganda Cranes.
Under the fundraising drive, 50 Uganda Cranes lucky fans will be transported to Gabon for an all-expenses paid for trip to watch the 2017 AFCON Finals. Uganda Cranes will be at the AFCON Finals for the first time in 39 years.
The launch took place at Nile Hall, Serena Hotel Kampala where the Ecobank Managing Director Clement Dodoo, Executive Director Annette Kihuguru were joined by the other staff from the bank.
L-R Ecobank Executive Director Anette Kihuguru, MD Clemente Dodoo, FUFA President Eng. Moses Magogo, VP Denis Mbidde, Hassan Wasswa (Uganda Cranes) player at the ceremony held in Serena.
The FUFA team was well represented by the President Eng. Moses Magogo, Vice President Dennis Mbidde, Executive Member Rogers Byamukama, FUFA Deputy CEO Humphrey Mandu,
FUFA Marketing Director Esther Musoke, Uganda Cranes head coach Milutin ‘Micho’ Sredejovic plus National team players Hassan Wasswa Mawanda and Nicholas Wadada.
The drive targets to raise Ug.shs 6 Billion to help assist the National team prepare for the 2017 AFCON finals in Gabon.
The fundraising campaign has a slogan “MUJJE TULUMBE GABON NALO NA KAJA” where fans have to donate money through the Ecobank branches across the country or via mobile money on 0701-224433.
Independent auditors BDO East Africa have been hired to ensure the drive is transparent and effective.
Uganda Cranes defender Nicholas Wadada leads by example as he contributes money at the collection center. The Ecobank staff, FUFA team and the media made an instant contribution.
“Let me first congratulate the Uganda Cranes for qualifying to the 2017 AFCON finals in Gabon. As a bank, we decided to corporate with FUFA because they proved they are very accountable and trustworthy. We believe in Pan Africanism. We shall be very transparent and we urge the public to contribute to this noble cause” Dodoo noted in his brief remarks.
Micho addresses the media and guests during the Press conference held on Tuesday at Serena Hotel in Kampala
“I was impressed on my first visit to FUFA House with the high levels of professionalism being exhibited in Mengo’ added Dodoo who hails from Ghana.
50 lucky fans will be rewarded with an all expense paid for trip to go and watch Uganda Cranes in Gabon come January 2017.
Ecobank MD Clemente Dodoo making his contribution towards the drive. He was followed by FUFA President Eng. Moses Magogo
A Sports editor at the Red Pepper George Katongole won himself a ticket to Gabon after answering correctly a question paused to all in the hall. he answered that Togo is the country where the headquarters of Ecobank are found in Africa.
Fans who contribute Ug.shs 10,000 or more automatically enter the draw that will be held weekly starting next week. Instant prizes will also be won. The account number to deposit on the money is 0069166105476001 under the names- FUFA- Uganda Cranes in all Ecobank branches in Uganda.
Dodoo in his speech praised FUFA for being a trustworthy institution.
“When we were asked to work with FUFA, there is no way we could hold back because they have proven themselves as a trustworthy institution with well audited and displayed books of accounts. We are also glad that the national team qualified for the AFCON 2016 finals in Gabon. Let us come together as a nation and support” Dodoo remarked.
The FUFA President, Eng. Moses Magogo appreciated Ecobank for the sponsorship and accepting to work with FUFA.
“Today, we have acquired yet another partner, Ecobank. This is true manifestation of the trust different institutions have developed with FUFA” Eng. Magogo stated.
The partnership thus makes Ecobank the official banking institution for FUFA.
Tuesday, 22nd November 2016 has once again been another landmark day in the history of Uganda’s football.
Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA) in conjunction with Eco Bank unveiled a sponsorship package worth Ug.shs 450M specifically for the Uganda Cranes.
The three year sponsorship comes in timely of the Uganda Cranes’ preparation for the 2017 finals in Gabon.
The well attended function at the Nile Hall, Serena Hotel in Kampala was graced by the FUFA President, Eng. Moses Magogo.
Eng. Magogo was joined by the Uganda Cranes head coach Milutin Sredejovic, players (Hassan Wasswa Mawanda and Nicholas Wadada), FUFA Vice President Dennis Mbidde, FUFA Executive Committee Member Rogers Byamukama, Deputy CEO Humphrey Mandu, FUFA Marketing director Esther Musoke, FUFA Communications manager, Ahmed Hussein, ECO Bank managing director, Clement Dodoo, Eco Bank Executive Director Annette Kihuguru, other staff from the bank and the media personnel.
Dodoo in his speech praised FUFA for the being a trustworthy institution.
“When we were asked to work with FUFA, there is no way we could hold back because they have proven themselves as a trustworthy institution with well audited and displayed books of accounts. We are also glad that the national team qualified for the AFCON 2016 finals in Gabon. Let us come together as a nation and support” Dodoo remarked.
The FUFA President, Eng. Moses Magogo appreciated Eco Bank for the sponsorship and accepting to work with FUFA.
“Today, we have acquired yet another partner, Eco Bank. This is true manifestation of the trust different institutions have developed with FUFA” Eng. Magogo stated.
Micho addresses the media and guests during the Press conference held on Tuesday at Serena Hotel in Kampala
Uganda Cranes head coach, Milutin ‘Micho’ Sredejovic voiced his happiness for the sponsorship to the national team in line with motivating the players ahead of the AFCON 2017 finals and future engagements.
This is a great gesture and the partnership with ECO Bank will drive the players an extra mile. We shall release the full details of the team’s preparations on Wednesday, 23rd November 2016
Hassan Wasswa Mawanda, who spoke on the behalf of the players echoed with confidence the potentiality and threat Uganda Cranes will pose at AFCON 2017 finals in Gabon.
We are very ready to fight for the nation. We are not underdogs. There we are ready to show our true character in Gabon
Nicholas Wadada leads by example as he contributes money at the collection center
Meanwhile, a fundraising drive where 50 Uganda Cranes fans will be transported to Gabon for an all-expenses paid for trip has been also launched.
The drive intends to raise Ug.shs 6 Billion to help assist the national team prepare for the 2017 AFCON finals in Gabon.
The fundraising campaign has a slogan “CRANES NALO NA KAJA” where fans have to donate money through the various collection centers across the country or via mobile money on 0701-224433.
50 lucky fans will be rewarded with an expense paid for trip to go and watch Uganda Cranes in Gabon come January 2017.
Eco Bank joins the ever swelling long list of FUFA sponsors and partners as Airtel Uganda Limited (the official Uganda Cranes sponsors), Nile Breweries Limited (official beer for the Uganda Cranes), Bidco Uganda Limited (official laundry partner) and National Insurance Corporation (NIC), the FUFA official insurance company.
One of FUFA’s 33 members- The Uganda Footballers Players’ Association (UFPA) held a press conference on Thursday morning at Jevine Hotel in Ndeeba to clear the air and also distance themselves from the barbaric acts of violence executed at the FUFA House on Monday that left the glass and security door to the main offices vandalized.
It was an act by some former players led by George Semwogerere, Philip Obwinyi, Polly Ouma, Dan Walusimbi, Issa Sekatawa, Mathias Kawesa, Qudus Elasu, Dan Mubiru, Obadiah Semakula and Nanik Muzamil.
They were violent as they also attacked one of the FUFA Secretariat staff Jimmy Ssebale.
While addressing the media, the Chief Executive Officer of the UFPA Paul Mutakabala denied allegations that the Monday incidents were organised by former footballers under their Association.
‘The Ex-internationals except for a few that were involved, had no involvement in those incidents and we believe violence is an enemy of football development in this country, UFPA would therefore like to let the football community in this country know that we are not a violent group nor are we against the current governing regime of Eng. Moses Magogo or the Uganda Cranes’ said Mukatabala
The press conference attended by several former footballers like goalkeeper Sam Kawalya said that it was an uncivilized act by a small segment of those targetig their own selfish interests.
‘We condemn the acts of violence caused by that so called pressure group. I said at the 92nd FUFA General Assembly in Luweero that footballers’ our work is just to play football and not to create wars. I therefore want to say that the so called pressure group wants to spoil our name as Ex-internationals and Ex-players. We therefore consider them as the worst enemy to the current rapid development of Ugandan football. They are trying to divert us from the right way’ noted Kawalya
Some of the Ex-internationals and Ex-players that attended the press conference;
Phillip Ssozi, Richard Malinga, Joseph Mutyaba, Edward Kalungi, Hakim Magumba, Lawrence Kizito, Hassan Mubiru, Ali Kayongo, Ali Kitenda, Ayub Balyejusa, Paul Ssali, Andy Lule, Muhamood Kateregga, Herbert Nsubuga, Patrick Ntege
MAIN PHOTO: UFPA at Jevine Hotel in Rubaga on Thursday at the Press conference
Uganda Cranes head coach Milutin ‘Micho’ Sredejovic strongly believes the national team has the potential to perform well at the 2017 AFCON finals in Gabon come January next year.
Micho was addressing the media on Wednesday during the weekly press conference at Mengo in Kampala;
Uganda Cranes head coach, Micho addresses the media at FUFA House on Wednesday
We are capable of getting results at the AFCON 2017 finals in Gabon. We have the belief.
We have taken care of every single detail from the match against Congo Brazzaville and we need to polish up finishing. I am very critical of the way we converted the chances created.
We played the best game tactically this year against Congo Brazzaville during the 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifier.
Winning the game against Botswana was the turning point in our AFCON 2017 journey. There are a number of plat forms – friendly matches, regional tours, AFCON qualifiers, CECAFA and CHAN 2016 in Rwanda that we used to prepare our players
Since May 2013 when i took over, we have played 72 times, 21 matches of these have been friendly matches. 27 won, 9 drawn and lost, which is 60 percent.
Micho addresses the media on Wednesday at the FUFA Weekly Press conference
Media Support:
Micho has asked the media to back the Uganda Cranes’ preparations leading to the AFCON finals and the World Cup 2018 qualifiers.
Preparations for the national team will soon get underway.
The Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA) President Eng. Moses Magogo has categorically condemned the acts of violence executed towards the FUFA House on Monday by some of the Ex-players.
The Ex-players vandalized the glass door of the main entrance leading to most offices at FUFA House in Mengo, Kampala as they attempted to forcefully ambush the Federation Headquarters.
FUF President Eng. Moses Magogo’s full speech at the weekly Press Conference at FUFA House on Wednesday;
I am here to address the media concerning the unfortunate incident that happened on Monday when FUFA house was attacked by some of the Ex-international football players.
FUFA, you must appreciate that it is composed by 33 Member Associations who are not individuals but groups.
Of the 33 members, we have 16 clubs in the Azam Uganda Premier League, 8 FUFA Regions, 7 special interest groups, the FUFA Big league and the FUFA Women Elite League.
Some times that point gets lost when people look at me, Edgar or Hussein as FUFA.
We are managed by a Constitution and the elections are organized every after four years by the Supreme body called the General Assembly where these members send their Delegates and this is the supreme body which takes decisions on behalf of the members.
The Executive Committee implements these decisions through the Secretariat headed by the CEO and that is FUFA.
Football worldwide brings together the people who are active in the game and any game of football to happen you need players to play, referees to officiate, coaches, administrators and sometimes Doctors.
That’s how the game of football happens , without them football can’t happen.
Therefore, to create a product called football, all these people must go to the kitchen to cook and come out.
Football worldwide has been to organised to be a combination of active persons in the game of football.
FUFA President Eng. Moses Magogo at the weekly Press Conference in Mengo on Wednesday
If you look at the 33 members which are open for anyone to join are strictly active in the game of football. If any of these members
become inactive, automatically they lose their membership with FUFA. The association to come to FUFA is about being active
and bring something to the table.
The game has also moved on and the number of things has come up that people must come to terms with. Many people have contributed to the game of football since 1924 as players, referees and officials and have invested personal resources into creating this product.
Therefore if they are talking about the past we must include very body who has contributed to the development of football.
It was an unfortunate incident that happened when some of the former football players took it upon themselves to unlawfully invade the premises of the Federation.
FUFA condemns the incident and we believe it is not required in modern times.
There are a number of people and some of the issues we have heard and I thought this was very important to bring to the attention of the country that the game has moved on to use professionals in terms of executions and the politicians do the decisions and the staff does the implementation.
Having played football only gives you as an added advantage.
Today, we have Mr Samuel Egesa as the FUFA Referees’ Manager but he is a manager because of his other skills that he had acquired in that office and being a referee is an added advantage.
It is also important to bring to the attention of the public that as the Federation we have had a policy to try as much as possible to absorb former players and now we have over 15 former players within the management of the game of football.
We have Edgar Watson, the CEO is a former player and captain of the National team and composition plays a key role in the game of football.
Humphrey Mandu-the Deputy CEO former Posta FC and National U-23 player, Asumani Lubowa the FUFA Technical Director , Jackson Nyiima the FUFA Education Officer, Patrick Ntege – the National Teams’ Officer, Hadija Namuyanja, Coaches Moses Basena, Fred Kajoba, Kefa Kisala, Majidah Nantanda at the National team level
The FUFA Technical Committee has David Lumansi, Livingstone Kyambadde and Paul Ssali all who are former players.
We cannot have a collection of only former players because certain functions are technical and need technocrats with skills and expertise.
At the level of Executive we have a number of former players including the President while some have contributed constantly like Justus Mugisha the 1st FUFA VP who owns Standard High School, Zana which has generated players to the National team like Hassan Wasswa, Vincent Kayizzi, Patrick Ochan, Brian Majwega, Mike Mutyaba have all gone through that School.
The 2nd VP Darius Mugoye and some Executive Committee members have used personal money to support football at the grassroots level.
These people are contributing to the game of football using their own money and the game needs the money. We cannot have the product without such people.
Many other people inject their own money into clubs playing football at various levels.
We need everybody in the game of football and everybody is as important to the product and we should condemn the act that some people feel they are more important that others yet the product can not move on e without the others contribution .
A Mercedes Benz with the best engine cannot move to Jinja without wipers on a rainy day.
This country is managed under laws and therefore we expect everybody who is thinking that he has been disadvantaged and some of the names mentioned in this have not been banned from football Their actions qualifies them to be banned from football.
Everybody is free to join any association and make contribution to the game of football like Coaches, players and Referees’ Associations.
No one can enter FUFA as an individual and I am sure no association closes out anyone.
Therefore I would like these people to join their associations so that they can contribute to the game of football. The game picks up any who has made a contribution.
All of us did not start as Presidents. We started by contributing as players, administrators and finally found our way.
We shall not stop hiring professionals to develop the game of football.
It is very unfortunate that some of the names into these actions on Monday were great players who earned a lot of money when they were playing and never invested properly.
In life, anyone who fails to invest while still working, the day you stop working you will not go back to where you were working to look after you.
When you are making money invest for tomorrow when not making money.
People played for the national team but there were also levels above the national team that they would have become professionals and the biggest players in the world.
We can only use this incidence as educational material because we collected photos and videos that we shall use while teaching players and young ones not to act like the individuals who attacked FUFA House on Monday.
Look at the situation where the all of Africa is celebrating Ugandan football and asking what we have done to reach that level.
The State has started recognizing football and the NRM government has been here since 1986. Why is it right now it’s recognizing football.
We believe as football we have done certain things to call the attention and thus has been the sweat of the coaches, administrators and players across the whole country.
Football is also putting our country on the world map because international news agencies like BBC, Aljazeera, CNN are talking about Uganda after qualifying for AFCON 2017 finals in Gabon and superb performance in the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia Qualifiers.
On Saturday we won our game against Congo Brazzaville and the whole world is still watching and then on Monday some individuals come and break glass door which costs some dollars 1000 dollars or less but the dent that it gives our country internationally is non-quantifiable.
The amount of energy given in by the players and coaches and everybody else is being brought down by in a single barbaric act with no popular deal but simply because some one says ‘I as a person I have not been looked after yet I played football’.
Right now football in Uganda is at its best ever it has been in-terms of organisation, systems, plans, programmes ,women football, Youth football, life come-back to the league and the performance of the National team.
A combination of all these things happening is not by accident but because we have invested time and attention. Therefore when one comes out and says football is in a mess because “I as an individual I haven’t been catered for yet I played football” is not serious.
This is unfortunate and unfair to a group of people who contribute to the game of football through their work and sweat.
I would like to assure the public that as a Federation we know where we are coming from and going and we shall not allow these acts to continue.
We shall pursue these individuals using the laws of this country because vandalism, tresspass, assault and destruction of our image which has cost us a lot of time and money to repair cannot be accepted.
We have ignored this group and people for a long time in the interest of brotherhood because they played football.
However actions that take us backwards, we have ignored but as we speak we shall take on these people legally. Let the law take its course.
We told them that the day they will have an effect on the Federation, we would take them on and definitely this is the moment .We will take on these people according to the laws of the country.
Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA) has partnered with Breeze Travel and Safaris Limited to organize travel arrangements for fans willing to attend the 2017 Total Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) finals in Gabon.
During a press conference held at FUFA House in Mengo, Kampala on Wednesday, Alexis B. Jubilee, the managing director of Breeze Travel and Safaris Limited reassured the fans of comfortable traveling on the best affordable rates.
L-R: FUFA President, Eng. Moses Magogo, Uganda Cranes head coach Milutin Sredejovic and Alexis Jubilee, the M.D Breeze Travel and Safaris Limited
We are an experienced Tours and Travel company that has given people a memorable package in and out of Uganda for over 15 years having previously taken fans to Lesotho, Egypt, Seychelles, Netherlands, Dubai, USA, Malaysia, China, Singapore, FIFA World Cup in South Africa (2010), Kenya (Uganda vs. Kenya in 2013), Ghana (Afcon qualifier in 2008) among others
The company therefore promises the best voyage for the fans at affordable rates.
There are different packages available for the fans to give the fans a memorable championship at the fairest packages to travel to Gabon and watch Uganda’s come back in the Africa Cup of Nations finals.
Uganda Cranes fans who would wish to watch the matches at the coastal city of Gentile and the traditional Oyem, all over 250KM from the airport.
This package accommodates fans who would like to watch one match, two matches or those who love the watch all the three group matches involving Uganda Cranes.
Our packages include:
Return economy ticket from Entebbe to Libreville , Gabon
Airport Taxes
Airport Transfers return in Port Gentil and Oyem City
Travel Insurance
Ground transport from hotel in Port Gentil and Oyem to the stadium return
Airport transport from Libreville to Oyem city (return)
Airport transport from Libreville to Port Gentil City (return)
Specified accomodation in 4 Star Hotel, Bed and Breakfast only
Boat Cruise from Libreville to Port Gentil (return)
VISA
Match Tickets
The package excludes (Personal expenses, telephone and laundry, beverages, Tips, room service, use of mini bar in the room or any personal expenses and gratitude with porterage)
Travel packages to Gabon from 16th January – 26th January 2017
Option 1 – 2 nights and 3 days ($ 2480)
Travel Date: 16th – 18th January 2017 – Ghana Vs Uganda
Travel Date: 24th – 26th January 2017 – Uganda Vs Mali
Option 2 – 4 nights and 5 days ($ 2880)
Travel Date – 19th – 23rd January 2017 – Egypt Vs Uganda
Option 3 – 7 Nights and 8 Days ($ 4050)
Travel Date – 24th – 26th January 2017 – Uganda Vs Mali
Travel Date – 19th – 23rd January 2017 – Egypt Vs Uganda
Option 4 – 10 Nights and 11 days ($ 4390)
Travel Date – 16th – 26th January 2017 (All the three group stage matches)
2018 FIFA World Cup qualifier Russia (Group E) – Africa Zone
Uganda Cranes 1-0 Congo Brazzaville
Uganda Cranes has overcome Congo Brazzaville 1-0 during the group E of the 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifier played at the Mandela National Stadium, Namboole on Saturday.
Standard Liege midfielder Faruku Miya scored the lone strike of the day in the 19th minute of the game slightly marred by a head injury to central defender Murushid Jjuuko in the 10th minute.
William Luwagga Kizito, who plays at Rio Ave in Portugal replaced the injuried Jjuuko which pushed Hassan Wasswa Mawanda to the central defence department.
In the second half Michael Azira replaced the injured Tonny Mawejje in the 60th minute before Godfrey Walusimbi came in for Moses Oloya with less than 10 minutes to play.
Midfielder Farouk Miya (17) dribbles during the game on SaturdayThe high profile guests singing the national anthems prior to kick off
State minister of sports, Charles Bakabulindi was the chief guest at the match also attended by the FUFA President, Eng. Moses Magogo.
Uganda Cranes XI vs Congo Brazzaville on Saturday, 12th November 2016 at Namboole
Team Line-ups:
Uganda Cranes:
Robert Odongkara (G.K), Nicholas Wakiro Wadada, Joseph Ochaya, Isaac Isinde, Murushid Jjuuko, Hassan Wasswa Mawanda , Khalid Aucho, Tonny Mawejje, Moses Oloya, Geoffrey Massa (Captain), Faruku Miya
Changes:
10′ Murushid Jjuuko OUT, William Luwagga Kizito On
2018 FIFA World Cup qualifier (Group E) – Africa Zone
Uganda Cranes Vs Congp Brazzaville – Nelson Mandela National Stadium (4 p.m)
Follow live on 102.1 FUFA f.m, FUFA official face book page and Twitter handle
The Starting line up for Uganda Cranes against Congo Brazzaville is out with team skipper Geofrey Massa leading the three man attack of Faruku Miya and Moses Oloya.
Robert Odongkara starts in goal with Nicholas Wakiro Wadada at right back. Joseph Ochaya starts at left back.
Isaac Isinde and Murushid Jjuuko are the two main center defenders.
Starting line-up:
Robert Odongkara (G.K), Nicholas Wakiro Wadada, Joseph Ochaya, Isaac Isinde, Murushid Jjuuko, Hassan Wasswa Mawanda , Khalid Aucho, Tonny Mawejje, Moses Oloya , Geoffrey Massa (Captain), Faruku Miya
Substitutes:
Salim Omar Magoola, Benjamin Ochan, Denis Iguma, Geofrey ‘Baba’ Kizito, Godfrey Walusimbi, Yassar Mugerwa, Mutyaba Muzamiru , Mohammad Shaban, Shafiq Batambuze, Geofrey Serunkuma, Michael Azira, William Luwaga Kizito
Charges: 25,000/- (Ordinary), 60,000/- (VIP) and 150,000/- (VVIP) (Tickets go on market today-same centres as used in the game Uganda vs Comoros will be used)
Venue: Mandela National stadium, Namboole
Algerian referees to handle Uganda vs Congo Brazzaville
Referee: Abid Charef Mehdi
Assistant Referee 1: Etchiali Abdelhak
Assistant Referee 2: Gourari Mokrane
Fourth Official: Necib Redouane
Referee Assessor: Kalombo Bester (Malawi)
Commissioner: Habimana Aimable (Burundi)
Defender Ronald Mukiibi who plays for Swedish topflight side Östersunds FK has jetted into the country ahead of Saturday’s 2018 FIFA World cup qualifier at Namboole stadium. Mukiibi will join the rest of the squad at today’s open training session at the same stadium that will hot the match this weekend.
‘Mukiibi has arrived and he will take a rest at the team hotel in Naalya and later have a meeting with the Technical team headed by Cranes coach Milutin Sredojevic. he will be provided with the day’s programme as released by the Cranes coach’ said FUFA Communications Manager Ahmed Hussein.
‘One player Mike Azira who plays for Colorado Rapids in the MAjot Legaue Soccer-US will join the camp tonight. we are looking forward to receiving him in camp’ added Hussein
14 Players reduced from camp
Uganda Cranes head coach Milutin ‘Micho’ Sredojevic says that the players reduced from the camp are still part of future plans laid out for Uganda Cranes. The Serbian coach is busy planning for Saturday’s tie against Congo Brazzaville in the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia qualifier at Mandela National stadium.
Micho has now reduced his squad by 14 players and these are; Derrick Nsibambi, Yunus Sentamu, Joseph Nsubuga, Vitalis Tabu Abdul MAlik, Idris Lubega, Saddam Juma, Okoth Denis, Kassaga Richard, Lwaliwa Khalid, Kizito Keziron, Erisa Sekisambu, Lwesibawa Godfrey, Kayiwa Allan, Kagimu Shafik.
‘The players reduced from camp are still part of the future plans with Uganda Cranes. We have the CECAFA tournament coming up and other international engagements for the National team before the close of the year’ Micho told fufa.co.ug
‘I will engage these players after the 2018 FIFA world cup qualifier against Congo Brazzaville’ added Micho who led Uganda Cranes to the 2017 AFCON Finals for the first time since 1978.
Players in camp
Robert Odongkara, Benjamin Ochan, Salim Jamal, Dennis Onyango, Ismail Watenga, Nicholas Wadada, Hassan Wasswa Mawanda, Murushid Juuko, Joseph Ochaya, Tonny Mawejje, Moses Oloya, Geoffrey ‘Baba’ Kizito, Geoffrey Serunkuma, Dennis Iguma, Godfrey Walusimbi, Isaac Isinde, Yassar Mugerwa, Shafiq Batambuze, Faruku Miya, William Luwagga Kizito, Geoffrey Massa, Khalid Aucho, Awanyi Timothy , Muhammad Shaban, Muzamil Mutyaba and Ronald Mukiibi.
INTERNATIONAL FRIENDLY MATCH: Uganda Vs Zambia Chipolopolo Stars – 4 P.M
At Mandela National Stadium, Namboole
Entry Fees: 10,000 (Ordinary) and 20,000 (VIP)
Uganda Cranes head coach Micho has named the starting eleveen against Zambia in the international friendly match at Mandela National Stadium, Namboole.
It is an all attack minded side that will be captained by Geofrey Massa.
The game starts at 4 p.m and will be officiated by FIFA Referee Dennis Batte
The Uganda Cranes team:
XI: Robert Odongkara (GK),Nicholas Wadada, JosePH Ochaya, Murshid juuko, Isaac Isinde ,Khalid Aucho, Moses Oloya, Tonny Mawejje, Geoffrey Massa, William Kizito Luwagga ,Godfrey Walusimbi.
Charges: 25,000/- (Ordinary), 60,000/- (VIP) and 150,000/- (VVIP)
Note: All matches at Nambole stadium
Uganda Cranes head coach Milutin ‘Micho’ Sredojevic says that the players reduced from the camp are still part of future plans laid out for Uganda Cranes. The Serbian coach is busy planning for two international fixtures starting with Tuesday’s friendly with Zambia before taking on Congo Brazzaville in the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia qualifier at Mandela National stadium on Saturday.
As Micho welcomes more players in camp, he has had to reduce the numbers in camp to accommodate the 19 foreign based stars he summoned last week.
On Monday afternoon, Micho reduced his squad by 8 players and these are; Okoth Denis, Kassaga Richard, Lwaliwa Khalid, Kizito Keziron, Erisa Sekisambu, Lwesibawa Godfrey, Kayiwa Allan, Kagimu Shafik.
‘The players reduced from camp are still part of the future plans with Uganda Cranes. We have the CECAFA tournament coming up and other international engagements for the National team before the close of the year’ Micho told fufa.co.ug
‘I will engage these players after the 2018 FIFA world cup qualifier against Congo Brazzaville’ added Micho who led Uganda Cranes to the AFCON Finals for the first time since 1978.
The rest of the players who have been in camp since Friday will continue with training on Monday evening at 5pm at Namboole stadium.
Micho led Uganda Cranes to AFCON Finals for the first time since 1978. He is on a different mission-the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia qualifiers
Players expected in training today:
Salim Jamal, Benjamin Ochan, Ismail Watenga, Tonny Mawejje, Moses Oloya, Yunus Sentamu, Geoffrey ‘Baba’ Kizito, Nicholas Wadada, Joseph Nsubuga, Hassan Wasswa , Joseph Ochaya, Awanyi Timothy, Muzamil Mutyaba, Saddam Juma, Vitalis Tabu Abdul Malik, Murshid Juuko, Muhammad Shaban, Geoffrey Serunkuma, Derrick Nsibambi, Dennis Iguma, Godfrey Walusimbi, Isaac Isinde, Robert Odongkara, Yassar Mugerwa, Shafiq Batambuze, William Luwagga Kizito
Flying this evening; Geoffrey Massa, Dennis Onyango, Khalid Aucho, Faruku Miya
Mike Azira will be in the country by Tuesday morning while Ronald Mukiibi arrives tomorrow.
Zambia is already in the country having arrived on Sunday afternoon. They are accommodated at Hotel Africana in Kampala but will train at Namboole this afternoon.
Charges: 25,000/- (Ordinary), 60,000/- (VIP) and 150,000/- (VVIP)
Note: All matches at Nambole stadium
Kenya based International Godfrey Walusimbi joined the rest of players for training at Mandela National Stadium, Namboole.
He promised to give the best display for upcoming 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia qualifier against Congo Brazzaville.
“We were motivated by qualifying for AFCON 2017 and a draw against Ghana in our first World Cup qualifier game was such a driving factor” said Walusimbi.
Twenty seven players were part of the Sunday evening training which lasted for two hours with the coach emphasizing on ball possession and shooting from various angles.
More foreign based players including Team Captain Geoffrey Massa, Khalid Aucho (Baroka FC, South Africa),Isaac Isinde, Robert Odongkara ,Yassar Mugerwa (St George,Ethiopia), William Kizto Luwagga (Rio Ave,Portugal) and Murshid Juuko (Simba ,Tanzania) are expected to join and train with the team on Monday .
Training resumes on Monday at 5pm in Mandela National Stadium, Namboole.
In Camp already:
Salim Jamal, Benjamin Ochan, Ismail Watenga , Tonny Mawejje, Moses Oloya, Yunus Sentamu, Geoffrey ‘Baba’ Kizito, Nicholas Wadada, Denis Okot , Joseph Nsubuga, Hassan Wasswa , Joseph Ochaya, Kasagga Richard , Awanyi Timothy , Halid Lwaliwa ,Muzamil Mutyaba, Kizito Keziron, Sadam Juma, Lwesibawa Godffrey, Kayiwa Allan, Vitalis Tabu Abdul Malik,Geoffrey Serunkuma, Erisa Sekisambu and Derrick Nsibambi and Godfrey Walusimbi
