Sudan Falcons Vs Uganda Cranes – Sunday, 25th October 2015
(Uganda Won the first leg 2-0)
In Khartoum (8:00 p.m)
Live Commentary on 102.1 FUFA f.m by Siraje Ddumba
The contingent of Uganda Cranes team to Sudan arrived safely in Khartoum via Addis Ababa.
The Uganda Cranes team left Entebbe International Airport on Friday evening at 6:20 p.m aboard Ethiopian Airlines on flight ET 333.
They had a stop over in the Ethiopian capital of Addis Ababa, from where they continued with the journey to Khartoum where they landed after mid-night.
They are accomodated at Grand Holiday Villa Hotel & Suites Hotel in Khartoum.
Head of delegation, Richard Ochom told www.fufa.co.ug;
All the players are in the best shape ever ready for the match on Sunday
The last training drills shall take place on Saturday.
The Full Uganda Cranes Delegation:
Goal-keepers:
James Alitho (Vipers SC), Mathias Kigonya (Bright Stars FC)
Fullbacks:
Denis Okot (KCCA FC), Ibrahim Kiyemba (LwezaFC), Joseph Ochaya (KCCA FC), Muleme Isaac (SC Villa Jogoo)
The Uganda National team composed of local based players is set to leave for Sudan for their return leg match against Sudan.
The players had an evening training session that left the coach a happy man.
‘This group is looking sharp. Let us plan for the return leg with a lot of focus. We need the result to take us to Rwanda next year’ said Micho.
Players walking back to their rooms after the evening’s session.
A contingent of 30 people will fly to Khartoum aboard Ethiopian Airlines at 6.30 pm via Addis Ababa.
Head coach Milutin ‘Micho’ Sredojevic will take his players through a light training session at the FUFA Technical Centre where they have been camping since Monday.
He will name his final 18 man squad on Friday.
On Thursday, the camp was boosted by the FUFA President Eng. Moses Magogo’s visit who came along with the message from President of the republic of Uganda HE Yoweri Kaguta Museveni wishing the boys good luck for the return leg of the African Nations Championship against Sudan.
FUFA President visited the camp today. He seen here shaking hands with goal keeper Jame Alitho
The game will be played on Sunday 25th October 2015 at 8 pm (EAST) and will be broadcast live on 102.1 FUFA fm.
Experienced commentator Ddumba Siraje will travel with the team.
(L-R) Erisa Sekisambu and John Semazi are also in camp
Strikers: Tony Odur (Express FC), Caesar Okhuti (Express FC), Frank Kalanda (URA FC), Erisa Sekisambu (Vipers SC) and John Ssemazi (Vipers SC)
Team Coach: Sredojevic Micho Milutim Asst Coach: Moses Basena Goalkeeping coach: Fred Kajoba Team Coordinator: Taban Kamala Team Doctor: Ronald Kisolo Team Physiotherapist: Ivan Sewanyana Media Officer: Hamza ‘Afriqana’ Nsereko Kawuma
MAIN PHOTO: Kiyemba, Muwanga and Miya shortly after training on Thursday evening at the FUFA Technical Centre, Njeru
President Yoweri Museveni with FUFA President Eng.Moses Magogo at the Sc Villa @40 party. The communication between the duo has yielded into great results for football.
A call from the highest political office in the country comes along with words of inspiration.
This is exactly what happened on Wednesday evening when the FUFA President Eng. Moses Magogo received a call from HE President of the Republic of Uganda General Yoweri Kaguta Museveni.
Mr. SAFE HANDS James Alitho meets FUFA President Eng. Moses Magogo
In a brief conversation the Fountain of Honour expressed happiness and satisfaction with the double victory of Uganda Cranes over the Comoros and Sudan in the AFCON 2017 and CHAN 2016 qualifiers respectively.
The FUFA President delivered the message today during the official visit of the team camped at the FUFA Technical centre preparing for return leg of the African Nations championship against Sudan this Sunday in Khartoum.
‘I received a call from HE President of the Republic of Uganda congratulating you and the Senior team Uganda Cranes for posting wins against Comoros and Sudan recently. He wished you well in the upcoming game against Sudan and promised more support to the national team and football in general’ revealed a jovial FUFA President Magogo while delivering the message to the players.
Ibrahim Kiyemba’s turn for a Presidential handshake
The FUFA President himself urged players not to relax because the job is not yet done till the final whistle on Sunday.
He later re-echoed his promise of USD 1000 if the team qualifies for CHAN 2016 in Rwanda.
Magogo was with the National Teams Coordinator Patrick Ntege and Vice Chairman FUFA Technical Committee Livingstone Kyambadde .
The Uganda Cranes will fly out on Friday evening aboard Ethiopian Airlines.
MAIN PHOTO: FUFA President with the players and officials of the Uganda Cranes team in camp at the FUFA Technical Centre, Njeru.
The FUFA Finance Director Decolas Kiiza has revealed that the public should not worry at all following media reports that Uganda Cranes players have not been paid their match allowances after beating Sudan 2-0 on Saturday in the African Nations Championship qualifier at Nakivubo stadium.
‘We have not failed to pay the players. The new financial guidelines are in the offing and it is important for all our stakeholders to welcome the policies’ said Kiiza.
‘The players and officials who full filled the requirements have been paid as the money has been transferred on to their accounts’ added Kiiza.
The new policies at FUFA don’t allow huge sums of monies to be withdrawn and later paid to people.
Kiiza also clarified that the Uganda Cranes players in camp are not offered bonuses but the FUFA President promised them $1000 each if the team qualifies for the CHAN Finals to be hosted by Rwanda next year.
Al the players who provided FUFA with bank account details have been paid through the electronic method. We shall not change from that system’ added Kiiza.
The players receive training and match allowances only.
MAIN PHOTO: FUFA Finance Director Decolas Kiiza at the weekly press conference on Wednesday
3rd round, 2nd Leg: Sudan vs Uganda (Sunday 25th October 2015)
Venue: Khartoum Stadium
Time :8pm (EAST)
Live on 102.1 FUFA f.m
Uganda Cranes will embark on another assignment ahead of the return leg of the African Nations Championship (CHAN) this weekend by resuming training today at Midday.
According to the programme released by the National Teams’ Officer Patrick Ntege, the players will go through some drills for recovering training at the Paradise Fitness City Gym at Acacia Mall.
The players will leave for FUFA Technical Centre in Njeru for residential camp where they will make use of the artificial turf .
The return leg will be played on the artificial turf at the Khartoum Stadium on Sunday 25th October, 2015 at 8pm EAST.
The winner over two legs qualifies for the 2016 CHAN Finals in Rwanda.
Meanwhile Hamza ‘Afriqana’ Nsereko continues to handle media related issues of the Uganda Cranes in the final leg of the CHAN qualifier against Sudan.
Match was Live on the football radio, 102.1 FUFA f.m
Frank Kalanda and team captain Farouk Miya scored two first half goals to give Uganda Cranes the command after winning 2-0 over Sudan at Nakivubo Stadium on Saturday.
The ground was slippery after the overnight rains in Kampala prior to the game.
Uganda finished the game with ten players after Hassan Wasswa Dazo was sent off for a professional foul.
The well attended match was watched by the prime minister of Uganda, Hon Ruhakana Rugunda.
The Cranes created further chances through Ceaser Okhuti and Miya but none could yield any fruitful dividend in terms of goal count.
The Cranes re-group on Monday for a residential camp at the FUFA Technical center, Njeru.
The return leg will take place in Khartoum on Sunday, 25th October 2015.
Uganda Cranes XI:
James Alitho (G.K), Ibrahim Kiyemba, Joseph Ochaya, Hassan Wasswa Dazo, Shafik Bakaki, Ivan Ntege, Ceaser Okuti, Muzamiru Mutyaba, Farouk Miya (Captain), Frank Kalanda, Kezironi Kizito
Replacements:
Denis Okot replaced Kezironi Kizito, Hakim Ssenkumba replaced Muzamil Mutyaba and Tony Odur replaced Ceaser Okhuti
Subs Not Used:
Mathias Kigonya (G.K), Isaac Muleme, John Ssemazzi and Erisa Ssekisambu
The Uganda National team composed of home based players has wound up its training today evening at Africa Bible University Lubowa .
All the 23 summoned players were present till the last day when then coach will name the final 18 man squad for the Sudan match.
The team captain Faruku Miya has promised to give in the best of his ability to lead the team to Rwanda where the CHAN competitions will be held in January 2015.
I appreciate the coach for entrusting me with the arm band. As a leader, I will give in my best together with the rest of the teammates to get positive results.
We shall use the home advantage and I call up all Ugandans to come and add up as the 12th player so that by the time we get to Sudan we would have reduced on the height of the hurdle to skipper the side
The final squad is to be released Saturday morning hours before the Kick off .
MAIN PHOTOS: Uganda Cranes players in respect to the Almighty after the last training session at the African Bible University in Lubowa on Friday.
Faruku Miya has been named captain of the Uganda Cranes team that will face Sudan in the final round of the African Nations Championship (CHAN) this Saturday at Nakivubo stadium.
Miya (left) in earlier training against Muzamil Mutyaba and Ivan Ntege
Miya who features for Azam Uganda Premier League champions Vipers SC takes over from Hassan Wasswa who skippered the Cranes against Tanzania over two legs but wasn’t summoned for this encounter.
Miya has great qualities to pull together other members of the squad
Uganda Cranes coach Milutin ‘Micho’ Sredojevic said of Miya.
Miya is also the U-23 National team captain.
KCCA FC senior players Ivan Ntege and Joseph Ochaya are the vice captains.
The Cranes undertake their final training on Friday at the African Bible University.
MAIN PHOTO: Miya in action during the U-23 Kobs’ match against Rwanda at Nakivubo stadium. He was also captain of the team.
It is survival for the fittest between Uganda Cranes playing at home against their Sudanese counterparts.
The Cranes intensified their training ahead of Saturday’s encounter with yet another training session on Thursday.
The team had a morning indoor session which comprised team talk, simple demonstration drills to work on the errors observed in the earlier practice matches against Express FC and SC Villa Jogoo .
In the talk session, the head coach Milutin ‘Micho’ Sredojevic tasked the players to get rid of errors which may cost the entire nation a place at the CHAN finals due in Rwanda next year.
The entire Uganda Cranes team is one happy family bent on pillars of mutual respect, religious obedience and diligence
He further urged those who wouldn’t make it to the final 18 man squad not to lose hope because it’s not the end of life.
You shouldn’t lose hope because all of you here will be considered for upcoming games for CECAFA, FIFA World cup and AFCON qualifiers
All players are in the best condition physically, psychologically and health wise.
Ivan Ntege one of the experienced players with the team noted that he is not bothered by the Sudanese national team that boasts of players from El Meriekh and Al Ahly that reached the Semi-finals of the CAF Club champions league.
‘In modern football there is no bad team, the best prepared team takes the day and we are well prepared and home advantage will count’ We played against El Meriekh at KCCA and we outplayed them. If we follow the coach’s instructions and work as a team we shall have a good result and reach the CHAN finals in Rwanda next year.
CHAN: Uganda vs Sudan
African Nations Championship (CHAN)
3rd round, 1st Leg: Uganda vs Sudan
Venue: Nakivubo Stadium
Time :4pm
Charges: 10,000/- (Open stands – Kirussia), 20,000/- (Covered Stands)
Uganda Cranes coach Milutin ‘Micho’ Sredojevic says that the captain of the team will be named later today with a democratic vote.
Mico will find a new skipper as Hassan Wasswa Mawanda was not summoned to the squad. Wasswa captained Uganda over two legs against Tanzania in the first round of the African Nations Championship (CHAN) and posted good results that took Uganda to this stage where they will face Sudan.
We need one captain with an armband on Saturday while the other 10 players will be captains without armbands’
The Serbian added that his team is now focused on improving certain ares ahead of Saturday’s match.
‘We need an iron team defence. Creative team build up. Effective team attack this Saturday’ said Micho.
The return leg will be played on Sunday 25th October, 2015 in Khartoum with the winner over two legs qualifying for the 2016 CHAN Finals in Rwanda.
Practice Match: Uganda Cranes 4-2 Sports Club Villa
The Uganda Cranes CHAN team registered a moorale boosting 4-1 victory over Sports Club Villa in a trial match at the African Bible University playground on Wednesday evening.
The national team scored through Timothy Awani, Erias Ssekisambu, John Ssemazzi and Shafiq Bakaki’s glancing header.
SC Villa managed to pull two goals back through Ambrose Kirya and John Adriko.
This was the second game for the national team after Monday’s 2-0 loss to Express F.C at the Mutesa II Stadium, Wankulukuku.
The team training continues on Thursday before the last session on Friday.
Sudan, who arrived on Wednesday shall play the Cranes at Nakivubo stadium on Saturday.
Uganda Cranes midfielder, Hakim Ssenkumba closes down on SC Villa’s Misi Katende (left)
Uganda Cranes (1st Half Team):
James Alitho (G.K), Denis Okot, Isaac Muleme, Deus Bukenya, Benard Muwanga, Ayub Kizza, Timothy Awani, Kezironi Kizito, Hakim Senkumba, John Ssemazzi, Erias Ssekisambu
Uganda Cranes (2nd Half Team):
Isma Watenga (G.K), Ibrahim Kiyemba, Joseph Ochaya, Hassan Wasswa Dazzo, Shafiq Bakaki, Ivan Ntege,Muzamiru Mutyaba, Farouq Miya, Tonny Odur, Frank Kalanda, Ceasar Okhuti
Change: Mathias Kigonya replaced Isma Watenga
Sports Club Villa (1st Half Team):
Samson Kirya (G.K), Sulaiman Achero, Yesseri Waibi, Jonathan Mugabi, Henry Katongole, Misi Katende, Abdul Karim Kasule, Robert Achema, Umar Kasumba, S. Bogere, Denis Kamanzi
Sports Club Villa (2nd Half Team):
Stephen Odong (G.K), Misi Katende, Yesseri Waibi, Jonathan Mugabi, Denis Otim, Robert Achema, Godfrey Lwesibawa, Abel Eturude, Ambrose Kirya, Karim Ndugwa, John Adriko
MAIN PHOTO: The Uganda Cranes team celebrate a goal at the African Bible University.
CHAN: Uganda vs Sudan; Eritreans to officiate the game.
African Nations Championship (CHAN)
3rd round, 1st Leg: Uganda vs Sudan
Venue: Nakivubo Stadium
Time :4pm
Charges: 10,000/- (Open stands – Kirussia), 20,000/- (Covered Stands)
The Chairman of the FUFA International Match Organising Committee DR. Patrick Bernard Ogwel has confirmed that preparations of the Uganda vs Sudan match are in high gear.
The two CECAFA rivals teams face off in the first leg of the third round of the African Nations championship on Saturday.
Chairman of the FUFA International Match Organising Committee (IMOC) Dr. Patrick Bernard Ogwel during the weekly Press conference today at FUFA House inMengo.
‘This is a high caliber match that needs a lot of organisation and attention to so many details. The Sudanese team arrives today and will be accommodated at Grand Imperial. We have already sent out invitations to our guests; said Ogwel.
The Chief Guest is Minister of State for Sports Hon. Charles Bakkabulindi.
‘Gates will open at midday while tickets will go on market at the stadium as early at 10 O’clock in the morning on match day’ added Ogwel.
CAF has appointed Eritreans to officiate the CHAN qualification game between Uganda Cranes and Sudan on 17th October, 2015 at Nakivubo Stadium.
The Commissioner comes from Tanzania in the name of Alfred Rwiza Kishongole
Meanwhile Uganda Cranes coach Milutin ‘Micho’ Sredojevic has released three players from camp. The players are; Robert Ssentongo, Henry Katongole and Peter Katumba.
However Micho has summoned Express FC Striker Tony Odour to reinforce his squad that enters residential camp today at the Africa Bible University, Lubowa.
MAIN PHOTO: FUFA officials-Ali Mwebe,Competitions Manager, Ahmed Hussein-Spokesperson and Dr. Patrick Bernard Ogwel at today’s weekly press conference.
The Uganda National team coach Sredojevic Militin Micho has summoned Express striker Tony Odur to the add up to the Cranes team preparing for an encounter against Sudan .
Odur has replaced veteran striker Robert Sentongo who is no longer part of the team due to indiscipline reasons .Sentongo missed out several trainining sessions with out genuine reasons .
Micho told www.fufa.co.ug that Odur is the right replacement for Robert Sentongo due to his experience and current performance with his team Express FC.
“We believe that Tony Odur can give competition both at the match and training because of his experience and skills “Said Micho
Tony Odur could not hide his excitement for being part of the Cranes team after missing for some long time from National duties.
“I will give in all what I have not to let myself and the coach down. The coach has entrusted me because of my experience and current form at Express FC, I believe I will deliver ‘Said Odur .
The team is to have another match build up against SC Villa at African Bible University Lubowa from where they will have a residential training camp.
Next Build Up: SC Villa Vs Uganda Cranes – Wednesday, 13th October 2015 – Nakivubo Stadium
CHAN 2016 QUALIFIER (Second Round, 1st Leg): Uganda Cranes Vs Sudan – Saturday, 17th October 2015
Nakivubo Stadium (4:00 p.m)
Uganda Cranes CHAN team fell to Express F.C 2-0 on Monday at the Mutesa II Stadium, Wankulukuku.
Express scored through strikers Tonny Odur and Eric Ssebuguzi.
Action from the build up game at Wankulukuku stadium
This was the first of the two build up games for the team ahead of Saturday’s CHAN second round first leg qualifier against Sudan at Nakivubo stadium.
The Express Football Club side that started the game. Defender, Ayub Kizza (standing second from left) played for Express F.C
The Cranes technical team used all the 24 players available for the match.
Head coach, Milutin Sredojevic appreciated the build up that he believes has highlighted the grey areas on the team that need urgent address;
The Build up will help the technical team plan which areas need urgent fix and how to polish on defence and attack
How Uganda Cranes lined up:
Team One:
Isma Watenga (G.K), Denis Okot, Henry Katongole, Benard Muwanga, Hakim Senkumba, Kezironi Kizito, Timothy Awani, Peter Katumba, John Ssemazzi, Frank Kalanda
James Alitho (G.K), Ibrahim Kiyemba, Joseph Ochaya, Hassan Wasswa Dazo, Shafiq Bakaki, Ivan Ntege, Deus Bukenya, Muzamiru Mutyaba, Farouk Miya, Ceaser Okhuti, Erisa Ssekisambu
As a growing humble young boy, Ibrahim Kiyemba almost kicked everything (living or non-living) that flashed in his midst.
Little did he realize that 18 years down the road, he would captain a top flight league club nor feature for the Uganda national team, The Cranes.
At the moment, he is an established defender with Lweza F.C in the Azam Premier League and the Uganda Cranes CHAN team.
The Uganda Cranes team that beat Nigeria in May 2015. Kiyemba played on the team
Kiyemba boldly shares his experience with www.fufa.co.ug;
He narrates his journey thus far;
It is every footballer’s dream to feature for their national team. Donning the Uganda Cranes jersey means representing 36.5 million people. Little did I believe the authenticity of the call to the National team till I boarded a plane to Nigeria
The National team coach Milutin ‘Micho’ Sredojevic handed Kiyemba his maiden cap for the Cranes during the international build up match in May when the Cranes shocking overcame Nigeria 1-0.
A vivid admirer of former Uganda Captain Ibrahim Sekagya, Kiyemba wishes to emulate his idol wholesomely – playing style and character.
Now the captain of the Lweza Football Club, based in Kajjansi on Entebbe road, Kiyemba admits he is reaping from personal diligence and the mercy of Allah.
All this is about hard work, patience and prayer. I promise more is yet to come from me. I am looking forward to professional football. I want to maintain my place on the national team and even get better. Also, my parents have been a special pillar of encouragement to play football since I was young
Kiyemba recalls that his parents especially the mother used to buy him football equipment like jerseys and boots which encouraged him to continue with the game.
Ibrahim Kiyemba (left) against Nigeria
Buying sporting equipment for me wasn’t enough but, my parents also used to spend a fortune on football DVDs so that i watch different players in action
He further narrates that the national team coach Micho has given him chance to showcase his potential in different playing positions.
Kiyemba came on a substitute against Nigeria where he was deployed in the midfield and featured at right back position against Malawi at Kamuzu stadium in Blantyre.
At Lweza, Kiyemba performs his core roles comfortably in central defence.
It has been such a fantastic experience at the national team because of the different playing positions the coach has deployed me. It has helped me understand modern football where a player needs to be versatile
Best and Worst Moments as a footballer:
Kiyemba’s best football moment is when he wore the National team’s jersey for the first time against Nigeria in a friendly which the Uganda Cranes won 1-0.
Where there are best moments one can’t rule away worst ones .Of recent , Soana flogged Lweza 4-0 at their 2015/16 Azam Uganda Premier League opener .
That is the most horrible day of my life since I started playing competitive football
Kiyemba (with the trophy) helped Lweza attain promotion to the Azam Uganda Premier League
Talking about the moment when Lweza was on a verge of being relegated due to failure to fulfill the FUFA Licensing Board requirements, Kiyemba said that him as a player and club captain would be hurt in case it had happened .Though it was that way, club officials had to fulfill the requirements before being licensed .
FUFA has the mandate over all football proceedings in Uganda so if it issues regulations, to me they are for the good of the game and everyone has to abide by them
He hopes that this Azam Uganda Premier league season will be such competitive and his club Lweza will compete for the top positions though they have had such a poor by losing for consecutive games at the start of the season.
We have won three consecutive games of the season and we are now 9th ,me and my teammates are looking forward to finish in the top positions of the Azam Uganda Premier League
Kiyemba in the recent CHAN training for the Cranes at Legends rugby club
When www.fufa.co.ug asked him about the failed transfer to KCCA FC, Kiyemba said that it was upon the clubs to agree but him as a player this would have been a dream transfer because any footballer would like to play for a big club like KCCA.
If my bosses failed to reach terms with KCCA F.C, I had to go by their decision because I still have a contract with Lweza Football Club
His last word was to the growing talent in Uganda who would like to be successful with the game of football.
What others say about Kiyemba:
Milutin Sredojevic – Uganda Cranes Head coach:
Kiyemba is a well behaved, disciplined, committed, dedicated and loyal player, Being the captain of his club Lweza is a clear fact that he is outstanding and this speaks volume of him. He is ready to learn and develop himself. He has good sense of position and acting in defending with good timing in the air and on the ground makes him pure defensive chief in command’
Micho expects the youthful lad to further mature as a human being and player to stage a vital role for the National team and his future clubs.
Moses Ssenyonga alias Jajja Mozy – CEO, Lweza F.C:
Kiyemba is a hardworking, committed, polite and a tough defender when at the pitch.He is such a patient player who has developed with the club from regional, big league up to the top flight of the Azam Uganda Premier League. I am not surprisedto see him at the national team because of his discipline on and off the pitch. Coach says that they have prepared Kiyemba for professional football and assured that he won’t let them down.
Henry Wamala – Team-mate at Lweza F.C:
Kiyemba is a friend who possesses characters of an idol at his early age. He is one of the most exceptional leaders I have ever met. He always considers God first. Discipline, commitment and belief are paramount components to the doors of success.
Ibrahim Kiyemba Tit- Bits:
• Born 12 February 1995 to Haj Mustapha Lule and Hajat Sarah Nakanja of Konge/Bunga a Kampala suburb.
• Went to Kiryasaka and Kibuli Demonstartion School for Primary later joined Gombe SS and Lugazi Mixed for Secondary education
• For a meal prepare him Posho ,Matooke, Meat and Beans
• Features for Lweza FC in the Azam Uganda Premier League
• Supported by his mother to play football
• Admires former Uganda Cranes skipper Ibrahim Sekagya
• He has won the regional and Big league trophies with Lweza FC
• Thankful of Micho who has given him chance to play for National team
• Made his international debut against Nigeria which cranes won 1-0.
The Uganda National team composed of local based players on Wednesday morning continued with its preparations for the CHAN qualification game against Sudan.
The players re-grouped at Legends play ground, Lugogo to step up their preparations for the upcoming game against Sudan.
Like during the first day of training on Tuesday, all players attended Wednesday’s training in good shape physically, mentally and health- wise.
Team Captain Robert Sentongo has assured Ugandans that they are not worried by the Sudan team though most of their players featured for giants El Meriekh and Al Hilal which reached the semi final of the CAF champions league .
‘They are the same people we’ve been meeting before , their clubs have been performing at the continent but we’ve been humiliating them .We are not shaken and we shall deliver’ Sentongo remarked .
Uganda Cranes is now ranked 75th out of the 208 Federation of International Football Associations (FIFA) member nations according to the latest rating released from the FIFA main head quarters in Zurich, Switzerland on Thursday (1st October 2015).
The Cranes, who won away 1-0 to Comoros in the group D AFCON 2017 qualifiers have 455 points.
AFCON 2017 Group D opponents’ Ranking:
West Africans, Burkina Faso closely follow the Cranes on 76th (427 points)
Botswana is 111th on 305 points and Comoros drop 3 places to 193rd with 48 points.
Togo, who are Uganda’s next opponents in the World Cup 2018 qualifiers come November are rated 79th, with 418 points.
CECAFA Member countries:
Uganda still maintains the top status quo in the whole CECAFA region.
Uganda Cranes players train at the FUFA Technical center in September prior to the Comoros away trip
Sudan, Uganda’s opponents in the CHAN 2016 qualifiers comes second in the region at 84th, Rwanda is 93rd, Ethiopia (108th), Burundi (113th), Kenya (131st), Tanzania (140th), South Sudan (144th), Eritrea (202nd), Somalia (203rd) and Djibouti (206th) .
Best & Worst Movers:
West African country, Liberia was the best overall mover, improving 65 places from 160 to 95th.
On the other hand, both Cyprus and Macedonia both dropped 28 places to 114th and 132rd respectively.
Argentina is the best overall FIFA member nation of the 208 countries with a massive 1419.28 points.
The next rankings will be released on 5th November 2015.
MAIN PHOTO: Uganda Cranes XI against Comoros in the AFCON 2017 qualifiers.
The Uganda National team comprised of home based players started training at Nakivubo war II Memorial stadium on Saturday.
The team is preparing for the final round of the African Nations championships (CHAN) against Sudan.
Uganda and Sudan will play over two legs next month on 17th at Nakivubo stadium for the first encounter and 24th in Khartoum for the return leg. The winner over two legs qualifies for the CHAN finals to be hosted by Rwanda next year.
The same squad will be used for the Cranes regional tours this year starting next weekend in Masindi.
The waterlogged Nakivubo grounds didn’t stop the training to go ahead after the heavy down pour a few minutes to the scheduled time for the sessions (9am).
After training the team coach Milutin ‘Micho’Sredojevic asked players not to sit back and relax simply because they have been summoned to the team.
‘You need to keep working harder even at your clubs because there are many players looking forward to wear the national jersey ‘cautioned Micho Players who attended training on Saturday
Goal Keeper: Kigonya Mathias (Bright Stars FC)
Defenders: Okot Denis (KCCA FC), Ntambi Julius (URA FC), Ochaya Joseph (KCCA FC), Madoi Aggrey (Jinja Municipal Hippos FC), Mpuga Martin (KCCA FC), Kasaga Richard (URA FC), Wasswa Hassan Dazo (KCCA FC)
Midfielders: Ntege Ivan (KCCA FC), Senkumba Hakim (KCCA FC), Mutyaba Muzamil (KCCA FC), Feni Moses Ali (URA FC), Kizza Martin (Sc Villa Jogoo).
Strikers: Kalisa Milton (BUL C), Okhuti Caesar (Express FC), Fahad Muhammad Hassan (Sc Villa Jogoo), Oromchan Villa (URA FC), Kalanda Frank (URA FC)
