Uganda U20 Men’s National Team wrapped up group business at the ongoing TotalEnergies U20 Africa Cup of Nations in Tanzania with a draw against South Sudan on Friday.
In the game played at the KMC Stadium in Dar es Salaam, Uganda led 2-0 at halftime but South Sudan rallied back to force a 2-2 draw.
Uganda had already secured a spot in the semifinals but needed a draw to confirm the first place in Group B.
Coach Matia Lule made four changes from the team that had defeated Burundi two days ago with Charles Batiibwe, Sowedi Lwenda, John Innocent Kisolo and Bashir Mansur all starting.
John Paul Dembe who has enjoyed brilliant performance at the tournament kept his scoring spree running, bagging a brace in the first half.
South Sudan pulled one back before the break with Emmanuel Sokwa tapping home from close range.
They returned recharged after recess, scoring the equalizer towards the end of the game through Valentino.
The result means Uganda qualify to the semifinals as group Leaders on 7 points, one ahead of Burundi who finished second.
Uganda Starting XI Abdu Magada, Charles Batiibwe, Swabiri Mpasa, Majub Toto, Lwenda Sowedi, John Innocent Kisoro, Figo Rayn Kizito, Bashir Mansur, John Paul Dembe, Allan Oyirwoth, Richard Okello
Uganda Men’s National Football Team has expressed readiness ahead of their TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations Qualifier match against South Sudan slated for Friday, 11th October 2024 at Mandela National Stadium.
The Uganda Cranes who have had rigorous training since Monday are optimistic of a successful expedition on Friday against Neighbours South Sudan.
Head Coach Paul Put believes his troops are in good shape and ready for the task before them.
“I believe we are ready and prepared to face South Sudan. Everyone is in perfect condition and all of us are looking at winning this game,” he said before adding.
“It will not be an easy game but I believe with the support of our fans at home, we will be able to put up a good performance and be able to win.”
Captain Khalid Aucho has warned his teammates about complacency and asserted it is never easy in such games.
“Playing against neighbours is never easy and we do not expect South Sudan to roll a carpet for us. As players, we are cautious about being complacent and we will give in our best to make sure that victory is ours.”
Uganda has four points from the first two games and will be seeking to remain in the right path of qualification by winning at home against South Sudan.
The two countries will then face off on Tuesday next week at Juba Stadium for the return leg.
FUFA has been cleared by CAF to use a special badge on the Uganda Cranes match day shirts as celebrations to mark hundred years of the local football governing body continue.
FUFA made a formal request to the continental body to use the logo that was unveiled by the FUFA President Hon. Magogo Moses Hassim during the 100th Ordinary General Assembly on 4th October 2024 at Maya Nature Resort in Wakiso.
The logo will be placed on the front part of the shirts just above the players’ numbers. It will be between the two logos of FUFA and the kit manufactures Janzi.
According to FUFA Communications Director Ahmed Hussein, the players will wear these special edition jerseys for the entire ongoing qualification campaign of the TotalEnergies AFCON 2025 starting with the match against South Sudan on Friday 11th October 2024.
Uganda Cranes Head Coach Paul Joseph Put has summoned a squad of 27 players ahead of the TotalEnergies double header against South Sudan in the 2025 TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations Qualifiers.
It should be noted that Uganda will face South Sudan in a double header with the first leg slated for 11th October at Mandela National Stadium while the return leg in Juba will take place on 15th October 2025.
The team will enter residential camp at Cranes Paradise Hotel on 6th October 2024.
Uganda has four points from the opening two games having drawn 2-2 against South Africa and a 2-0 win at home against Congo.
Uganda Cranes Squad
Goalkeepers Isima Watenga (Golden Arrows FC, South Africa), Nafian Alionzi (Defence Forces FC, Ethiopia), Charles Lukwago, Venda FC, South Africa)
FUFA President Hon. Magogo Moses Hassim has come out and expressed gratitude to Ugandans following the end of the September FIFA international break when the National senior team Uganda Cranes played two AFCON 2025 Qualifiers against South Africa and Congo.
The fans poured their love for the team as they picked up a valuable away point in Johannesburg in a 2-2 draw with South Africa on 6th September. Three days later, the Cranes collected maximum points off Congo after a 2-0 win at Mandela National Stadium, Namboole.
The Paul Put Coached Cranes are now joint leaders of Group K with South Africa on four points each.
In his recorded message through the FUFA Communications department, the FUFA President applauded the role played by the different stakeholders as Uganda marked the start of the TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 qualifiers.
The Almighty in control
I want to thank the Almighty God for the gift of life, gift of wisdom, gift of energy in this assignment we are undertaking of developing the game of football in Uganda most specifically in this ongoing campaign of the AFCON 2025 Morocco.
After the first section of this qualification campaign, I want to thank the Government of Uganda; it is very difficult to host matches away from home. The team disconnects from the fans and you lose the 12th player.
Government support
The Government has also given us back Mandela National Stadium and you could see that the players are now very familiar with the ground.
I also extend my gratitude to H.E., the President of Uganda who has supported sports, particularly football.
Our senior Minister Mama Janet Kataha Museveni who supervises and always guides us, our line Minister Hon. Peter Ogwang, the National Council of Sports, the Uganda Olympic Committee and the entire Government apparatus to be more specific the ministry of finance that eventually releases the funds to us to use, the Parliament of Uganda headed by the Rt. Hon. Speaker Anita Annet Among Magogo and her Deputy Rt. Hon. Thomas Tayebwa for providing us with the resources as sport. This has not been the case before for us to be taking the direction we are taking. I am extremely excited that we have made Government understand their role and the support. We can only ask for more.
The 12th player in the stands
It is an opportunity to thank the fans now that we are back at Mandela National Stadium-Namboole. The supporters of the Uganda Cranes that have come to the stadium thank you so much. For whatever causes of inconvenience that you go through, it becomes feedback for us to make the next event better. We will continue trying to improve. Thank you for coming through always and supporting the players and the team. The Ugandans who supported us in South Africa, we had more fans in Orlando stadium than the South African national team and the result we got had everything to do with the Ugandan community living there. They mobilised themselves, showed us love. I can only say thank you so much for loving your country, thank you for loving football, you are part of this journey. All Ugandans and non-Ugandans supporting the national team here and the diaspora, those who watched on television and those who were following on their phones from wherever they were, we can only thank you and say without you this result may be would not have been achievable.
The Sponsors and partners
I also want to take the opportunity and singular honour to thank our official sponsors of the Uganda Cranes that is MTN that you are back at doing what you do best, being the number one supporter of football in this country. You are back home as we need to qualify and go back to the Africa Cup of Nations with you. I am very sure it is going to be a totally different experience so we thank you so much. Nile Breweries, Nivana, BIDCO thank you so much for walking with us.
Fortress Namboole
I also want to thank the management of Mandela National Stadium that keep and manage the facility for us to find it in good condition. It is a very improved facility in terms of the dressing rooms, big screen and the pitch itself. We want to thank the chairman of the board and the Managing Director that we now have a facility we are proud of. Our neighbours are now using the facility to host their games. It is our duty now that we keep it in good shape, we keep it as home and not to let it go down like it had gone and surely with the support of everybody this should be achievable. The entire management and staff of the stadium we are proud of what you are doing and happy that you provide us with a home. The few things that need to make the facility better we can only work together to ensure that we have a complete finishing of the stadium ready for CHAN next year and AFCON 2027.
The Uganda Premier League sending players to the Uganda Cranes
This brings me to thank the Uganda Premier League clubs and all the clubs in Uganda because this is where we pick the players from. The organisers of the Uganda Premier league, that is the UPL board and staff. It is very important for us to thank them; we appreciate what you are doing. We now have very many players coming from our local league that are actually contributing to the national team. When we see Denis Omedi, Jude Semugabi, Joel, Serunjogi, Saidi Mayanja, James Begisa, Allan Okello and others that are making a contribution. This is the effort of the clubs. I also want to thank StarTimes, the sponsors of the league because you move with us through out the season. At the end of the day people are going to see players playing in the national team but these are players playing with us so StarTimes the official broadcasters/ official title sponsors of the league I want to take this opportunity on behalf of FUFA and on behalf of football to thank you as well.
The Invincible FUFA Staff
The staff at FUFA, who are normally not thanked, thank you so much. We normally ask people to get out of their job descriptions. You may be a lawyer at FUFA and the next thing you are asked to work in the VIP section, you could be a referees’ manager and the next thing you are at the gate managing people. So, thank you so much the FUFA staff, delegates, officials and the entire football fraternity.
The gallant Uganda Cranes players
The gallant players, we can not thank you enough. I want to tell Ugandans that we have a group of very disciplined players, very organised, really work very hard and want to succeed. I can see the hunger in the dressing room in the meeting when we are talking, these players want to succeed. We shall not let you down, Captain Khalid Aucho and the entire group of players please, on behalf of FUFA, on behalf of football we want to thank you for the job you are doing for your country and like
The coaches, referees, Put and his team
The different coaches, referees wherever you are for your contribution but particularly the technical team of the Uganda Cranes; Coach Put and the technical staff you are doing a good job. We believe that when we support you then you will deliver us where you want to go. You could see that there is a lot of contribution from the coaching on the way we are playing now and doing different things. Coach Put and team we only thank you and the entire coaching industry in Uganda for the different contribution you are making.
The fourth estate
I want to thank the media, the fourth estate; those that have promoted the different players right from wherever the players are, those that promoted the event, those that criticise us to make us actually work better thank you so much. You are really part of this result and effort trying to change whatever we trying to do.
The way forward with South Sudan in sight
I want to conclude with the way forward. This is a marathon and we have only moved a few miles. It is a long journey and we need to keep steady. We have our next assignment against South Sudan at home and back-to-back in Juba between 7-15th October. These are not easy matches at all. There are no longer smaller opponents on the continent. It is even more difficult with South Sudan because some of their players play in our league, we understand each other, it is more of a derby kind of match up, derbies do not conform with which team is better than the other.
As a federation, we are going to take these two matches very seriously to ensure that we put up our best team for the best performance because it is not yet done until it is done. We will go out and fight, we will go out and prepare but we must remember that this is a team in transition.
We have been talking about transition and people seem not to appreciate it asking when is it ending? Transition continues, it is going to be frustrating but what is important that now we start to see a new era after Dennis Onyango, Geofrey Massa, the new Uganda Cranes trying to take stability that now there is a new group of players trying to take responsibility. Now, what we need to do it to appreciate that these are players in development.
Uganda Cranes continued with their brillant start to the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations Qualifiers after picking maximum points against Congo on Monday at Mandela National Stadium.
In the game played under the floodlights and watched by a capicty crowd, Uganda secured a 2-0 win to compliment the 2-2 draw from the fist game against South Africa.
A goal in either half from defender Abdu Aziizi Kayondo and substitute Jude Ssemugabi ensured Uganda sailed to victory.
Coach Paul Put made two changes from the team that had started against South Africa last week with Kenneth Semakula starting at right back in place of Elvis Bwomono and Shaban Muhammad ahead of Steven Mukwala.
Uganda’s first attempt at goal came in the 15th minute through Rogers Mato who dashed into the area after receiving a long pass from Ronald Ssekiganda but the former failed to find the back of the net.
Five minutes later, Kayondo opened the scores with his swerving cross finding its way into the back of the net to send fans into a frenzy.
The roving left back was at it again in the 25th minute when he made a lunge bursting run into the box but his cross didn’t find any teammate.
Mato too had a chance to double our advantage when he beat his opponent on the left wing but his low drive missed the target by a few inches.
Shaban was substituted in the 43rd minute after pulling a muscle and was replaced by Ssemugabi.
In the second half, coach Put made changes bringing on Halidi Lwaliwa for Elio Capradossi and Allan Okello for Travis Mutyaba.
Okello made an instant impact and created the second goal in the 87th minute scored by Ssemugabi.
The creative dynamo made a run on the right, dashed inside and laid up Ssemugabi with the outside of his left boot. The former was well stationed to connect home and seal the win.
Victory means Uganda has four points from two games and will face South Sudan in a double header next month.
Uganda Cranes Starting XI Isima Watenga, Kenneth Semakula, Abdu Aziiizi Kayondo, Bevis Mugabi, Elio Capradossi, Khalid Aucho, Ronald Ssekiganda, Travis Mutyaba, Denis Omedi, Muhammad Shaban, Rogers Mato
Substitutes Nafian Alionzi, Charles Lukwago, James Penz Begisa, Halidi Lwaliwa, Joel Sserunjogi, Allan Okello, Steven Mukwala, Joseph Ochaya, Isaac Muleme, Calvin Kabuye, Joachiam Ojera
Uganda Cranes Head Coach Paul Put and captain Khalid Aucho addressed the media on Sunday ahead of TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations Qualfier match against Congo at Mandela National Stadium on Monday.
The gaffer and skipper spoke with confidence ahead of Monday game indicating the target is securing maximum points.
Coach Put believes his troops are in perfect shape and ready to face the Red Devils.
“We had a game on Friday where we had to fight hard to get a result on the road but the focus has now shifted to Congo. I believe the players have recovered well despite having limited resting time between Friday and tomorrow’s game,” he stated.
“We are still work in progress but I am impressed with the progress and I know we will get there soon.” Put added.
The coach gave an update on striker Muhammad Shaban who missed the game against South Africa.
“Shaban picked up an injury in the final 15 minutes of the last training session ahead of the game against South Africa. We will see how he reacts in training today and hopefully he can be available tomorrow.” The coach revealed.
About our opponents Congo, coach Put believes they are a good team that cannot be under looked.
“Congo has a lot of quality with very good players featuring in big Leagues. We definitely do not undermine them but our target is to pick maximum points.”
Skipper Aucho is unfazed with the limited resting time and highlights that everyone is ready for Monday’s encounter.
“Well, we played on Friday and travelled the next time. We literally have no time to rest but as players, our spirits are high and we are ready to throw our bodies on the line to make ourselves and Ugandans proud,” he said.
The combative midfielder believes a point picked away against South Africa is a good foundation in the quest to qualify for AFCON 2025.
“We earned a point away in our first game and that was important for us to start the campaign on a positive note. We therefore don’t have any excuse not to win at home tomorrow .”
Uganda Cranes camp has been boosted with the addition of defenders Kenneth Ssemakula and Halidi Lwaliwa.
Uganda is in Group K alongside Congo, South Africa and South Sudan.
Uganda Cranes picked a point on the road against South Africa as the quest to qualify for Africa Cup of Nations 2025 began on Friday.
In the game played at Orlando Stadium on Friday, Uganda showed resilience and character to earn a point in a pulsating encounter that ended in a 2-2 draw.
The newly launched Uganda Cranes jersey was used for the first time with goalkeeper Isima Watenga donning all black while the outfield players wore white.
In a game of two halves, South Africa were too dominant in the first half and led through Lyle Foster who scored in the 14th minute.
However, Uganda bounced back stronger after recesss and scored two quick goals through Denis Omedi and Rogers Mato.
A late Thalente Mbatha goal in added time denied Uganda maximum points with the game ending into a two-all draw.
South Africa started on the front foot and dominated proceedings with Uganda failing to match the pace.
Foster fired the hosts into an early lead in the 14th minute, calmly slotting the ball past goalkeeper Isima Watenga.
South Africa had several chances moments later to stretch the lead but Uganda had goalkeeper Watenga to thank, pulling off save after save.
In the second half, Uganda returned a much improved side with coach Paul Put making a change when he introduced Allan Okello in place of Travis Mutyaba.
In the 51st minute, Omedi had yards of space unmarked and decided to shoot from distance. His ferocious strike went straight into the back of the net to level matters.
Two minutes later, Mato almost in similar fashion shot from distance and this time, goalkeeper Mothwa fumbled with the former’s effort to grant Uganda the lead.
From then onwards, Uganda absorbed pressure from the hosts and indeed looked like they were taking all three points.
Coach Put made more changes with Joseph Ochaya and Joachiam Ojera replacing Rogers Mato and Steven Mukwala respectively.
However, substitute Mbatha found the equalizer in the fourth minute of the six added minutes, firing a low drive into the bottom corner.
The result means Congo who defeated South Sudan 1-0 lead group K with Uganda and South Africa level on one point apeace.
Uganda will return to action on Monday at Mandela National Stadium against Congo.
Uganda Cranes Starting XI Isima Watenga, Elvis Bwomono, Abdu Aziizi Kayondo, Bevis Mugabi, Elio Capradossi, Khalid Aucho, Ronald Ssekiganda, Travis Mutyaba, Steven Mukwala, Rogers Mato, Denis Omedi
Unused substitutes
Charles Lukwago, Nafian Alionzi, James Penz Begisa, Isaac Muleme, Joel Sserunjogi, Saidi Mayanja, Calvin Kabuye, Jude Ssemugabi
With a couple of days left to the all-important fixture against South Africa, Uganda Cranes have intensified preparations to ready themselves.
Uganda Cranes take on Bafana Bafana of South Africa on Friday 06 September 2024 at the Orlando stadium when the Total Energies Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 qualifiers kick off this week.
Uganda is in group K with the 2023 AFCON semi finalists South Africa, Congo and neighbours South Sudan.
The Uganda cranes will be aiming to get off to a positive start to better their chances of qualification and put a stop to a frustrating run that has seen the soccer crazy country miss out on the past 2 editions (Cameroon 2021 and Ivory Coast 2023).
The two teams that will top the group at the end of the qualification matches that conclude in November will book their places at the final tournament that will be hosted in Morocco.
‘I have been to 5 AFCON finals and I want to add to that number with this team. You are a group of young and undoubtedly very talented players. You have what it takes to qualify but you need to work hard for it because it will not be given to you just like that. You will have to fight for the right to be in Morocco next year and the fight starts this Friday against South Africa.” Coach Put told his charges after Wednesday’s training session at the Balfor football club training ground in Johannesburg.
‘I love what I am seeing so far; the energy, teamwork and the positive spirit. These will be very crucial in this fight’. He added.
The first Uganda Cranes contingent consisting of majorly locally based players arrived in Johannesburg on Saturday afternoon and for a training camp that was aimed at helping the team adjust to the cold weather. The group that is camped at the Red Radison hotel in Rosebank has since been joined by all the professional players that Put summoned.
After facing South Africa on the Friday 6th, the Cranes will shift focus onto the home fixture against Congo Two days later in Kampala at the Mandela national stadium, Namboole.
Uganda Cranes select side showcased their prowess by defeating the Northern Region select side 4-0 on Thursday evening at a fully packed Booma playground, Apac District in the Nile Special sponsored regional tour match.
Forward Henry Kitegenyi opened the scoring in the 16th minute, expertly converting a low cutback from skipper Isma Mugulusi.
Despite creating multiple opportunities, the Northern Region select team managed to hold the visitors to a 1-0 lead at halftime.The second half, however saw a flurry of goals from the substitutes for the Uganda Cranes Select Team.
Ivan Ahimbisibwe doubled the lead in the 50th minute followed by quick goals from Joseph Akandanwaho in the 53rd and Moses Aliro in the 57th minute sealing a comprehensive victory.
Coach Sam Ssimbwa ensured that all 22 members of his travelling squad saw playing time, expressing his satisfaction with the team’s performance throughout the match.
Attention now turns to the FUFA Super 8 tournament, where the Cranes Select Team will face Kitara FC in the third-place playoff, scheduled for Sunday, September 1, 2024, at the MTN Omondi Stadium in Lugogo.
FUFA has announced ticket prices for the upcoming 2025 Africa Cup of Nations Qualifiers. Uganda will host Congo, South Sudan and South Africa in September, October and November in that order.
The first home game against Congo will take place on Monday, 9th September at Mandela National Stadium.
Ordinary Tickets will go for UGX 25,000, VIP tickets will be purchased at UGX 50,000 while the Platinum Tickets are UGX 150,000 each.
However, there is an opportunity for early bird tickets (Ordinary Tickets only) going for UGX 20,000 and these can only be purchased via MTN MoMo.
FUFA has also introduced a 3-way ticket that gives fans an opportunity to watch all the three home games using one ticket.
The aforementioned tickets come with discounted prices and in two categories.
Uganda Cranes select team coach Sam Ssimbwa has announced a 22-man squad for the regional tour match against Northern Region in Apac District and the FUFA Super 8 third place play-off match against Kitara FC.
The two matches will be played on Thursday 29th August at Booma grounds in Apac and Sunday 1st September at the MTN Omondi respectively.
The team will reassemble on Wednesday at Cranes Paradise Hotel, Kisaasi before setting off for Apac.
There are a number of additions in the team from the one that played in the quarter and semi final of the FUFA Super 8 and these include Police FC duo of Farouk Katongole and Ibra Ssengooba as well as Mbarara City FC forward Henry Kitegenyi.
The full squad
1.Magada Abdu (URA FC) 2.Ochan Derrick (URA FC) 3.Kizito Gavin Mugweri (Unattached) 4.Bwangani Hamisi (URA FC) 5.Kato Samuel Nemeyimana (Soltilo Bright Stars FC) 6.Gift Fred (Unattached) 7.Mulikyi Hudu (URA FC) Kayondo Ronald (UPDF FC) 8.Fiat Cleophus (Soltilo Bright Stars FC) 9.Aliro Moses (URA FC) 10.Mugulusi Isma (URA FC) 11.Kisolo Innocent (URA FC) 12.Ssekibengo Godfrey (URA FC) 13.Mutebi Hakim (Unattached) 14.Ssenyonjo Hassan (Wakiso Giants FC) 15.Ogwang Isaac (Police FC) 16.Ahimbisibwe Ivan (URA FC) 17.Akandanwaho Joseph (Mbarara City FC) 18.Ssali Alpha Thierry (Express FC) 19.Ssengooba Ibra (Police FC) 21.Kitegenyi Henry (Mbarara City FC) 22.Katongole Farouk (Police FC)
OFFICIALS:
1.Ssimbwa Sam Bamweyana- Acting Head Coach 2.Kiggundu Stephen- Goalkeeping Coach 3.Gumisiriza Michael- Team Doctor 4.Balyejusa Ayub- Trainer 5.Lusulire Ronald- Media Officer 6.Bumpenje Frank- Kit Officer
Uganda Cranes Head Coach Paul Put has summoned a squad of 28 players for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations Qualifiers against South Africa and Congo slated for next month.
The coach confirmed the squad in a press briefing held on Tuesday at FUFA Complex.
The Team will travel to South Africa on 31st August to prepare for the first game against Bafana Bafana on 6th September at Orlando Stadium.
The game against Congo will be played on 9th September 2024 at Mandela National Stadium.
The coach confirmed that defenders Kenneth Semakula and Halidi Lwaliwa will not be available for the game against South Africa due to Visa issues.
However, the duo will be available for the home game against Congo at home.
He further revealed that some players have been sidelined due to injuries. These include Allan Kyambadde, Moses Opondo, Uche Mubiru Ikpeazu and Isaac Ssewankambo.
Uganda Cranes is in Group K alongside South Africa, Congo and South Sudan.
FUFA Communications Director Ahmed Hussein confirmed that tickets for the home games against Congo, South Sudan and South Africa will go on sale tomorrow (Wednesday, 28th August 2024).
Uganda Cranes Squad
Goalkeepers
Isima Watenga (Golden Arrows FC, South Africa), Nafian Alionzi (Defence Forces FC, Ethiopia), Charles Lukwago (Venda FC, South Africa)
Defenders
Elvis Bwomono (St. Mirren FC, Scotland), James Begisa (URA FC, Uganda), Isaac Muleme (Viktoria Zizkov, Czech Republic), Abdu Aziizi Kayondo (FC Sloven Liberec, Czech Republic), Joseph Ochaya (Al Mokawloon Al Arab SC, Egypt), Bevis Mugabi (Famagusta Anorthosis, Greece), Elio Capradossi (Unattached), Halid Lwaliwa (Al Ain, Saudi Arabia), Arnold Odongo (SC Villa, Uganda), Timothy Awany (FC Ashdod, Israel), Kenneth Semakula (Club Africaine, Tunisia)
Uganda has been pitted against South Africa, Congo Brazaville and neighbours South Sudan in Group K of the draws for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations Qualifiers conducted on Thursday in Johannesburg, South Africa.
The draw event was conducted by Ivory Coast Head Coach Emerse Faé and former Morocco international Marouane Chamakh.
Prior to the draws, Uganda was placed in Pot 2 and thus had to face a team from the rest of the pots 1,3 and 4.
South Africa was seeded in Pot A, while Congo and South Sudan were in pots 3 and 4 respectively.
Uganda has not been to Africa Cup of Nations for the last two editions and the ultimate target will be to return to the coveted Championship next year before co-hosting the 2027 AFCON edition with Tanzania and Kenya.
The qualification games will be played in September, October and November this year. Only the top two teams besides the group that has hosts Morocco qualify for the final tournament.
Uganda Senior Men’s National Football Team, the Uganda Cranes have one more night to find out the teams they will face in the TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations 2025 Qualifiers.
The draw event for next year’s flagship competition on the African Continent will take place on Thursday in Johannesburg, South Africa at 3:30PM EAT.
The draw will map a pathway to qualification to AFCON 2025 which will be held in Morocco, where each of the 48 nations will be drawn into Twelve (12) groups of four (4) that will determine who qualifies.
It should be noted that the top two teams from each group qualify for the final tournament.
44 teams entered directly while the additional four Nations were winners of the preliminary round games.
The 48 national teams are seeded into four pots of twelve each based on the most recent FIFA World Rankings.
Teams in the same pot cannot be drawn in the same qualification group.
Uganda Cranes is in Pot 2 with Cape Verde, Burkina Faso, Guinea, Gabon, Equatorial Guinea, Zambia, Benin, Angola, Namibia and Mozambique and Madagascar.
Breakdown of the Pots
Pot 1
Morocco (Hosts AFCON 2025) Senegal Egypt Ivory Coast Nigeria Tunisia Algeria Cameroon Mali South Africa Democratic Republic of Congo Ghana
Uganda Cranes put up a resilient performance against Algeria on Monday at Mandela National Stadium but the visitors were able to snatch the win.
In a game that saw Mandela National Stadium filled to capacity, Algeria were able to win 2-1, coming from a goal down.
The First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports Hon. Janet Kataha Museveni was the chief guest at the game.
She was in the company of the Deputy Speaker of Parliament Rt. Hon Thomas Tayebwa, Minister of State for Sports Hon. Peter Ogwang, FUFA President Hon. Magogo Moses Hassim and the Katikkiro of Buganda Owek. Charles Peter Mayega.
Former Vice President HE. Edward Kiwanuka Ssekandi and former Prime Minister Rt. Hon Amama Mbabazi were also in attendance.
Coach Paul Put made two changes from Uganda’s team that had started in the 1-0 win over Botswana last week.
Bobosi Byaruhanga and Rogers Mato started ahead of injured Elvis Bwomono and Allan Okello respectively.
A brilliant start for Uganda saw Travis Mutyaba open the scoring in the 10th minute with his strike from distance, ricocheting off the base of the upright before getting into the back of the net.
The visitors were however able to turn things around especially in the second half.
Just 45 seconds after restart, the Desert Foxes equalized through Houssem Aouar before Saidi Behrama struck the second in the 57th minute.
The result leaves Uganda on 6 points, three behind leaders Algeria. The FIF World Cup Qualifiers will resume in March next year with Uganda visiting Mozambique and hosting Guinea.
Prior to the game against Botswana, not so many knew about Elio Capradossi or even knew what the slender defender was capable of. However, his brilliant display on Friday night at Mandela National Stadium has left many waxing lyrical about the 28-year old calmness , composure and intelligence.
To some that needed to dig more information about the Italy-based defender, google came in handy and football enthusiasts know a thing or two about Capradossi.
FUFA Communications Department had a sit down interview with Capradossi and here are some of the excerpts. For purposes of this interview, we will refer to FUFA Communications as FUFA COMM while Elio Capradossi will be referred to as EC.
FUFA COMM: First things first, how did you feel about earning your debut for the Cranes.?
EC: I played my usual game because I was already bonded with other players who had helped me from day one. I am grateful because it was a nice experience and emotional because of the atmosphere created by the fans and my family was also here to support me.
FUFA COMM: Briefly who is Elio Capradossi?
EC: My name is Elio Capradossi, I was born in Kampala, my father is from Rome, Italy and my mother was from Kampala.
FUFA COMM: When did you leave Uganda for Italy?
EC: I was still little. I think like one year old so I don’t remember well. But I asked my father and he told me a lot of stories. We were living in Entebbe at that time and my father had a restaurant there. He stayed there for some years and later went back to Rome. I have also lived most of my life in Rome.
FUFA COMM: How often do you visit Uganda?
EC: I always come back like in holidays especially and when I was young I regularly visited Uganda. I also took an effort to visited the rest of East Africa.
FUFA COMM: How and when did you start playing football?
EC: I don’t know. I just found myself playing football. But what I remember we used to play with my father because he also likes football. So, we played together at home. Then, I also played with my friends when we were little, on the streets, and we played anywhere there was space. Step by step I understood that I was able. So, I tried to chase this dream.
FUFA COMM: Who did you grow looking up to?
EC: When I was young, in Rome there was Juan the Brazilian Defender. He was playing with Brazil and Rome. I liked him very much. I always watched Roma matches and admired him. I always tried to play like him.
FUFA COMM: What are you key attributes as a player?
EC: I’m a defender, so I like to be aggressive but also like to play by starting attacks, long passes and very strong in aerial duels.
FUFA COMM: Why did you decide to switch allegiance from Italy to Uganda?
EC: I had an opportunity to play for Italy because I was already in the set up having played for the Junior National Teams but never made it to the senior team. Recently, Coach Paul Put called and he told me there is this possibility of playing for Uganda ans asked if I would take up the opportunity of being part of this team. I was very proud to receive this call.
FUFA COMM: How did your family react about this opportunity to play for Uganda?
EC: They were very happy especially my father. He is a football fan and my number one fan too. That is why he also came to watch me making my debut for Uganda. So it is very good for me and my family as well.
FUFA COMM: What should Ugandans expect from you?
EC: I hope to do the best, I am new here so I’m trying to learn and to know my teammates. We need to do our best because we have very important matches ahead of us.
FUFA COMM: Tell us about the new teammates, how has been the reception?
EC: I find the team very good, there is good atmosphere. It is nice to be here, so I’m really happy because I am back to my roots. It’s not easy to quickly bond but they have helped me from the first day especially Nelson Senkatuka, so I feel good and I think it is a good thing, we can do good things.
FUFA COMM: How best can you utilise your vast experience to help the team get better?
EC: This calls for a collective effort not me alone. Football is a team sport and together we can do great things which cannot be done by an individual. I’m not here to change anything or everybody, I’m just a player and I will try to do my best to bring all the experience that I have.
FUFA COMM: What is your best moment in your football career so far?
EC: When I played my first senior match for Roma, I was in their youth setup for a while and playing for the first team was a huge milestone for me. The other high in my career was when I played with Spezia in Serie B, we won the playoffs and we earned promotion to Serie A for the first time in the history of the club.
FUFA COMM: In conclusion, what is your message to Ugandans ahead of the game against Algeria on Monday.
EC: I call upon them to turn up in big numbers like they did on Friday. Come and support us and we hope to get another good result to make them happy.
Uganda Cranes made a grand return to Mandela National Stadium after five years with a remarkable performance against Botswana on Friday.
The Cranes had last played at Uganda’s football Cathedral in November 2019 against Botswana and their return was anxiously awaited.
Ugandans turned up in big numbers to rally behind the team and the boys didn’t disappoint, collecting maximum points.
Deputy Speaker of Parliament of Uganda, Rt. Hon. Thomas Tayebwa, Vice President Emeritus H.E Edward Kiwanuka Ssekandi, Former Prime Minister Rt. Hon Amama Mbabazi, Archbishop of the Church of Uganda Stephen Kazimba Mugalu, Mufti of Uganda His Eminence Ramathan Mubajje and Minister of State for Sports Hon. Peter Ogwang were all present to support the team.
Other dignitaries included FUFA President Hon. Magogo Moses Hassim, Former FUFA President Dr. Lawrence Mulindwa and NCS Secretary General Dr. Bernard Patrick Ogwel among others.
The coach deployed a formidable starting XI handing Elio Capradossi his debut and he did not disappoint, putting up arguably a man of the match performance.
Midfielder Ronald Ssekiganda too got his first competitive match in national team colors while goalkeeper Isima Watenga was the captain of the day in the absence of injured Khalid Aucho.
Right from onset, Uganda Cranes looked dominant and indeed got the most scoring opportunities.
The first chance fell to Fahad Bayo in the 3rd minute but Botswana goalkeepe Goiiseone Phoko reached quickest to deny him.
Seven minutes later, Elvis Bwomono nearly fired Uganda into the lead but his close range effort was saved by Phoko.
Despite a good start, there was no breakthrough for either side at the interval.
Upon restart, coach Paul Put made changes, first bringing on Rogers Mato in place of Allan Okello.
In the 64th minute, Muhammad Shaban and Bobosi Byaruhanga replaced Steven Mukwala and Elvis Bwomono respectively. This meant Kenneth Semakula moved from midfield to right back.
Denis Omedi too came on for Bayo in the 70th minute to mark his senior team debut.
The decisive moment came in the 74th minute with Omedi setting up Shaban to tap home and send the fans into wild celebrations.
Omedi raced for a long ball from Byaruhanga and calmly slotted the ball at the near post for onrushing Shaban to tap home.
The team thereafter defended resiliently to claim all three points.
Uganda Cranes will return to action on Monday with another home fixture against Algeria.
Uganda Cranes Starting XI Isima Watenga, Elvis Bwomono, Isaac Muleme, Elio Capradossi, Halidi Lwaliwa, Ronald Ssekiganda, Kenneth Semakula, Allan Okello, Travis Mutyaba, Fahad Bayo, Steven Mukwala
Substitutes Nafian Alionzi, Chrispas Kusiima, Rogers Mato, Muhammad Shaban, Denis Omedi, Bobosi Byaruhanga, Timothy Awany, Ibrahim Kasule, Nicholas Mwere, Ronald Otti, Joel Sserunjogi, Umar Lutalo
