Cranes striker Geoffrey Massa has been ruled out of the Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers match against Congo due in Brazzaville City next Wednesday.
The Cranes technical bench has summoned Tanzania based Simba SC striker Emmanuel Okwi to join camp immediately as a potential replacement of Massa. Okwi is expected in camp this afternoon.
Training started off this Friday at Namboole stadium with nine professional players and three home based players in camp. Those who attended the morning training session included Wasswa Hassan, Oloya Moses, Mawejje Tonny, Ochan Patrick, Sserumaga Mike, Sserunkuuma Geofrey, Isinde Isaac, Musa Mudde, Wagaluka Dan and Kavuma Habib.
The home players were Kalungi Henry, Kimera Ali and Guma Denis. Steven Bengo, Walusimbi Godfrey and Masaba Simeon did not show up. Meanwhile new Cranes captain Andy Mwesigwa and Brian Umony have arrived. Denis Onyango, Abel Dhaira and Mutumba Martin are expected this Saturday.
By mid-day this Friday, there were no signs that the Passport office in the ministry of internal affairs would really issue a Ugandan passport to the Sweden based Cranes player, Kayongo Mutumba Martin!
The federation submitted all the necessary documents to the concerned offices early February and the file was shortly forwarded to the legal department where it has remained to-date. Among the documents we were required to submit included proof from Martin’s parents indicating that they had Ugandan roots.
Kayongo Mutumba Joseph, the biological father to Martin availed us with his baptism certificate and his Advanced School level certificate from St. Henry’s College Kitovu as part of the proof among other documents. The baptism certificate shows that Mutumba’s father was baptized from Kitovu on February 22, 1952 by Rev. Fr. Leonard Lule and issued a card No. 2378. All these copies were attached.
FUFA invited Mutumba to Uganda and in company of his real mother Mary Kayongo Mutumba, he was physically presented to the passport offices and submitted a hand written application requesting to be allowed receive a Ugandan passport and play for his country. He also filled forms ‘A’, ‘AA’ and ‘B’ as required by the Uganda citizenship and immigration control Act 3 -1999 on top of taking the oath of allegiance before the commissioner for oath.
The Swedish Ambassador in Uganda verified Martin’s passport and clarified that duo citizenship was acceptable in Sweden. He was later taken for medical examinations to check on his mental stability.
The Federation was later asked to produce a criminal record clearance from Interpol in Sweden which was done and taken to Makerere institute of Languages for interpretation since it was in Swedish language. The player was found to have committed no crimes that bar him from acquiring duo citizenship.
We were assured that what had remained was the board to sit and decide whether Martin really deserved a dual citizenship. I have since kept checking on this file almost daily and engaged different personalities including sports minister Charles Bakabulindi who has offered some help. To my surprise, this Friday February 24 it was discovered that nothing much had been done on the file and it remained on a desk of one of the officers unattended to.
In the presence of the NCS General Secretary Jasper Aligawesa, Mutumba’s file was today retrieved from this officer’s fully packed desk with indications that we needed to provide more documents linking Martin to his parents. By the time of receiving this new instruction for another requirement, Mutumba was already on his way to Entebbe.
I have however communicated the developments to Martin’s parents in Sweden and an effort is being made to have them swear an affidavit before a honorable court proving that they are the rightful parents of Martin. I am in touch with them and I am yet to receive that document. It’s however notable that the team will leave on Monday morning and the passport offices don’t work over the weekend.
As an officer assigned to work on this particular case I have found it necessary to give you these updates as I continue pushing for this document.
The struggle continues!
ROGERS MULINDWA
HEAD OF COMMUNICATIONS
Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA)
Sweden based Cranes- bound player Kayongo Mutumba Martin was on Thursday afternoon involved in a motor accident as he drove to the airport in Stockholm City for a flight to Uganda.
Mutumba who plays for AIK FC, a premier League team in Sweden is part of the 22 man squad summoned by Coach Bobby Williamson a head of the Congo Afcon game on February 29. “But I am happy that I was not injured” said the player who missed the flight as police recorded statements of the incident.
An over speeding vehicle rammed into Mutumba’s car and hit him in the sides leaving his car damaged and part of his property spoilt. Mutumba was scheduled to arrive here this Friday but he will now come on Saturday afternoon. His car was badly damaged but the accused reportedly pledged to meet the costs for all the repairs.
Mutumba said the driver of the other car looked drunk because he could smell alcohol from his vehicle. “His vehicle still had no snow tyres to protect him on the slippery snow- covered roads” Mutumba explained
UGANDA Super League and Express FC key player Bonny Baingana is already in Kigali undergoing training with Rwanda’s national team, Amavubi in preparation for their Africa Cup on Nations qualifiers match against Nigeria mid next week.
Baingana had earlier been summoned to the Uganda Hippos camp that prepares for an international friendly match against Rwanda on February 28 but opted to travel to Kigali. The Hippos start training this Tuesday at Nakivubo stadium. Baingana travelled with Charles Tibingana Mwesigye featuring for Proline FC here in Uganda and the two have been described as ‘a big boost’ to the Amavubi camp.
On arrival of the two Ugandan based players, Rwanda head coach Milutin Micho said, “The camp is now full with the presence of such professional players. APR and SC Kiyovu players are also in camp after their continental engagements with their clubs.”
Uganda Federation CEO, Edgar Watson said he was due to cross check his records to establish whether the two players had been cleared and were in Rwanda on acceptable terms. He however added, “If Baingana is both Ugandan and a Rwandese, he has the right to decide where to go but the concern here is whether FERWAFA acted through the right procedures”
FERWAFA with direct support from the Rwandese government launched a world-wide campaign of tracing all foreign based players with a Rwandese link to lure them to Kigali and play for Amavubi. The campaign started immediately after their exit from last year’s qualifiers. France-based striker Elias Uzamukunda who plays for second division side AS Cannes will join camp before the end of this week.
Meanwhile Andrew Butera who is currently undergoing rehabiulitation from France after an operation is steadily recovering according to the information reaching our desk. Butera, a Proline FC player crossed over to Amavubi in 2008.
Cyprus based Ugandan professional player, Geoffrey Massa has been ruled out of next Saturday’s international friendly match against Egypt. The player will however be in Congo for the Afcon qualification match.
The Cranes Head Coach, Bobby Williamson told a technical meeting that sat at Mandela National stadium this Saturday evening that the striker will have a club match on the same date Uganda engages Egypt. In a related development, the absence of the Ethiopian based trio of Isaac Isinde, Mike Sserumaga and Sula Matovu has also been confirmed. St. George, a club they play for that narrowly missed the league title last season will also be busy on the pitch next weekend. The Federation has however learnt of the planned move by St. George to block the same players for the Congo match on February 29.
The federation has petitioned the continental football body, CAF for an intervention. The Cranes team is expected to leave for Egypt next Tuesday. The friendly match will not be played from the country’s main city of Cairo but from Gouna stadium, Hurghada within the Red Sea Resort City.
The travelling players will include Dhaira Abel, Ali Kimera, Habib Kavuma, Dan Wagaluka, Mike Mutyaba, Simeon Masaba, Denis Guma, Bengo Steven, Kalungi Henry, Tonny Mawejje, Geoffrey Sserunkuuma and Umony Brian. Others are Captain Andy Mwesigwa, Kayongo Mutumba Martin, Oloya Moses, Ochan Patrick, Mude Musa, Walusimbi Godfrey, Wasswa Hassan and Okwi Emmanuel. The team will connect direct from Cairo to Brazzaville on Sunday morning.
Tonny Mawejje in action against Taifa Stars of Tanzania
Cranes skilled midfielder Tonny Mawejje has allegedly acquired a working permit to allow him play in South Africa. A reliable source in Johannesburg has revealed.
Mawejje who signed a two year contract at Golden Arrows FC this year is expected to feature in the South African premier League soon.
According to team coach Muhsin Ertugral, Mawejje will be available for selection ahead of their game against Bloemfontein Celtic after he receiving this work-permit.
Mawejje was recruited along with Ivorian goalkeeper Loboue during the January transfer window.
Mawejje will be part of the Cranes Squad expected in the Country earlier next week to prepare for the Qualifying game against Congo away in Brazzaville on February 29.
The Cranes on Saturday started their five day training sessions ahead of their international friendly match against Southern Sudan scheduled for February 16.
A total of 20 players reported for the morning’s training at Namboole Stadium under the head coach, Bobby Williamson.
Impressing for his first was Israel Emuge the KCC FC defender who looked confident throughout the Training session partnering with Henry Kalungi.
Bobby said is happy with Emuge and Henry Kalungi saying they were good replacements in case one of his first team players was not available and promised to follow up their performances for the next few days they are to train as a whole team.
Cranes is expected to leave Kampala on Wednesday for Juba. The players reported for the first training included Hamza Muwonge,Ali Kimera, Henry Kalungi, Isreal Emuge, Saaka Mpiima, Alex Kakuba, Godfrey Walusimbi,Gift Ali, Denis Guma, Wadada Nicholas, Richard Luyima, Isma Kazibwe, Kizito Luwaga, Gerald Bagoole, Morris Okello,Willy Kavuma,Kakembo Jimmy, Ceasor Okhuti
Nestroy Kizito Joseph, one of the talented Uganda Cranes’ senior players has officially retired from national team football to pave way for the young talents.
Kizito made an official communication to FUFA on February 9, 2012. “I wish to inform you that I have decided to retire from the Ugandan National team football” reads part of his letter. He was however happy that the federation had granted him a chance to play for his country.
“I am very happy for the last ten years I have played for the Cranes team and I wish to inform you that I shall keep supporting this national team and the Federation itself in all the campaigns to come” writes Kizito a talented lefter. He further praised the federation for making him what he is today and for being organized despite the failure to qualify for this year’s Africa Cup of Nations.
“I wouldn’t be where I am today in life if it wasn’t for the national team and FUFA and for that reason, I wish to thank the federation, my fellow players and the team officials for the support towards my career in football”, he further writes.
As to why he has chosen to quit, Kizito said he wanted to create space for the young talents. “The reason as to why I have made this decision is because I want to give way for the young and talented players that we have in our country”, he explained in his letter mailed to FUFA.
Kizito was optimistic that the young players he leaves behind were talented enough to push Uganda to a better level in future. “I wish you all the best in all that you do and I pray that you qualify for the next Africa Cup of Nations”, concludes Kizito’s letter.
Kizito in tears after the Cranes failed to qualify
The federation wishes to thank Kizito for the ten years he has featured for the Cranes. He has been a dependable left back and his presence on the team was always instrumental and his discipline on the pitch very commendable. We also commend the spirit under which he choose to retire from international football. The federation will always remember the good deeds of him and contact him for guidance to the young players whenever need arises.
Kizito’s ambitions to join the Scottish side St. Mirren hit a snag. He is now a free agent since parting ways with Serbian giants Partizan Belgrade in November 2011
Kayongo Mutumba poses for a photo with FA president Lawrence Mulindwa and the federation Head of communications, Rogers Mulindwa
The Cranes Manager Bobby Williamson has this Wednesday released the 23 man squad that will prepare for the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers match against Congo in Brazzaville this month.
Team Captain Ibrahim Ssekagya (Salzburg FC) misses out on the list due to an injury he picked while playing for his club in Europe. Bobby told the FUFA weekly press conference at the federation headquarters in Mengo that he was no certain of the captain’s recovery period. “I pray that he recovers soon for other games to come” said the Scottish tactician.
Kayongo Martin Mutumba who features for AIK FC, a Premier League club in Sweden is on the list. FUFA is nearing total completion of the process to secure him a Ugandan passport. Mutumba is born to Mr. Joseph Mutumba Kayongo and Mary Kayongo Mutumba who have lived in Sweden since 1970s. Although Mutumba posses a Swedish Passport, the Ugandan government accepts duo citizenship.
FUFA President Lawrence Mulindwa and the federation spokesperson Rogers Mulindwa have been pursuing the Mutumba matter since Uganda played the last qualifiers match against Kenya. The player was also in Uganda between 14-18, January this year for issues related to the same development. While in Uganda, Mutumba met Bobby and promised to offer his best during the campaign.
All the passport office demands, except the letter for criminal records, were submitted to the ministry of internal affairs along Jinja road before the player returned to Sweden. Interpol in Sweden has now issued a statement indicating a clean criminal record for Mutumba and this will be added on his file shortly after receiving it in Kampala.
The detailed list has Goalkeepers Denis Onyango (Mamelodi Sundowns, SA), Dhaira Abby (IBV, Iceland) and Kimera Ali a local based player featuring for Victors FC. The defenders include Simeon Masaba (URA), Walusimbi Godfrey (Bunamwaya), Mwesigwa Andrew (Ordabasy, Kazakhstan), Kavuma Habib (APR, Rwanda), Isaac Isinde (St. George, Ethiopia), Kalungi Henry (Richmond Kickers, USA) and Wasswa Hassan (Kayseri Erciyesspor, Turkey).
The midfielders are Oloya Moses (Saigon Xuan Thanh, Vietnam), Michael Mutyaba (Al Merreikh- Sudan), Ochan Patrick (TP Mazembe- DR Congo), Matovu Sula (St. George- Ethiopia), Mawejje Tonny (Golden Arrows- South Africa), Kayongo Martin Mutumba (AIK FC- Sweden), Dan Wagaluka (APR- Rwanda) and Kayizzi Vincent from URA FC.
The list also has Sserumaga Mike (St. George-Ethiopia), Massa Geoffrey (Nicosia-Cyprus), Emmanuel Okwi (Simba-Tanzania), Umony Brian (Becamex Binh Duong- (Vietnam) and Geoffrey Sserunkuuma (Vasco Dagama-South Africa). Uganda plays Congo on Wednesday 29th this month. The federation will shortly issue the details of the training program.
2011 Cecafa Tusker Challenge Cup champions, the Uganda Cranes have landed an invitation to play Southern Sudan in an international friendly match on February 16.
This will be the first international friendly for Southern Sudan since their acquisition of a Nation status. Ugandan head coach Bobby Williamson has already summoned a total of 23 players to start training this coming Saturday, February 11.
The CAF Congress sitting in Gabon this month is reportedly considering integrating Southern Sudan into the continental football family. This match will therefore be part of the celebrations but at the same time the hosts will use it to select a team that will represent them in this year’s Cecafa championship. When Southern Sudan is granted CAF membership, the Cecafa region will now boost of a dozen membership.
The team is expected in Juba on February 14. The summoned players include Hamza Muwonge, Ali Kimera, Saka Mpima, Walusimbi Godfrey, Kalungi Henry, Ivan Bukenya, Emuge Israel, Guma Denis, Noah Ssemakula, Abega George, Isaac Kirabira and Willy Kavuma. Others are Ismael Kazibwe, Okello Moses, Senfuka Patrick, Luwagga Kizito, Ogwanga Julius, Bagoole Gerald, Bengo Steven, Okhuti Ceaser, Kakembo Jimmy, Majwega Brian and Owen Kasule.
Buganda Road Court Chief Magistrate, Her Worship Sylvia Nabaggala has this Friday dismissed the criminal charges brought by the Save Our Soccer (SOS) group against FUFA President Lawrence Mulindwa, CEO Edgar Watson and the chairman of the Legal Committee, Mohammed Bazirengedde.
The Magistrate threw out the case on grounds of being incompetent and erroneously brought before court. The honourable court also noted that the charges against the three accused FUFA officials were inconsistent in law because FUFA wasn’t a public body. FUFA is a private entity limited by guarantee and as such, the three accused persons were not public officers within the meaning of the law.
SOS have always come out openly to express their interests in dragging Mulindwa to Luzira prison but this is the fourth court case the selfish group is losing in courts of law including the one against former FUFA president, the late Denis Obua. Mbidde Denis who filed the case run out of the court chambers before the final ruling after detecting likely embarrassment from the football fans who watched the proceedings. Aldrine Nsubuga and Fred Muwema did not even show up.
Happy man: Edgar Watson
The Magistrate further ruled that the lawyers representing SOS had not obtained the mandatory permission from court before commencing with the private commercial prosecutions. And in absence of such permission, they were improperly before the court. She said, the complainant, Dennis Mbidde was an alien to FUFA since he was neither a member of FUFA nor a delegate. In this background, all the information he gave before court was hearsay and he couldn’t even prove the source of his information. Upon cross examination of the complainant (Mbidde Denis), he appeared contradictory of his sources of information.
All the above illegalities affected the validity of the case rendering the proceedings null and void. Court therefore dismissed the charges and cancelled the criminal summons earlier issued. FUFA was represented in court by lawyers Evans Ochieng, Alex Luganda and Ronald Bogezi. (Rogers Mulindwa, Head of communications-FUFA)
FUFA CEO Edgar Watson communicated the Excom decision to the clubs
FUFA in consideration of Article 16 (1) and 57 of the FUFA Constitution and article 18 (1) of the FIFA statutes, granted the Uganda Super League Ltd (USLL) the authority to run the Super division League (The Uganda National Top League)
FUFA communicated to USLL and Uganda Super League clubs the decision of the FUFA Disciplinary Committee, directed that USLL and the clubs do not make any sporting, administrative or any other contacts with the sanctioned officials.
Furthermore, the FUFA Executive Committee suspended the Uganda Super League (USL) matches on 19th January 2012. (Ref. No FUFA/USL/19/01/12) upon defiance of the sanctioned officials. However some USL clubs have defied the FUFA directive and continued to play in matches officiated by unqualified referees and organized by sanctioned officials.
The FUFA General assembly of 2011 in Fort portal empowered the FUFA Executive to evoke Article 57 (7 i and ii) of the FUFA Constitution if USLL officials and/or clubs continue to violate association football rules.
FUFA is cognizant of the efforts by some clubs to return normalcy at USL but the continued defiance by the sanctioned officials to perform duties of USLL is further violation of association football rules. It is therefore upon the above background that the FUFA Executive withdraws the mandate from USLL to run the Uganda National football top league with immediate effect.
The Jinja Declaration Committee (JDC) is hereby required to convene clubs that are willing to be compliant with association football and compose a corporate body in accordance with the Jinja Declaration. The new body should ensure that the acceptable interests of the sponsors are well protected. The JDC will henceforth guide the progress in this regard with immediate effect.
The withdraw communication signed by the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Edgar Watson Suubi has been copied to the FIFA General Secretary, the CAF General Secretary, FIFA Development officer in charge of this zone, the Vice President of the Republic of Uganda, the Minister of education and sports and the state minister for sports. Others include the General Secretary of National Council of sports, all FUFA member associations and the chairman Jinja Declaration Committee. (Rogers Mulindwa-Head of Communications-FUFA)
Cranes Midfielder Tonny Mawejje has past medical tests at Golden Arrow FC, a first division club in South Africa.
Mawejje, an instrumental player in the Uganda squad for the last three campaigns of the African cup of Nations will soon sign a two year contract according to the Kickoff Newspaper in South Africa.
His success makes him join the likes of Posnet Omonyi, Timothy Batabaire, Geoffrey Sserunkuma and Denis Onyango who play in the same league.
From IBV- Iceland, Mawejje believes signing for a South African club would give the Cranes’ Coach Bobby Williamson a chance to easily monitor his performance in preparation for the next African Cup of Nations Campaign. Uganda opens the campaign against Congo in Brazzaville on February 29.
Mawejje’s impressive carrier started from Masaka Local Council, KCC FC, Police FC and URA FC before leaving for IBV in Iceland. “This is not my final destination. I want to get more exposure here and win cups before realizing my dream of playing in some big leagues in the world”Tonny Mawejje is quoted to have said. (Story compiled by Kenneth Muwanga)
Ugandan FA President, Lawrence Mulindwa has pushed Uganda to the best position ever on the continent
Uganda has climbed 7 places upwards in the January FIFA Coca cola gradings to rank 82nd in the entire world of 208 member countries.
Uganda with 411 points also emerges the best ranked country among all the ten member associations that constitute the Council of East and Central Africa (Cecafa). The previous rankings had put Uganda at 89th position. Rwanda is ranked second best in the region with 304 points, indicating a difference of 97 points between the two footballing nations.
The Uganda Cranes beat Rwanda in the finals to lift the Cecafa-Tusker challenge Cup in Dar es Salaam on December 10 last year. The rankings further put Uganda in the 18th position in Africa with Cote d’Ivoire (889) topping the continental list followed by Ghana (779), Algeria (734), Egypt (698), Senegal (625) and Nigeria with 612 points. Cameroon and South Africa tie in the 56th position in the world rankings with 551 points and are 7th in Africa.
Uganda (82nd) beats Angola (85th) by 6 points and better than Gabon (91st), the hosts of the Africa Cup of Nations finals. Uganda and Angola will again have to face each other in the World Cup qualifiers. Sudan, the only nation within the Cecafa region taking part in the CAN finals is third best in the region with 265 points. This is 146 points behind Uganda.
Kenya is in the 121st position with only 260 points; Ethiopia has 230 points in the 133rd place while Tanzania follows in the 137th place with 225 points. Others are Burundi (199 points), Eritrea (45), Somalia (43) and Djibouti which maintains the 198th position in the world with only 23 points.
Bunamwaya SC and Uganda Cranes attacking midfielder Owen Kasule has finally realized his professional dream after completing transfer procedures to join one of Vietnamese V League top clubs, Hoang Ahn Gia Lai FC.
Owen started his footballing career with first division Nakawa United where Coach Mayanja Jackson spotted his talent and recruited him into KCC during the 2006/07 mid season registration period.
While at KCC, he formed a formidable partnership with the likes of Umony Brian, Ssentongo Godfrey, Kamoga Ronald, Senoga Sam and Mubiru Sam among other teammates, eventually winning the 2007/08 GTV sponsored super league. George “Best” Nsimbe was in charge of KCC however, Owen didn’t stay at KCC to enjoy the fruits of his hard labour. He shortly joined Bunamwaya SC the following season missing KCC’s splendid performances in the 2009 CAF Champions league. The team played the likes of Ferrovario de Maputo and Super Sport United without Kasule’s services.
Owen continued with his impressive performances at Bunamwaya SC guiding the club to its first ever Super League trophy in 2009/10 league season with a contribution of 12 league goals and 10 assists. His performance earned him a national team call by head coach Bobby Williamson. Owen Kasule becomes the third Bunamwaya sports club player to ply his trade in Vietnam in a space of one year following earlier moves of Saddam Juma Ibrahim and Ceasar Samson Okhuti. Okhuti is however now back at Bunamwaya SC after his loan spell at Bin Dhong Vissal elapsed.
According to Bunamwaya club Secretary Haruna Kyobe, the player signed a two year contract where he will be earning 5000 US dollars monthly on top of a winning 2000 US dollars bonus for every win Gia Lai posts in the V league. Further to that, Owen is entitled to 1000 US dollars for every league goal he scores and a well furnished apartment for his stay in Vietnam. Hoang Ahn Gia Lai has an attachment to English premier league club Arsenal “The Gunners” where players with exceptional talents are enrolled into Arsenal’s reserve team for trials.
Bunamwaya SC has also pocketed 15000 US dollars from this transfer as a compensation for Owen’s last 7 months which had remained on his terminated contract.
The Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA) has rewarded the gallant Cranes players with USD 20.000 (over UG Shs.50m) from the prize money they won after lifting this year’s Cecafa Tusker Challenge Cup on Saturday.
FUFA vice President in charge of Technical matters Livingstone Kyambadde who also led the delegation handed over the money to the players after consultations with the FA president Lawrence Mulindwa. Uganda won her 12th Cecafa title after eliminating Rwanda 3-2 on spot kicks.
Kyambadde hailed the boys for the good fighting spirit exhibited throughout the tournament and commended the head coach Bobby Williamson for winning his third Cecafa title.
Meanwhile midfielder Mudde Musa returned to Nairobi this morning while Mike Sserumaga, Sula Matovu, Robert Odongokara and Isaac Isinde are scheduled to connect direct to Addis Ababa from Dar es Salaam this Sunday.
Cecafa General Secretary Nicholas Musonye said the next challenge cup could go to Nairobi in 2012 following Kenya’s interest to host it. The hosts of the club championship would be decided after the consultative meetings with the sponsors.
UGANDA lifted this year’s Cecafa Tusker Challenge Cup after a post-match penalty shoot-out at the National Stadium of Dar es salaam City in Tanzania on Saturday.
This becomes Uganda’s 12th title since 1973 and Coach Bobby Williamson’s third title since 2008. The Cranes came twice from behind to tie the match 2-2 after 90 minutes and after no scores in the extra-time, they took the title for the third time in four years by again coming from two penalties down to literally grab it in the pulsating finish.
Uganda FA president Lawrence Mulindwa attended the thrilling finals. Meddie Kagere, a Uganda that acquired a Rwandese passport struck twice for Rwanda in normal time but each time Uganda came back, defender Isaac Isinde punishing the end of a blunder by Rwanda goalie Jean-Claude Ndori and then skipper Olivier Karekezi heading in an own goal from a Uganda corner. Rwanda, who were looking for their second title in the history of this challenge cup looked to have been more on pressure on the pitch than the widely experienced Ugandan side. Somali referee Wish Yabarow was the man in charge of the final game.
Captain Mwesigwa receives the trophy from Zanzibar president Dr. Ali Mohamed Shein
In the shoot-out, Uganda trailed after Moses Oloya and Habib Kavuma had both their kicks saved by Ndori but subsequently Rwanda’s Emery Bayisenge and Eric Gasana were unsuccessful with theirs handing the advantage to Uganda. Goalkeeper Abby Dhaira saved two penalties to earn Uganda a 3-2 win. This was Dhaira’s second Cecafa Challenge Cup after the 2008 tournament in Kampala where he conceded only one goal throughout the three week’s tight competition.
From the beginning Rwanda played well neutralising Uganda’s power and speed approach. The Amavubi Stars were brilliant in their passing game and were disciplined in defence but also wasted a lot of time after their 1-0 lead. On the 51st minute, Jean-Claude Iranzi found Kagere with a perfect pass on the left flank and the delightful finisher approached Cranes ‘keeper Abby Dhaira from the edge of the box then beating him with a low shot to the far post.
But on the day, Rwanda’s undoing was jittery goalkeeping by Ndori. The Ugandans seemed to realize it and kept bombarding him. Sula Matovu rattled the cross bar after Ndori had punched Kavuma’s free kick in his way on 73 minutes but four minutes later, another free kick from Kavuma found Oloya on the far post and his cut-back was ferociously volleyed in by Isinde Isaac inside to draw level.
Rwanda went ahead again two minutes later with Kagere evading Kavuma and Isinde before beating Dhaira on his right for his second of the day. Uganda were level again to complete the crazy three minutes but this time Karekezi heading in his own net from a corner under pressure from Kiiza on 80 minute.
In the classification match played earlier at 1:00pm, Sudan edged defending champions Tanzania Mainland 1-0 to win the bronze medal. Mohammed Shaikh Eldin scored the winner with a stunning striker six minutes from time to settle an entertaining encounter. Tanzania went closest on 76 minutes with Mwinyi Kazimoto rattling the upright with the keeper beaten.
Then came the defining moment as Eldin, who had come as a substitute for the injured Amir Suleiman, collected a pass from the midfield and arrowed a powerful shot into the far corner from 25 yards. Zanzibari President Dr. Ali Mohamed Shein was the Chief Guest. (Posted by Rogers Mulindwa-Head of communications, FUFA)
Goal keeper Abby Dhaira will be up the task in today's finals
The Cecafa organizing Committee has confirmed that the President of Zanzibar, Dr. Ali Mohamed Shein will be the chief guest as Uganda and Rwanda clash in the finals of this year’s Cecafa Tusker Challenge Cup at the National stadium here in Dar es salaam City this Saturday.
Somali Referee Wish Yabarow who officiated last year’s finals has again been handed another chance to handle this highly anticipated clash. He will be assisted by Egueh Hassan from Djibouti and Ida Mohamed from Sudan. Tanzania’s Israel Mujuni is the standby referee while Tariq Atta from Sudan is the designated Match Commissioner. Uganda will miss the services of Godfrey Walusimbi who picked up a second yellow card against Tanzania last Thursday.
Coach Bobby Williamson
Cecafa General Secretary Nicholas Musonye told a pre-match meeting last evening that the Zanzibari President had accepted the committee’s invitation to preside over the finals that will be showed live on Super Sport, Channel 9. The winners walk away with a cash prize of U$ 30.000 while U$ 20.000 and U$10.000 goes towards the first and second runner’s ups respectively.
Rwanda looks to maintaining their unbeaten record in this tournament and their second title as the Uganda Cranes focuses on winning their 12th Cecafa title. Rwanda last won this challenge cup in 1999 when their side ‘B’ edged Kenya 3-1 in the finals in Kigali. They have however lost all their finals on away grounds while Uganda has won most of her titles away from home.
In 2003, Uganda registered a humiliating 3-0 win against Rwanda in Khartoum City . In 2007, Rwanda still lost the title to Sudan on spot kicks here in Dar es salaam after a 2-all draw in the normal and extra time. The Cranes again flew over Rwanda’s Amavubi in 2009 when they met in the finals away in Nairobi. Uganda won 2-0. Team Captain Andy Mwesigwa has assured Ugandans that he would return to Kampala with a title on Monday.
Hosts Tanzania will play Sudan in the classification game at 1:00pm before the final kick off at 3:30pm.
