The Cranes held the regaining champions till the 51st minute when Aston Villa striker Jonathan Kodjia put the Black Stars into the lead.

Crystal Palace winger Wilfried Zaha scored in the 58th minute, his first goal with Ivory Coast to double his side’s lead with Serge Aurier sealing the victory when he met Max Gradel’s to head home.

Uganda have had mixed results in their friendly games registering wins against Slovenia (1-0), Slovakia (3-1) and a 2-0 loss against Tunisia in Tunis.

Uganda are in Group D alongside Egypt, Ghana and Mali. They will play their first match on the 17th January against Ghana at Stade de Port Gentil before going head to head with Egypt on 21st, January  at the same venue.

The Cranes will then take on Mali in their last Group D tie on 25th, January at Stade d’Oyem.

Uganda XI: Denis Onyango, Dennis Iguma, Timothy Awany, Hassan Wasswa, Joseph Ochaya, Tonny Mawejje, Geoffrey Kizito, Michael Azira, William Luwagga Kizito, Farouk Miya, Geoffrey Massa

Substitutes: Robert Odongkara, Salim Omar Magoola, Nicholas Wadada, Moses Oloya, Godfrey Walusimbi, Isaac Isinde, Murushid Juuko, Khalid Aucho, Shafik Batambuze, Muhammad Shaban, Yunus Ssentamu, Geoffrey Sserunkuma

Ivory Coast XI: Sylvain Gbohouo, Serge Aurier, Eric Bailly, Wilfried Kanon, Adama Traore, Franck Kessie, Geoffroy Serey Die, Jean-Michael Seri, Salomon Kalou, Jonathan Kodjia, Wilfried Zaha

Substitutes: Mande Sayouba, Mamadou Bagayoko, Victorien Angban, Cheick Doukoure, Yao Serge N’Guessan, Wilfried Bony, Max-Alain Gradel, Nicolas Pepe, Giovanni Sio

The post Ivory Coast hammers Uganda 3-0 in a friendly ahead of 2017 AFCON first appeared on Uganda Multimedia News & Information.

Uganda cranes drew 0-0 with the Black stars in the game which was played at Tamale Stadium on the 7^th October 2016.

This was the first game of group E but the visitors absorbed a high tense second-half pressure from their West African opponents to earn a vital point on the road.

Avram Grant’s side enjoyed the majority of possession and the clearest chances in Tamale but could not find a way to beat Uganda’s Denis Onyango in goal. Jordan Ayew proved a constant menace in attack but the Aston Villa man’s end product was lacking. Acheampong was also kept at bay by Cranes’ Khalid Aucho keeping the visitors in the game.

Micho’s side had a couple of chances at goal but Ghana keeper Razak Brimah proved too strong to beat.

Uganda Cranes team that defeated Comoros Islands in Kampala on 4th September 2016 to book a place in the African Nations Cup finals

This game showed the progress the nation has made since acquisition of Serbian tactician Milutin ‘Micho’ Sredojevic.

Micho arrived in Uganda in May 2013  taking over the reins from the sacked Bobby Williamson.

On his arrival, he stated his goals as being development of youth systems, Moving Uganda in the FIFA World ranking and give players a chance to play in European leagues.

“One of my aims is to develop the youth systems, and I want us to move from 97th in the rankings up to 70, and stay there to give our players a chance to play in top European leagues.” Stated  Micho.

The goals have to some extent being achieved like the transformation of the football culture in Uganda, the national team has remained amongst the top 70 in the Fifa World rankings, while qualifying for Gabon and players have got a chance to move to European league.

Uganda  ended a 38-year wait for a place in the African Nations Cup finals by securing a 1-0 win over the Comoros Islands in Kampala on 4th September 2016.

Uganda is the best ranked country in the East African region with neighbours Kenya dropping in the latest Fifa world rankings released on 15^th September 2016.

All this shows that Uganda is moving in the right direction and can keep dreaming of great things to come.

The progress could be attributed to different factors but Onyango who is considered by many as one of Africa’s most experienced goalkeeper is a pillar to the progress the Uganda cranes have had.

Dennis Onyango is one of the most experienced goalkeepers in Africa

Onyango has got good organizational skills; leadership and individual brilliance at the back which helps him organize his defence.

In games away from home, keeping a clean sheet is crucial and Uganda has somehow mastered the art of doing so. This dwells well with the recent record on the road.

The cranes have won three, lost one and drawn another in their last five competitive away matches.
This was highlighted by Milutin Sredojevic making it clear that the run of good results by Uganda is not an accident but the work of the team.

Bold truth 5 last competitive Cranes matches away:Comoros 0-1,Togo 0-1,Burkina Faso 1-0 (penalty)Botswana 1-2,Ghana 0-0 It can’t be accident

— Michocoach (@michocoach) October 7, 2016

PAST COMPETITIVE AWAY MATCHES FOR CRANES

Sept, 5 2015: Comoros 0-1 Uganda

Nov, 12 2015: Togo 0-1 Uganda

Mar 26, 2016: Burkina Faso 1-0 Uganda

Jun 4, 2016: Botswana 1-2 Uganda

Oct 7, 2016: Ghana 0-0 Uganda

This is no mean feat on the African continent where home advantage is crucial if one is to have a chance of qualification for different competitions.

The point Uganda got away from Ghana is just the beginning of the tough task ahead.

Home advantage does not guarantee points as witnessed by Egypt’s coming from behind to defeat Congo 2-1 in Brazzaville to take Group E leadership but plays a crucial part.

Micho labels Ghana and Egypt favourites

According to the monitor, Ghana’s failure to earn three points against Uganda has not hindered Micho from naming them as favourites alongside Egypt in the 2018 World Cup qualifiers.

“Egypt with Ghana are still carrying tag of favourites due to the fact that Egypt won away,” admitted Micho

Egypt lead Group E with three points after they defeated Congo 2-1 in Brazzaville while Ghana are level with Uganda on one point each.

The Serb also stated that the game against Ghana was a measure of character and not numbers at the World cup qualifiers table standings.

“That is what I was looking from the match against Ghana, character, not numbers at the World cup qualifiers table standings.”

Micho added: “Once we improve standards we shall then automatically become contenders to go to World Cup.
“We got a point away in Ghana but we have no right to exaggerate things but realistically look to not be favourites on paper and contenders on the field of play with performance earning practical not declarative tag of favourites.
“We need to approach the next five matches like five cup finals looking in each to fight like lions in human shape for three points and see what will come out as final product.”

Uganda’s next game will be against Congo while Ghana will take on Egypt in November, 2016.

If Uganda Cranes get maximum points  against Congo in Kampala,it will enhance the notion that football  progression  is on the rise.

The post Why Uganda’s draw with Ghana in the 2018 world cup qualifiers shows progress first appeared on Uganda Multimedia News & Information.

The  two sides shared a 1-1 draw in last season’s corresponding fixture and both teams will be looking for a win.

Louis van Gaal’s team had a poor game against Spurs requiring an own goal to secure the win as they hit just a single shot on target.
Manchester United though have got a good unbeaten run record against Aston Villa at Villa Park in the Premier League and are favourites to win.

Aston Villa will look at the services of Rudy Gestede who came off the substitutes’ bench to score the winner against Bournemouth to lead the attack but Tim Sherwood must decide whether to risk the striker from the start after admitting he is still not fully fit.

Aston Villa manager Tim Sherwood is considering starting striker Rudy Gestede against Manchester United

Aston Villa centre-back Jores Okore is out, while Jack Grealish and Carles Gil are both doubtful after only recently returning to first-team training. Gary Gardner and José Ángel Crespo both face late fitness tests.

Manchester United, meanwhile, remain without the suspended Marouane Fellaini, Phil Jones  and David De Gea with Bastian Schweinsteiger closing in  to full fitness as he recovers from a calf injury.

Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal confirmed Sergio Romero will remain in goal for today’s meeting with Aston Villa.

Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal comfirmed David de Gea will miss today’s game against Aston Villa at Villa Park

David De Gea’s situation at the club is not yet clear and when quizzed about the issue, Van Gaal told MUTV: “There’s no difference. The transfer period is still open and he [De Gea] still has the same problem.”

Opta stats

Aston Villa have not beaten Manchester United at home in the Premier League since August 1995 (D7 L12).

The Red Devils have won more games against Aston Villa (32) than any side has against a single opponent in Premier League history.

Aston Villa have won just one of the last 39 Premier League games against Manchester United (L28 D10 W1).

United have scored 21 goals in their last seven Premier League games against Villa, averaging three per game.

Wayne Rooney has scored more Premier League goals against Villa than any other side (13).

Aston Villa have not won their opening two games of a Premier League season since 1999-00.

KICK-OFF TIME: 7.45pm (British Standard Time)

TV: Live on Sky Sports, highlights on BBC1

Read more at premier league.com

The post Aston Villa Vs Manchester United preview first appeared on Uganda Multimedia News & Information.

Arsenal 0 Westham 2

GOALS:-Cheikhou Koyate 43rd, Mauro Zarate 57th

Arsenal’s start to the Premier League was less impressive in a loss to London rivals West Ham.

West Ham’s Cheikhou Kouyate, second from left, heads the ball to score his sides first goal during the English Premier League soccer match between Arsenal

The Gunners were stunned as West Ham got away with a 2-0 win at the Emirates Stadium. Cheikhou Koyate’s header before halftime and a low finish from Mauro Zarate in the 57th minute gave the Hammers’ new coach Slaven Bilic the perfect start.

Petr Cech, acquired by Arsenal from Chelsea in a somewhat surprising summer transfer, was at least partly to blame for both goals. The Czech stopper raced out to try and punch a Dimitri Payet free kick in the 43rd minute, only to miss as Kouyate headed into an empty net.

The second goal saw Zarate stole the ball easily from Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain in Arsenal’s defensive third, and took a few touches before curling a shot into the bottom corner with Cech being left flatfooted.

EVERTON 2 WATFORD 2

GOALS:- EVERTON: BARKLEY 76th; KONE 86th. WATFORD: LAYUN 14th; IGHALO 83rd.

Arouna Kone struck late on to secure a vital point on Watford’s return to the Barclays Premier League. Mexican Miguel Layun put Watford ahead in the first half before Ross Barkley equalized for Everton. Odion Ighalo’s goal put Watford ahead as the clock was ticking down  but substitute Kone pulled one back for Everton which ensured the matter was settled with a draw.

AFC BOURNEMOUTH 0 ASTON VILLA 1

GOAL:- VILLA: GESTEDE 72nd

Bournemouth was given a warm welcome to the Barclays Premier League by Aston Villa substitute Rudy Gestede and debutant who scored the winner for his new team.

Bournemouth, last season’s championship winners, wasted so many chances and were at least good enough to have picked  a point in the game.

CHELSEA 2 SWANSEA CITY 2

GOALS:- CHELSEA: OSCAR 23rd; FERNANDEZ OG 30th. SWANSEA: AYEW 29th; GOMIS PEN 55th.

Barclays Premier League champions Chelsea suffered a setback in the defence of their title when they had goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois sent off and dropped two valuable home points. Oscar gave Chelsea the lead with an early free kick only for debutant AndrÈ Ayew to level for the Welshmen. Federico Fernandez converted William’s cross beyond his own keeper to hand Chelsea the lead before Courtois was sent off and replacement Asmir Begovic was unable to stop Bafetimbi Gomis’ spot kick.

Thibaut Courtois was sent off against Swansea City on the weekend

LECIESTER CITY 4 SUNDERLAND 2

GOALS:- VARDY 11th; MAHREZ 18th, PEN 25th; ALBRIGHTON 66th. SUNDERLAND: DEFOE 60th; FLETCHER 71st.

Former Chelsea and new Leicester City manager Claudio Ranieri began his reign at Leicester City by taking the club to the summit of the Barclays Premier league by beating up his counterpart Dick Advocaate.

Leicester scored from Jamie Vardy, Riyad Mahrez and Albrighton while Sunderland got their goals from Jermain Defoe and Steven Fletcher.

MANCHESTER UNITED 1 TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR 0

GOAL:- WALKER OG 22nd.

Manchester United needed a Kyle Walker own goal to secure an unconvincing 1-0 home win over Tottenham Hotspur.

Kyle Walker scores an own goal for Manchester United

Walker made history with his own goal  became the first opening goal of the Premier League season to be an own goal.

United, whose manager Louis van Gaal was celebrating his 64th birthday, took the points after Walker, attempting to tackle Wayne Rooney, put through his own net.

NORWICH CITY 1 CRYSTAL PALACE 3

GOALS:- PALACE: ZAHA 39th; DELANEY 49th; CABAYE 90th. NORWICH: REDMOND 69TH.

Crystal Palace played out an entertaining game against promoted side Norwich though the result dominated by  a goal which was  controversially ruled out. Cameron Jerome’s hooked effort was wrongly ruled out by rookie ref Simon Hooper when it should have given the home side an equaliser. Wilfried Zaha and Damien Delaney had put Palace two goals up and after Nathan Redmond pulled one back for City, Jerome’s effort was ruled out and Eagles debutant Yohan Cabaye sealed the win.

Stoke City 0 liverpool 1

GOALS:- Philippe Coutinho 86th

Liverpool’s Philippe Coutinho scored a stunning late winner to seal a 1-0 victory at Stoke City.

Liverpool’s Philippe Coutinho Correia celebrates with team-mates after scoring the winning goal against Stoke City during the Premier League

This was a big game for Liverpool after the humiliation in the final game of last season — inflicting a 6-1 defeat on Brendan Rodgers’ team.

There was no repeat on Sunday with Coutinho’s moment of magic ensuring Liverpool walks away with all the three points.

Newcastle 2 Southampton 2

GOALS:- Graziano Pelle 24th, Papiss Cisse 42^nd, Gini Wijnaldum 48th,Shane Long79th

New Newcastle manager Steve McClaren had to settle for a point in a game where both sides had the lead for a while.

Goals from Papiss Cisse and new signing Gini Wijnaldum put Newcastle in command after Graziano Pelle’s 24th-minute opener for the visitors.

But substitute Shane Long rose to power home a cross from the Dusan Tadic with 11 minutes to go to secure a point.

The first round of matches concludes tonight when Manchester City travels to West Bromwich Albion

West Bromwich Albion Vs Manchester City preview

Unbeaten in their last five league games at the Hawthorns, Manuel Pellegrini’s men go into tonight’s encounter in high spirits and full of confidence.

England’s most expensive player Raheem Sterling, is set to be handed his first competitive start for the club.

Man City defender Gael Clichy and summer signing Fabian Delph will miss the game while England’s most expensive player Raheem Sterling, is set to be handed his first competitive start for the club.David Silva, Samir Nasri and Sergio Aguero are all available for selection.Meanwhile West Bromwich Albion summer signings Rickie Lambert (Liverpool), James McClean (Wigan Athletic) and James Chester (Hull City) are set to make their debuts for the club, although Serge Gnabry’s (Arsenal) loan move was completed too late for him to feature.

Read more on  premierleague.com

The post Barclays Premier League roundup featuring Arsenal,Chelsea,Liverpool,West Bromwich Albion Vs Manchester City preview and more.. first appeared on Uganda Multimedia News & Information.

The Spanish goalkeeper, a summer-long target for Real, has a year left on his contract and could leave for nothing when it expires.

David de Gea may leave on a free transfer next summer if he does not renew his contract with Manchester United

United had demanded that they be permitted to sign Spain defender Ramos in return for accepting a bid for De Gea-Daily mail

Wojciech Szczesny wants permanent Roma switch after Arsenal exit

WOJCIECH SZCZESNY has been reassured by Roma that his loan move from Arsenal will be made permanent next summer, according to reports.

The Polish goalkeeper is on the brink of joining the Serie A giants following the arrival of Petr Cech from Chelsea-Express

Jose Callejon ‘targeted by Arsenal, Arsene Wenger ready to beat Chelsea to transfer’

Jose Callejon is reportedly being targeted by Arsenal as Arsene Wenger prepares to go head-to-head with Jose Mourinho’s Chelsea for the Spaniard.

A number of Premier League teams are believed to be interested in Callejon, with Chelsea understood to be readying a £15.5million bid for the 28-year-old-Metro

Hull City: James Chester on verge of £8m West Brom switch

HULL City defender James Chester is expected to complete a move back to the Premier League by joining West Bromwich Albion today-hulldailymail

Fernando Llorente ‘set to complete Arsenal transfer on Monday’

Arsenal are reportedly set to complete the transfer of Fernando Llorente on Monday.

The Juventus striker was also thought to be on the radar of Tottenham, but the Gunners appear to have beaten their north London rivals to signing the 30-year-old.

Llorente should formally seal a move to the Emirates on Monday for a fee of £8.56million, according to reports–Metro

Saints want Calum back

SOUTHAMPTON want Arsenal’s Calum Chambers on loan.

The England Under-21 defender left St Mary’s in a £16million deal only 12 months ago-the sun

Angel Di Maria to join PSG

PSG have reportedly bid just £28.5m for Angel Di Maria, a player Manchester United paid £59.7m for just a year ago.

Angel di Maria is a transfer target for PSG

It was thought that a deal closer to £45.9m had been struck between the sides for the unsettled Argentina international.

Manchester United seem unlikely to sell Di Maria for so little, particularly considering the 27-year-old’s contract runs until 2019

Charlie Austin to Newcastle: Magpies expected to make £13.25 bid for QPR striker

Newcastle are ready to make a £13.25m bid for Queens ParkRangers’s Charlie Austin if they receive assurances over the player’s temperamental shoulder.

But the Magpies are not prepared to meet QPR’s £15m asking price and hope their current bid will lure him to St James’ Park-independent

Chelsea closing in on left back Alex Telles from Galatasaray

Having sold Filipe Luis to Atletico Madrid earlier this month. Chelsea are now in the market to sign another left back. Jose Mourinho’s Chelsea are closing in on Brazilian Alex Telles from Galatasaray, after reaching an impasse with Augsburg from Abdul Rahman Baba.

Brazilian full back Alex Telles has been linked with a move away from Turkey over the last few months and it appears Chelsea and Jose Mourinho are prepared to offer him an exit route-soccerlens

Aston Villa ‘closing in on £10m transfer of French midfielder Jordan Veretout’

Aston Villa manager Tim Sherwood is closing in on the £10million signing of French midfielder Jordan Veretout.

It was previously thought that both Liverpool and Spurs had declared an interest in the 22-year-old Nantes player but French paper L’Equipe are reporting a deal thought to be in excess of £10million with Aston Villa is all but completed-Metro

Liverpool, Arsenal and Spurs target expresses desire to join Barcelona

ARSENAL, Liverpool and Spurs target Aymen Abdennour has expressed his desire to join Barcelona.

The Monaco centre-back has been linked with a £11.5m summer move to the Premier League but has revealed his admiration for the La Liga side.

But the Tunisian confirmed that the decision would be down to his current employers-Express

Arsenal ‘ready to make £40.5m transfer offer to finally sign Karim Benzema’

Arsenal are set to offer Real Madrid £40.5million to finally seal a deal for Karim Benzema, according to reports.

The Gunners have apparently made Benzema a key transfer target this summer, with Arsene Wenger looking to fill the vacant No.9 shirt at the Emirates.

Arsenal to make an improved bid for KARIM BENZEMA

A £30.3m offer is already claimed to have been snubbed, and reports last week suggested a new bid worth £35.3m was set to go in for his services.

But now Spanish outlet Fichajes says Arsenal are now prepared to offer up £40.5m to bring Benzema to England-Metro

Swansea City WON’T be making £4m move for Sunderland’s Steven Fletcher

Swansea City have dismissed reports they are set to make a £4million bid for Sunderland striker Steven Fletcher.

The Swans were linked with a move for the Scottish striker over the weekend but they insist they are not in the market for a new striker.

Tottenham Hotspur’s former Real Madrid star Emmanuel Adebayor had also been linked-sunderlandecho

Southampton pursuing Arsenal star despite Arsene Wenger’s intentions

ARSENAL have rejected Southampton’s approach for defender Calum Chambers, according to reports.

Southampton are keen to bring Arsenal defender Calum Chambers back to the club on a season-long loan deal, according to The Sun – but Arsene Wenger has put a halt to proceedings-Express

Wenger ‘asks Arsenal for Busquets’

It’s claimed Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has given his superiors a list of players to strengthen the team and Barcelona’s Sergio Busquets is among them.

Sport reports Wenger wants Busquets to take Francis Coquelin’s defensive midfield role and is top of the long-serving boss’ targets-football-espana.net

Joel Campbell agrees to end Arsenal nightmare today (but he’s not going to Real Sociedad)

JOEL CAMPBELL has reportedly agreed to join Italian side Palermo on loan.

Joel Campbell has reportedly agreed to join Palermo on loan from Arsenal

The Arsenal midfielder is free to leave the club after failing to break into Arsene Wenger’s first team last season-Express

Chelsea and Arsenal miss out on Chile star Charles Aranguiz as he agrees Leverkusen deal

CHELSEA and Arsenal are set to miss out on Charles Aranguiz – with the Chilean on the brink of joining Bayer Leverkusen

The midfield ace has agreed personal terms with the German outfit, with just a fee left to be struck for the 26-year-old-Dailystar

AC Milan reject M’Baye Niang offer, according to reports

Newcastle United reportedly had an offer for AC Milan striker M’Baye Niang turned down and the Magpies have been linked with Cameron Humphreys

Newcastle United had an offer rejected for AC Milan striker M’Baye Niang, according to reports in Italy-Chroniclelive

The post Transfer News: Manchester United to let David de Gea leave on a free, Arsenal to sign Karim Benzema, Angel Di Maria to PSG and more.. first appeared on Uganda Multimedia News & Information.