The Black stars scored through a penalty after Isaac Inside lost control of the ball and pulled Asmoah Gyan leaving the referee with no choice but to award Ghana the penalty.

Westham striker Andre “Dede” Ayew stepped up and converted to spot-kick in the 32nd minute   which eased Ghana to a narrow 1-0 win against the Cranes.

Ayew’s goal means he has now scored seven Nations Cup finals goal – one more than his father and legendary former Ghana captain, Abedi Pele scored. But he remains one African title behind his father, who lifted the trophy in 1982.

Ghana missed several chances through Gyan,Christian Atsu,Jordan Ayew were all guilty of failing to beat Uganda’s goalkeeper Dennis Onyango.

Ghana played generally a defensive game in the second half since they were defending their lead.

Uganda were left frustrated on their return to the Nations Cup after 39 years of absence when they failed to get anything from the game.

The Cranes created few goal scoring opportunities with the likes of Faruku Miya,Geofrey Massa,Muhammed Shaban and Geoffrey Sserunkuma failing to find the back of the net.

Meanwhile,the other group D match,Egypt played out a goalless draw against Mali giving hope to the Uganda Cranes of qualification.

Ghana will next take on Mali on 21st January while Uganda will face record seven-time champions Egypt on the same day.

The post AFCON 2017:Ghana edges Uganda 1-0 in a tight encounter first appeared on Uganda Multimedia News & Information.

The Black stars are one of the regulars in the continental competition whereas Uganda are making a return after 39 years.

The only previous Cup of Nations game between the two countries was the 1978 final which hosts Ghana won 2-0 in Accra.
The last meeting between the two sides ended in a 0-0 draw in the 2018 World Cup qualifiers, a game which was played at Tamale Stadium on the 7^th October 2016.

Ghana has won the Cup of Nations in 1963, 1978, 1965 and 1982 while Uganda’s best achievement was runners up in 1978.

Uganda are the only East Africa nation in Gabon and have a battle on their hands if they are get out of their group with tough ties against Mali and one of the tournament favorites Egypt .

Uganda are under Serbian tactician Milutin “Micho” Sredojovic whereas Ghana are coached by Avram Grant.

Players to watch:

Uganda

Goalkeeper Dennis Onyango who was named as the best African-based player of 2016 by the Confederation of African Football after helping South African club Mamelodi Sundowns to African Champions League glory will be vital for his country

Ghana

West Ham’s Andre ‘Dede’ Ayew who has recently come back from injury will look to help his country against the Uganda Cranes.

What to expect

The Cranes will hope for a good start in their opening game to stand any chance of qualifying for the next round though Ghana are no push-overs.

SQUADS

GHANA SQUAD

Goalkeepers

Briamah Razak (Cordoba, Spain)

Richard Ofori (All Stars, Ghana)

Fatau Dauda (Ashanti Gold, Ghana)

Defenders

Andy Yiadom (Barnsley, England)

Jonathan Mensah (Columbus Crew, USA)

Baba Rahman (Schalke 04, Germany)

Daniel Amarte (Leicester, England)

Edwin Gyimah (Orlando Pirates, South Africa)

John Boye (Sivasspor, Turkey)

Frank Acheampong (Anderlecht, Belgium)

Harrison Afful (Columbus Crew, USA)

Midfielders

Thomas Partey (Atletico Madrid, Spain)

Afriyie Acquah (Torino, Italy)

Christian Atsu (Newcastle, England)

Emmanuel Agyemang-Badu (Udinese, Italy)

Wakaso Mubarak (Panathanaikos, Greece)

Ebenezer Ofori (AIK, Sweden)

Samuel Tetteh (FC Liefering, Austria)

Forwards

Asamoah Gyan (Al-Ahli, UAE)

Jordan Ayew (Aston Villa, England)

Andre Ayew (West Ham, England)

Bernard Tekpetey (Schalke 04, Germany)

Ebenezer Assifuah (Le Havre, France)

UGANDA SQUAD

Goalkeepers

Salim Jamal Magoola (Al Merreikh, Sudan)

Robert Odongkara (Saint George, Ethiopia)

Denis Onyango (Mamelodi Sundowns, South Africa)

Defenders 

Timothy Dennis Awany (KCCA, Uganda)

Joseph Ochaya (KCCA)

Shafiq Batambuze (Tusker, Kenya)

Denis Iguma (Al Ahed, Lebanon)

Isaac Isinde (Unattached)

Murushid Juuko (Simba, Tanzania)

Nicholas Wadada (Vipers, Uganda)

Midfielders

Khalid Aucho (Baroka, South Africa)

Mike Azira (Colorado Rapids, USA)

Geoffrey Kizito (Than Quang Ninh, Vietnam)

William Luwagga Kizito (Rio Ave, Portugal)

Tony Mawejje (Thotur, Iceland)

Hassan Wasswa (Nijmeh, Lebabon)

Moses Oloya (Hanoi T and T, Vietnam)

Godfrey Walusimbi (Gor Mahia, Kenya)

Forwards

Geoffrey Massa (Baroka, South Africa)

Faruku Miya (Standard Liege, Belgium)

Yunus Sentamu (Ilves, Finland)

Geoffrey Sserunkuma (KCCA, Uganda)

Muhammed Shaban (Onduparaka, Uganda)

The post AFCON 2017: Ghana Vs Uganda preview first appeared on Uganda Multimedia News & Information.

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.

The friendly match will help Uganda Cranes head coach Milutin Sredojevic to assess his team ahead of the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia qualifier against Congo Brazzaville on 12th November at the same stadium.

A statement of fufa.com reads; ‘We have confirmed the match and we believe it will give the coach a good test for his players before playing Congo Brazzaville. We shall communicate further details to the public about the match’ said FUFA Communications Manager Ahmed Hussein.

The cranes had a good start in the quest for 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia qualification when they held Ghana to a goalless draw in Tamale.

Uganda cranes drew 0-0 with the Black stars in the opening game of Group E with Egypt defeating Congo 2-1 in Brazzaville.

The Uganda against Congo Brazzaville game will tell us more about what we can expect from the team with trickier fixtures against Egypt on the horizon.

The last time Uganda faced Congo was in the Afcon 2013 qualifiers with the Red Devils winning 3-1 at home before the Cranes Overturning the tie by winning 4-0 in Kampala to proceed to the last round of qualifiers where they met Zambia who edged them 9-8 on penalties after a 1-all draw over two legs.

Micho (white top) during training with Uganda Cranes players-photo by FUFA

Uganda Cranes head coach Milutin Sredojevic is upbeat that a win against Congo Brazzaville will prove the credentials of his team.

 ‘We want to win against Congo Brazzaville and show that the point we earned in Ghana is pure reflection of hard work and our ambitions in world cup qualifiers to be contenders’, said Micho  on  fufa.com.

The Serbian tactician will name the squad to feature in both ties on November 2 ,2015 at Fufa House in Mengo-Kampala,Uganda.

In the other Group E games, Egypt host Ghana at the Borg El Arab Stadium in Alexandria looking for a second win and keep  hold of its leadership.

The post Uganda to face Zambia in friendly ahead of Congo Brazzaville tie first appeared on Uganda Multimedia News & Information.

The 47-year-old Serb helped the Uganda Cranes end their 38-year wait to qualify for the Africa Cup of Nations in Gabon and has been praised for transforming Ugandan football.

He is currently on a mission to help Uganda make their first appearance at the 2018 Fifa World Cup which will be held in Russia and got a crucial point when  his side drew against Ghana in a 2018 World Cup qualifier in Tamale.

According to super sport ,Micho who has   won 14 league titles in five different big clubs on the African continent has a dream of managing the Black Stars in the future.

“Like any other coach here in Africa, I hope I will be good enough one day to be the coach for Ghana’s Black Stars,” Sredojevic told Otec FM. “However, before that time arrives, I will continue to do my best for Uganda until my contract runs out.”

“If the chance to join Ghana comes one day, why not? If it does not, I will be the respectful opponent’s coach, who always try to get the maximum points against Ghana,” he added.

The former Rwanda coach Micho arrived in Uganda in May 2013 taking over the reins from the sacked Bobby Williamson and is a highly experienced figure in African football.

Meanwhile Ghana coach coach Avram Grant is under mounting pressure after his side dropped valuable points at home against Uganda putting their chances of qualification to the World Cup in jeopardy.

The former West Ham United and Portsmouth boss could be replaced if he fails to help his team qualify for the World Cup.

Micho’s Career stats:

Between 1987 and 1994 he played for five clubs (Svoboda Ljubjana, Sindelic Belgrade, Graficar Belgrade, FK Zorka Subotica and FK Pionir Subotica).

Teams Managed:

From 1994 to 2016 Micho managed 12 teams in Europe, but 15 of those years were spent coaching teams in Africa.

Micho has managed FK Palik, FK Spartak Subotica, Yugoslavia U20, FK Hajduk Kula, Villa SC, St. George, Orlando Pirates, Yanga, Al Hilal Omdurman, Rwanda and Uganda.

The post Micho keen to manage Ghana in future 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 last time Ghana beat Uganda was on September 04, 2005 in the 2006 FIFA World Cup qualifiers. The game ended 2-0 and the Black Stars went on to qualify for Germany 2006.

• Since 2002, the two teams have met 7 times (including friendly). Ghana have won twice as many Uganda while the rest have been stalemates.

• Overall, the two nations have met 12 times. Ghana hold advantage with 6 wins, 3 losses and 3 draws.

• Ghana has played at three World Cup finals (2006, 2010 and 2014) while Uganda have never played at the finals.

• Besides Uganda and Ghana, the other members in the group are Egypt and Congo Brazzaville.

Black Stars probable XI
Braimah/ Kwarasey; Afful, Rahman, Boye, Jona Mensah; Wakaso, Atsu, Acheampong, Acquah; J.Ayew, A.Gyan

Uganda cranes probable XI
Denis Onyango, Nicholas Wadada, Isaac Isinde, Murushid Juuko, Joseph Ochaya, Khalid Aucho, Tony Mawejje, Moses Oloya, Kizito Luwagga, Farouk Miya, Geoffrey Massa

LIVE UPDATES BETWEEN GHANA VS UGANDA
#OperationGhana Tweets

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The Black stars will play an inspired Uganda Cranes who made history by qualifying for a first Afcon tournament since 1978, edging Comoros 1-0 on 4th September, 2016 to book their ticket to Gabon.

Ghana are instilled as slight favourites in Group E with fierce competition expected from Egypt but Uganda are no push overs according to Ghana coach Avram Grant.

The Black Stars are looking for a World Cup appearance scheduled for Russia in 2018 and Grant labeled the Cranes as being ‘very good’ a head of their game.

He told CAFOnline.com that “we are starting the journey again to (Russia) and the game is very difficult. I know the result in the last Africa Cup of Nations qualification which they Uganda qualified and it was very symbolic for them.

“They are a very good side but we always want to show that we are strong. I don’t think it will be an easy game but our target is the same – to win and to do everything to be in Russia.

“It is a group stage, so the most important… it’s a very tough group all the teams can qualify but we have our own wishes. We are playing against a very strong side and so the most important thing is that we will be ready on Friday”.

Ghana  are without injured influential duo, Kwadwo Asamoah and Andre Ayew but Ghana captain Asmoah Gyan is fit to play.

Meanwhile Tonny Mawejje  who scored the goal when the Cranes last visited Ghana says that sealing qualification for the 2018 World Cup in Russia will be a dream for his Nation.

“When you look at the qualification, we don’t play different teams from those we face in AFCON qualifiers,” he argued.

“It’s the same teams and that gives us courage and hope that if we do work hard and together as a team, we can achieve the dream,” he added.

Uganda will look to Denis Onyango in goal to curb Ghana’s threats since he is one of Africa’s most experienced goalkeepers.

The game between Ghana and Uganda will be played at 6:30 pm (East African Time)

Facts about Ghana and Uganda clash:

• The last time Ghana beat Uganda was on September 04, 2005 in the 2006 FIFA World Cup qualifiers. The game ended 2-0 and the Black Stars went on to qualify for Germany 2006.
• Since 2002, the two teams have met 7 times (including friendly). Ghana have won twice as many Uganda while the rest have been stalemates.
• Overall, the two nations have met 12 times. Ghana hold advantage with 6 wins, 3 losses and 3 draws.
• Ghana has played at three World Cup finals (2006, 2010 and 2014) while Uganda have never played at the finals.
• Besides Uganda and Ghana, the other members in the group are Egypt and Congo Brazzaville.

Black Stars probable XI

Braimah/ Kwarasey; Afful, Rahman, Boye, Jona Mensah; Wakaso, Atsu, Acheampong, Acquah; J.Ayew, A.Gyan

Uganda cranes probable XI

Denis Onyango, Nicholas Wadada, Isaac Isinde, Murushid Juuko, Joseph Ochaya, Khalid Aucho, Tony Mawejje, Moses Oloya, Kizito Luwagga, Farouk Miya, Geoffrey Massa

The post Uganda aims to defy odds against Ghana in the 2018 World Cup qualifiers first appeared on Uganda Multimedia News & Information.

This will be the opening Group E qualifier for the Black Stars who will also have Egypt and Congo to contend with in the same group.

A statement read on the Ghana FA’s official website: “The Russia 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifying match between the Black Stars of Ghana and the Cranes of Uganda will be played on Friday October 7, 2015 at the Tamale Sports Stadium.

“The match is the Black Stars’ Group E opening match for the Russia 2018 FIFA World Cup. Other members of the group are Egypt and Congo.

“The match will kick-off at 3:30 p.m.”

Meanwhile Uganda will play against Togo on 4th October in a friendly match a head of their opening 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Ghana.

Uganda Cranes will camp in the West African country as they step up their preparation with an encounter against the Black Stars.

The post 2018 World Cup qualifiers: Ghana to host Uganda in Tamale first appeared on Uganda Multimedia News & Information.

The Uganda cranes will camp in the West African country as they step up their preparation with an encounter against the Black Stars in Group E.

The Serbian tactician stated that the training camp will help his team to cope up with the weather of the region and that could lead to a good result.

“A training camp in West Africa will provide the Cranes with that acclimatization advantage considering the fact that every time we have held training camp before a major match, the results have been convincing,” he said.

“Then the match against Togo will give me a clear picture of who is ready to face Togo and who is not.”

Earlier reports indicate that the Uganda Vs Togo Friendly will be used by the Black stars to study the strength of the Uganda Cranes.

Uganda will play Ghana in their first match at the Tamale Stadium north of Ghana on Friday, 7th October 2016.

Uganda coach Milutin ‘Micho’ Sredejovic  named a 30-man provisional squad for the opening match of the group phase which will see Congo hosting Egypt in the other Group E match two days later in Kintele.

Full Squad

Goalkeepers: Dennis Onyango (Mamelodi Sundowns, South Africa), Benjamin Ochan (KCCA), Ismail Watenga (Vipers), Salim Jamal (El Merreikh, Sudan)

Defenders:  Dennis Iguma (Al Ahed, Lebanon), Joseph Nsubuga (SC Villa), Isaac Isinde(St. George, Ethiopia), Murushid Jjuuko (Simba, Tanzania), Rashid Toha (Onduparaka), Timothy Awany (KCCA), Godfrey Walusimbi (Gor Mahia, Kenya), Nicholas Wadada (Vipers), Halid Lwaliwa (Vipers), Joseph Ochaya (KCCA)

Midfielders:  Tonny Mawejje (Knattspyrnufélagið Þróttur, Iceland), William Luwagga Kizito (Rio Ave, Portugal), Abdulmalick Vitalis Tabu (SC Villa), Mike Azira (Colorado Rapids, USA), Geofrey ‘Baba’ Kizito (Than Quảng Ninh, Vietnam), Aucho Khalid (Baroka, South Africa), Ivan Ntege (KCCA), Moses Oloya (Kuban Krasnodar, Russia)

Strikers: Geoffrey Massa (Baroka, South Africa), Emmanuel Arnold Okwi (Sondjerskey, Denmark), Yunus Sentamu (Ilves, Finland), Farouk Miya (Standard Liege, Beligium), Erisa Ssekisambu (Vipers), Muhammed Shaban (Onduparaka), Edrisa Lubega (Proline), Hamis  Kizza (Free State Stars, South Africa)

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