Jamal has left for Al Hilal Sports Club in Sudan for more competition after having much time to take the decision to switch.

“I signed a three-year deal with Al Hilal Sports Club and let us see how things move on that side” Jamal attested to Kawowo after Cranes victory in Maseru.

Jamal joined joined El Merriekh Sports Club from Kampala Capital City Authority.

Jamal is the second choice goalkeeper of the Uganda Cranes team after Denis Onyango who plays for Mamelodi Sundowns.

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President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni with Uganda Cranes Captain Denis Onyango and Head coach Sebastien Desabre

In a jolly mood, the President discussed football matters with the contingent before he announced his offer of a chartered flight to fly the Cranes to Maseru for the reverse fixture against Lesotho to be played on Tuesday 16^th October, 2018.

President Museveni also offered the Uganda Cranes contingent to State House a financial boost of UGX 200M (Two Hundred Million Shillings).

President Museveni congratulated the team for posting results that have kept the Cranes on top of the group in the campaign but urged them to work harder against Lesotho on Saturday.

“I have been following you of recent and I thank you for the performance but we need to work harder for better results. I have offered you a chartered plane to Lesotho and UGX 200M to help you get good results” said President Museveni

Speaking on behalf of the players, team captain Denis Onyango appreciated the President and the First Lady Janet Museveni (Minister of Education and Sports) for the recent support towards the Cranes and football.

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni in a deep discussion with the Uganda Cranes and FUFA Contingent to State House on Tuesday in Entebbe

“The support from the President is a sign that he follows and loves sports. Football has been picking good results partly because of such support from the fountain of honour and office of Education and Sports. This offer will help the team fly in time to Maseru for the game” said Justus Mugisha.

The Uganda Cranes Technical team led by head coach Sebastien Desabre was also in attendance.

The delegation to State House was led by FUFA 1st Vice President Justus Mugisha, accompanied by 2^nd Vice President Darius Mugoye, FUFA CEO Edgar Watson and the FUFA Finance Director Decolas Kiiza.

READ ALSO:

FUFA unveils new kits for Uganda Cranes and Crested Cranes

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The  Sundowns goalkeeper has signed a contract which will run until the end of the 2020/21 season.

“Sundowns have also tied down goalkeeper Denis Onyango, who signed a four year contract extension,” Sundowns said on their website.

Onyango who was voted the best Africa-based Footballer of the Year by the Confederation of African Football has been outstanding for country and club.

The 29-year-old was an influential figure for Uganda Cranes in the African Cup of Nations 2017 in Gabon playing the first two matches but missed the last group game because of injury.

Onyango is the reigning ABSA Premiership Goalkeeper of the Season and his good form will help Sundowns win more trophies.

The Kampala-born keeper has been at the Pretoria-based outfit since 2011 and  is  currently ranked in the top ten goalkeepers in the world according to the International Federation of Football History and Statistics (IFFHS).

The post Denis Onyango signs new deal at Mamelodi Sundowns first appeared on Uganda Multimedia News & Information.

Cranes beat stiff competition from DR Congo and Senegal to the team of the year award after making history by ending a 38-year wait to qualify for Afcon.

Uganda Cranes team that qualified for the African Nations Cup finals in Gabon.

Meanwhile, Onyango got the better of Mamelodi Sundowns teammate Khama Billiat and TP Mazembe’s Reinford Kalaba, collecting 252 votes in the process. Billiat finished second behind Onyango with 228 votes, while Kalaba came in third with 206 votes according to Confederation of African Football (CAF)

The Uganda international helped the Brazilians lift their maiden Caf Champions League crown at the expense of Zamalek and was also influential in Uganda’s qualification to the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations in Gabon.

The former Bidvest Wits shot-stopper becomes the first South African-based player to win the continental award.

On the Other hand, Riyad Mahrez become the first Algerian and maiden North African to win the best African player of the year accolade since its inception by the Africa De Football (CAF) in 1992.

The play-maker played an instrumental role in the historic Premier League triumph by English Club, Leicester City in the 2015/2016 season.

The winners were decided by the votes from the head Coaches or Technical Directors of the National Associations affiliated to CAF, members of the CAF Media Committee, members of the CAF Technical and Development Committee and a 20-member panel of experts.

Full list of Winners:

African Player of the Year – Riyad Mahrez (Algeria & Leicester City)

African Player of the Year – Based in Africa: Denis Onyango (Uganda & Mamelodi Sundowns)

Women’s Player of the Year: Asisat Oshoala (Nigeria & Arsenal Ladies)

Most Promising Talent: Kelechi Iheanacho (Nigeria & Manchester City)

Youth Player of the Year:  Alex Iwobi (Nigeria and Arsenal)

Coach of the Year: Pitso Mosimane (Mamelodi Sundowns)

Club of the Year: Mamelodi Sundowns

National Team of the Year:Uganda

Women’s National Team of the Year:Nigeria

Referee of the Year: Bakary Papa Gassama

Football Leader of the Year: Manuel Lopes Nascimento, President of Guinea Bissau Football Federation

Legend Award: Laurent Pokou, Former player of Cote d’Ivoire and Emilienne MBANGO, Former player of Cameroon

Africa Finest XI

Goalkeeper: Denis Onyango (Uganda & Mamelodi Sundowns)

Defenders: Serge Aurier (Cote d’Ivoire & Paris Saint-Germain), Aymen Abdennour (Tunisia & Valencia), Eric Bailly (Cote d’Ivoire & Manchester United), Joyce Lomalisa (DR Congo & AS Vita)

Midfielders: Khama Billiat (Zimbabwe & Mamelodi Sundowns), Rainford Kalaba (Zambia & TP Mazembe), Keegan Dolly (South Africa & Mamelodi Sundowns)

Forwards: Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (Gabon & Borussia Dortmund), Sadio Mane (Senegal & Liverpool), Riyad Mahrez (Algeria & Leicester City)

Substitutes
Aymen Mathlouthi (Tunisia & Etoile du Sahel), Kalidou Koulibaly (Senegal & Napoli), Salif Coulibaly (Mali & TP Mazembe), Islam Slimani (Algeria & Leicester City), Mohamed Salah (Egypt & Roma), Kelechi IHEANACHO (Nigeria & Manchester City), Alex  Iwobi (Nigeria and Arsenal)

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Onyango won the Champions league with South African side Mamelodi Sundowns following a 3-1 aggregate score over Egyptian side Zamalek on Sunday 23 October,2016 in Alexandria.

FUFA President Eng. Moses Magogo promised that rewarding is open to everyone as long as they contribute to the development of football.

‘The intent of rewarding Onyango is to motivate all people contributing to the development of  football .The rewards will go to anyone who stands out in football either refereeing, administration and any other individual  whose contribution stands out’ ,said Magogo.

In 2015, Uganda Cranes goalkeeper (1978) Paul Mukisa Ssali was rewarded with a FUFA Presidential award,Faruku Miya and Sandra Nabweteme were voted as best football players for men and women respectively and got a car each.

A statement on fufa.com reads “We congratulate Onyango Denis and Mamelodi Sundowns for winning the CAF Champions League. FUFA has been following Onyango’s performances at his club and we are glad that he will end the year with a CAF Champions League”

Onyango will receive his title on 12th November, 2016 when Uganda Cranes take on Congo Brazzaville in the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia qualifier at Mandela National stadium, Namboole.

Dennis Onyango was amongst Mamelodi Sundowns’ players celebrate with the trophy after winning the CAF Champions League football competition

The rewarding of stand out performers in Ugandan football will inspire more individuals to do more for football development.

The beauty about this all is that it cuts across and whoever who is engaged in football stands a chance to be rewarded.

This is a good trend to follow in the sporting world because it motivates more people to be involved in different sporting activities.

 Onyango who is considered by many as one of Africa’s most experienced goalkeepers  has been vital for the Uganda cranes  helping Uganda  ended a 38-year wait for a place in the African Nations Cup finals.

The Mamelodi Sundowns goalkeeper is credited for good organizational skills; leadership and individual brilliance at the back which helps him organize his defence.

He has proved for a long time being  reliable in the stands and his fitness is vital for Sundowns and the Uganda Cranes in the pursuit of FIFA World Club championship and Russia FIFA World Cup 2018 respectively.

FUFA is on a good trend of rewarding standout performers in football and the government should also support such initiatives in all sporting circles.

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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 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

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