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 Ugandan government has given US $540716 to help the Cranes at the tournament which kicks off in Gabon on 14 January though it is considerably less than the Federation of Uganda Football Association had requested according to BBC.

Uganda’s State Minister for Sport, Charles Bakkabulindi, admitted the sum is much less than the US $2 million FUFA had wanted, but said the government also had to factor in other commitments.

“We are happy that although the money has taken a while to come out, it has finally come and it will handle several aspects including allowances for the team in Gabon,” the Minister told BBC Sport.

He added that the government is also working hard to find money to fund part of the 2017 World Cross Country Championship which will take place in Kampala in March as per the report.

Bakkabulindi reasoned that since the Confederation of African Football (Caf) has sent over US$200,000 for each of the 16 teams to help them participate at the Nations Cup, the Uganda Cranes already have some financial support.

In December, 2017, the Ugandan FA (FUFA) were embroiled into financial crisis with the FA’s head of Finance, Decolas Kiiza, saying they needed quick government intervention.

FUFA had to borrow funds to send the team to their training camp in Tunisia and now in the United Arab Emirates where they are carrying out preparations ahead of  the Afcon.

Uganda who made history by ending a 38-year wait to qualify for Afcon are in Group D alongside Egypt, Ghana and Mali. They will play their first match on the 17th against Ghana before going head to head with Egypt on 21st, January 2017.

The post Uganda gets financial boost for 2017 Africa Cup of Nations 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)

The post Uganda Cranes,Denis Onyango crowned best in Africa in 2016 first appeared on Uganda Multimedia News & Information.

This was done 4th January, 2017 after the internationally friendly match against Tunisia in Tunis which the Cranes lost 2-0.

According to fufa.com,the Serbian tactician has included only four locally based players, KCCA trio of Geoffrey Sserunkuma, Joseph Ochaya and Timothy Dennis Awany as well as Fufa Male Player of the Year Muhammad Shaban who plays for Onduparaka.

He however dropped goalkeeper Benjamin Ochan and Muzamir Mutyaba both of KCCA and Edrisa Lubega of Proline in the Ugandan Premier League.

The Cranes will head to Dubai for another training camp that shall involve high profile friendlies against Slovakia on January 8 and Cote d’Ivoire on January 11.

Uganda will open their campaign against Afcon 2015 finalists Ghana on January 17 before facing Egypt four days later at Stade de Port Gentil. They will complete their Group D matches against Mali on January 25 at Stade d’Oyem.

CRANES SQUAD

Goalkeepers:Denis Onyango,Robert Odongkara, Salim Omar Magoola

Defenders: Joseph Ochaya, Murushid Juuko, Isaac Isinde, Denis Iguma, NicholasWakiroWadada, Shafik Batambuze, Timothy Dennis Awany

Midfielders: Tonny Mawejje,Khalid Aucho, Godfrey Walusimbi, Michael Azira, Hassan Mawanda Wasswa, Geoffrey Kizito

Forwards: Junior Yunus Sentamu, Geoffrey Sserunkuma, William Luwagga Kizito, Geoffrey Massa, Moses Oloya, Farouk Miya, Muhammad Shaban

The post Uganda Cranes coach Micho names final Afcon Squad first appeared on Uganda Multimedia News & Information.

The draw will involve 16 finalists and will be heavily represented during the ceremony in Libreville at the ASMG Tent in Stade de l’Amitie.

Uganda will be represented by Uganda Cranes head coach Milutin Sredojevic and Commissioner for physical Education in the Ministry of Education and Sports Omara Apita after ending a 38-year wait for a place in the African Nations Cup finals.

The Uganda cranes achieved this by securing a 1-0 win over the Comoros Islands in Kampala on 4th September 2016 to qualify as one of the best runners-up in the 13 qualifying groups for the 2017 African Cup of Nations.

A statement by  FUFA Communications Manager Ahmed Hussein confirmed that Micho and  Omara Apita will represent the nation in Gabon.

“FUFA will be represented by both Cranes Head coach Milutin Sredojevic and Commissioner for physical Education in the Ministry of Education and Sports Omara Apita in Gabon” said Hussein

‘Delegations of the 16 finalists at the draw will also conduct a familiarisation tour of the four cities where stadium, Hotel and training grounds are located for 2017 AFCON Finals’, he added.

Uganda is the best ranked country in the East African region and will hope for a good draw.

AFCON 2017 Pots

Pot 1: Gabon, Cote d’Ivoire, Ghana, Algeria

Pot 2: Tunisia, Mali, Burkina Faso, DR Congo

Pot 3: Cameroon, Senegal, Morocco, Egypt

Pot 4: Togo, Uganda, Zimbabwe, Guinea Bissau

The post AFCON 2017 Finals Draw: Micho, Omara represent Uganda 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 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 comes after Uganda ended a 38-year wait by qualifying to the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations in Gabon as one of two best placed runners-up.

Uganda cranes coach Milutin ‘Micho’ Sredojevic is a proud man at the moment having led Uganda to its first Afcon finals appearance in 39 years but also move the nation from 97th in the rankings up to 65^th.

This is in line with the goals set up by the Serb on his arrival in Uganda in May 2013 to take over the reins from the sacked Bobby Williamson.

“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.”

Uganda will better their world ranking if they perform well in the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia qualifiers group in which they were drawn with Egypt, Ghana and Congo Brazzaville.

Mean while,Kenya have dropped 3 places to 91st,Ethiopia follows closely at 125th moving four places up, Burundi are 129 while Tanzania are ranked 132.

Cote D’Ivoire is the best ranked country in Africa at 34th followed by Algeria (35th), Senegal (39th), Ghana (43rd) and Cameroon at 59th globally.

The post Fifa World Rankings: Uganda tops East Africa,Kenya drop and Cote D’Ivoire best in Africa first appeared on Uganda Multimedia News & Information.