Sserunkuma will be assisted by Vipers SC defender Nico Wadada and SC Villa’s Bernard Muwanga in the first leg game to be played at Juba Stadium.

This was confirmed as a squad of 25 Cranes players resumed training at Mandela National stadium on 7^th, July, 2017 ahead of the qualifier against Bright Stars of South Sudan by Uganda Cranes Head coach Milutin ‘Micho’ Sredojevic.

‘The Uganda Cranes Head coach Milutin ‘Micho’ Sredojevic has confirmed that KCCA FC leading striker Geoffrey Serunkuma will be captain of the National team to feature in the 2018 Total Africa Nations Championship (CHAN) campaign.

Serunkuma will be deputized by defenders Nico Wadada of Vipers SC and Sc Villa Jogoo’s Bernard Muwanga’ ,reads a statement on FUFA’s official website.

Full Squad

Goalkeepers: Watenga Isma, Ikara Tom, Keni Saidi

Defenders: Wadada Nico, Awanyi Timothy, Muwanga Bernard, Kabugo Savio, Toha Rashid, Musamali Paul, Adiriko John

Midfielders: Bukenya Deus, Kasozi Nicholas, Mutyaba Muzamil, Matsiko Tom, Waiswa Moses , Mucurezi Paul, Muleme Isaac ,Kizza Martin, Majwega Brian, Kagimu Shafiq

Strikers: Serunkuma Geoffrey, Nsibambi Derrick, Sekantuka Nelson,

The post CHAN 2018: Geoffrey Sserunkuma to captain Uganda Cranes against South Sudan 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 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 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.

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 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)

The post Uganda coach to use Togo friendly to select team to play Ghana in the 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifiers clash 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.

This comes after FUFA, Uganda’s football governing body, confirmed that a three-day training camp will be held in Lome-the Togolese capital, as the Cranes prepare to take on the Black Stars in Tamale on 7^th October 2016.

FUFA Communications Manager Ahmed Hussein said, “All Uganda Cranes players summoned to the team will fly directly to Lome for the important training camp”.

According to super sport.com, Uganda Vs Togo Friendly on 4^th October, 2016 will be used by the Black stars to assess the strength of the Uganda Cranes before a crucial 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia qualifier group tie which will be played three days later.

The friendly game is intended to help Ugandan players to tune up for the crash against Ghana.

Uganda Cranes coach Milutin Sredojevic is expected to announce the squad at FUFA House on September 21.

Uganda is in the same group with Egypt, Ghana and Congo Brazzaville for the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia.

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