Emmanuel Okwi netted twice in the first leg of the game

Uganda Cranes overcame the Southern Africa country 3-0 and 2-0 at Mandela National Stadium, Namboole and at Setsoto stadium in Maseru respectively to collect 10 points after 4 games in the campaign, leaving Uganda in need of just a point to qualify to the 2019 finals that will be held in Cameroon.

Emmanuel Okwi netted twice and Faruku Miya (penalty) were on target in the Namboole game as Miya carried the day with a brace in the return leg played on artificial surface in Maseru.

The Uganda Cranes contingent to Maseru traveled by a chartered flight offered by President Yoweri Kaguta Mueveni which helped a lot the national team to travel with ease within three days of the return leg after the Namboole success.

Uganda Cranes XI vs Lesotho in Maseru

Here is the First Lady’s detailed message:

I must begin by thanking God for his goodness and for empowering our boys and leading them as we now see. Then, of course, I congratulate them for emerging victorious during the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier return match against Lesotho 2-0 on Tuesday, 16th October 2018 in Lesotho, after the previous win of 3-0 at Mandela National Stadium on Saturday 13th October 2018. Our national team’s performance has been very impressive putting us on the verge of qualifying for the 2019 AFCON Championships due in Cameroon.

On behalf of Government, my Ministry and all the people of Uganda, I salute the Uganda Cranes, Coach Sebastien Desabre and his Technical Team, FUFA, National Council of Sports, and the fans for the observable progress we have registered in performance and development of Ugandan football, and indeed Ugandan sports in general.

As we celebrate our recent performance, I call upon the players, technical officials, fans and supporters to remain humble, focused to the very end. For I believe that this is merely the beginning, the best is yet to come.

In a very special way, I thank the President of Uganda, Cabinet in its entirety and Parliament for supporting sports in general, but the president especially for providing quick means of transport to Lesotho and some support for our pocket expenses to the team. We, at the Ministry, remain committed to provide all the prayer back up, logistical and financial support to Ugandan sports teams within available resources.

May I wish the Uganda Cranes team, continued blessings and a successful AFCON 2019 qualification campaign, therefore, as we look forward to an even brighter future for Ugandan sports.

God Bless us all!

Janet K. Museveni

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Farouk Miya hited two first half goals to make it two wins from two games against the same country Lesotho, with the first win being 3-0 at Namboole last Saturday.

Miya kicked a strike in the 6th minute just outside the box to open the scoring, and then swept in the winner 10 minutes before half time from a free kick near the edge.

Farouk Miya hited two first half goals to make it two wins from two games against the same country Lesotho, with the first win being 3-0 at Namboole last Saturday.

Allan Kateregga nearly broke the deadlock before Miya’s strikes when he whipped-in a cross but went wide.

Lesotho came close to scoring in the 17th minute but Matlama FC’s Mabuti Potloane effort went wide.Later, Left back Sello Bokang forced Onyango into a fine save after stretching to his right to deny the goal.

Miya was then booked for overreaction, just like Lesotho captain Mafa Moremoholo moments later for clipping Okwi right outside the box down the left flank.

Desabre brought in Egypt-based Isaac Muleme Kateregga in the 58^th minute after the return.

Uganda tops the group L with 10 points with only two games remaining against Cape Verde and Tanzania.

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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.

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Mubiru was officially unveiled to the media and introduced before the players and loyal club fans on Monday, 13th August 2018 at the club’s home ground located at Katwe market in central Kampala.

Allan Ssewanyana addressing the players and Katwe United fans

Introducing the press nervous tactician, club director Allan “Musajja wa Bwiino” Ssewanyana, also the Member of Parliament for Makindye West hyped praise on the former Uganda Cranes marksman.

“We are glad to have Hassan Mubiru in our midst. He was a great former Uganda Cranes player who served his country with passion. He has embarked on his career as a coach. He brings a lot of experience to the club. We task him to win the Uganda Cup for the cup in the upcoming 2018/19 season” Ssewanyana noted.

Deo Luyimbazi addresses the players, media and fans at Katwe Play ground

Katwe United F.C has also appointed veteran administrator Deo Luyimbazi as Vice Chairman, Siraje (Chief Executive Officer), Birimuye (Team manager), Mike Kigozi (Public Relations Officer), Bonnie Ssekidde (Marketing manager) and Robinson Sserwadda (Media officer).

“I am very happy to have got this job. It is a great plat form to practice my football knowledge. I am still new at the club and i will study the players as time goes along” Mubiru noted in a brief interview with the media.

Meanwhile, the team pre-season training also kicked off at the dusty Katwe main play ground on Monday, as watched by a big passionate crowd.

Hassan Mubiru (left) closely monitored the players going through the routine paces at Katwe play ground during his first official training session

Mubiru closely monitored the players getting through the paces in the lively afternoon session.

Last season, Katwe United narrowly fell short of qualification to the FUFA Big league (second tier division) after losing in the promotional play-offs to Kiboga United.

Some of the Katwe United players

Despite having won the first leg 1-0 away in Kiboga, Katwe United succumbed 2-1 at the Star Times Stadium in Lugogo during the return leg.

The club has a huge following from the urban populous from the areas of Katwe, Kibuye, Makindye, Nsambya and the surrounding residences.

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Moses opondo who is keen to play his first game in Uganda cranes jersey

Uganda face Central African Republic on Wednesday 30th May 2018 night and Denmark-based winger Moses Opondo wants to make his debut.

The Cranes international player, a right winger who turns out for Danish Superliga club Vendsyssel FF, could win his maiden cap.

Opondo has already expressed the desire to grab the opportunity with open hands, as he attested to the FUFA media team.

“I am looking forward to my debut when I put on the Uganda colors. However I still need to prove my worth for this selection,” he said

Before joining the Uganda Cranes team in Niger, Opondo was part of the Vendsyssel FF team that won 3-1 away to Thisted FC at the Sparekassen Thy Arena, in a game where he was also cautioned in the ninth minute.

It is reported that Sebastien Desabre the head coach of the Uganda Cranes has a good platform to continue monitoring players he had not seen in action for the national team.

The players include midfielders Aucho Khalid and Faruku Miya, as well as Austrian-based striker Edrisa Lubega, as the trio missed the previous two build-ups in Kampala against Sao Tome and Principe as well as Malawi.

Meanwhile, the friendly matches in Niger will help Desabre to frame the team that will take part in the 2019 AFCON qualifiers come September 2018.

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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,

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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).

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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.

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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)

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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

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