• AFCON Qualifiers | Halftime
• Uganda 0-0 South Africa

Uganda and South Africa have fired blanks in a goalless draw at halftime of the AFCON Qualifiers encounter at Mandela National Stadium, Namboole.

The game started on a very slow note as South Africa preferred to build from behind with short passes across the pitch.

Rogers Mato decided to test Khuliso Johnson Mudau’s pace on the right flank, but the defender was quick to clear the ball for a corner kick.

In the 15th minute, Allan Okello carelessly gave away possession, but Aziizi Kayondo was quick to intercept forward Evidence Makgopa.

Ten minutes later, Khalid Aucho made a timely clearance to deny South Africa a cut-clear chance after Bevis Mugabi lost the ball in front of goal.

The goalless score sends both sides into the second stanza with ultimate hunger to see who breaks the deadlock.

Uganda Starting XI: Isima Watenga, Kenneth Ssemakula, Aziizi Kayondo, Bevis Mugabi, Timothy Awany, Taddeo Lwanga, Khalid Aucho, Rogers Mato, Denis Omedi, Jude Ssemugabi, Allan Okello

Uganda Cranes’ starting lineup to take on South Africa in the Afcon 2025 Qualifier at Mandela National Stadium in Namboole has been revealed.

Timothy Awany is the fresh face in the back line as he will pair up with Bevis Mugabi in the heart of defence.

Kenneth Ssemakula and Aziz Kayondo maintain their places at right and left back respectively while Isma Watenga keeps his place in between the sticks.

The midfield three has skipper Khalid Aucho and Taddeo Lwanga with Allan Okello in the number ten role behind the forward trio of Rogers Mato, Denis Omedi and Jude Ssemugabi.

It should be noted that it’s pride at stake as both Uganda and South Africa already qualified for the final tournament following South Sudan’s win over Congo last evening.

Uganda has started its journey to the 2027 ICC Men’s World Cup with a resounding 7-wicket win over Singapore at Entebbe Cricket Oval.

The first game of Challenge League B, originally scheduled for Lugogo but moved to Entebbe, saw Singapore win the toss and elect to bat.

The openers for Singapore, Aman Desai (19) and Aritra Dutta, played slow and cautiously lasting through the power play before Dinesh Nakrani dismissed the former.

Dutta (26) could only last until the 16th over before he was bowled by Nakrani who had a man-of-the-match performance in which he got six sculps. From that point, Singapore could not hold as they were eventually cleaned out for 82 with only Rohan Rangarajan (14) getting to double figures.

Nakrani’s six-wicket haul was supported by Juma Miyagi (2/20), Henry Ssenyondo (1/12) and Alpesh Ramjan (1/90.

In the run chase, Uganda lost Ragav Dhawan in the first over but his opening partner Robinson Obuya (19) played on alongside Shrideep Mangela (14) before their departure paved the way for Kenneth Waiswa (26) and captain Riaza Shah (24) to knock off the deficit inside 18 Overs.

It’s a morale-boosting win for Cranes who return to action on Saturday to take on Tanzania at Lugogo Oval.

Uganda Cranes head coach Paul Joseph Put summoned a squad of 27 players ahead of the AFCON 2025 Qualifiers match against South Africa during a press conference held at FUFA Complex on Wednesday.

The squad includes youngster John Paul Dembe who shone at the recently concluded Cecafa U20 Championship and KCCA FC goalkeeper Mutwalibi Mugolofa.

Uganda will take on South Africa at Mandela National Stadium on Friday, 15th November 2024 before visiting Congo Brazzaville four days later.

Uganda tops Group K with 10 points, two ahead of South Africa while Congo and South Sudan have four and zero points respectively.

“We are aware that CHAN is around the corner and we have games against Burundi next month. So, I needed to have him (Mugolofa) around the set-up and also get training sessions with the goalkeeping coach.

“He has been performing well in the League and maybe next time we will summon another goalkeeper,” Put said of the KCCA goalkeeper.

Uganda Cranes Squad

Goalkeepers: Isima Watenga (Golden Arrows FC, South Africa), Nafian Alionzi (Defence Forces FC, Ethiopia), Charles Lukwago, Venda FC, South Africa), Mutwalibu Mugolofa (KCCA FC, Uganda)

Defenders: Gavin Kizito Mugweri (KCCA FC, Uganda), Kenneth Semakula (Club Africaine, Tunisia), Isaac Muleme (Victoria Zizkov, Czech Republic), Abdu Aziizi Kayondo (FC Slovan Liberec, Czech Republic), Bevis Mugabi (Famagusta Anorthosis, Greece), Timothy Awany (FC Ashdod, Israel), Halidi Lwaliwa (Al Ain SC, Saudi Arabia), Geoffrey Wasswa (Ethiopian Coffee FC, Ethiopia)

Midfielders: Khalid Aucho (Yanga SC, Tanzania), Bobosi Byaruhanga (Austin II, USA), Taddeo Lwanga (APR FC, Rwanda), Ronald Ssekiganda (SC Villa, Uganda), Allan Okello (Vipers SC, Uganda), Travis Mutyaba (Girondins Bordeaux, France), Saidi Mayanja (KCCA FC, Uganda)

Forwards: Denis Omedi (Kitara FC, Uganda), Jude Ssemugabi (Kitara FC, Uganda), Shafik Nana Kwikiriza (KCCA FC, Uganda), Rogers Mato (FC Brera Strumica), Derrick, Steven Mukwala (Simba SC, Tanzania), Calvin Kabuye (Sandvikens IF, Sweden), Hakim Kiwanuka (SC Villa, Uganda), John Paul Dembe (BK Hacken, Sweden)

2024 Stanbic Entebbe Open:

Top 6 Amateurs

• Overall Winner: Titus Okwong (76, 72, 73) – 221
• T2 Samuel Bazaale (78, 71, 73) – 222
• T2: Peter Tumusiime (76, 72, 74) – 222
• T4: Micheal Tumusiime (77, 76, 70) – 223
• T4: Abdallah Kakooza (71, 78, 74) – 223
• T4: Joseph Kasozi (71, 78, 74) – 223

Titus Okwong claimed the overall gong at the 2024 Stanbic Entebbe Golf Open.

Okwong amassed a total gross of 221 (+8) in 54 holes played over 3 rounds at the par-71 lakeside Entebbe Golf Club.

After a dismal start with 5-over 76 on the opening round, Okwong improved to 1-over 72 during round two for the 18 holes and completed the tourney with +2 (73 gross during round three).

“It was a competitive and good tournament. I am happy to win,” said Okwong. “After a slow start, I still had the belief that I would improve and I did it. I thank my playing mates for the brave show” he added.

Samuel Bazaale and Peter Tumusiime played second fiddle to Okwong with a joint total gross score of 221 (+9) in 54 holes.

These two golfer Bazaale (78, 71, 73) and Tumusiime (76, 72, 74) each earned Ug.Shs 1,000,000 for their performance.

Micheal Tumusiime (77, 76, 70), Abdallah Kakooza (71, 78, 74) and Joseph Kasozi (71, 78, 74) tied on 223 gross apiece to share Ug.Shs 750,000 each for their efforts.

A total of 33 elite golfers were involved with a sizable number of 100 plus in the subsidiary cluster (both men and women).

This amateur event is part of the World ranking system and the players earned points to the global ranking.

The quarterfinal fixtures of the 2024 MTN Busoga Masaza Cup were confirmed on Monday, November 4 with all matches to be played at Kyabazinga Stadium in Bugembe.

As per the draws, Budiope will take on Bukono in the lunchtime kick on Friday, 8th November while Bugabula will battle defending champions Busiki in the second quarterfinal.

On Saturday, 9th November, Kigulu will face Buzaaya in the early kick-off while last year’s losing finalists Butembe battles Bunha.

During the press conference, the Busoga 2nd Deputy Prime Minister Ahmed Osman Noor also unveiled the 36th Birthday celebration plans for Kyabazinga William Wilberforce Gabula Nadiope IV themed “Transforming Busoga through Sports & Culture”.

There will be a Royal Banquet at Igenge Palace on Saturday, 14th December and the final of MTN Busoga Masaza Cup on Sunday, 15th December.

Before the finals, Busoga United will play Uganda Cranes select side in a friendly.

Fans will access the Stadium at an Entrance Fee of 5,000/= and 2,000/= ( via MTN Momo Pay). VIP tickets will go for 25,000/=.

MTN Busoga Masaza Cup Knockout Draws (All games at Kyabazinga Stadium – Bugembe)

Quarterfinals

Friday, 8th November 2024

• Budiope Vs Bukono – 12:00 pm
• Bugabula Vs Busiki – 3:00 pm

Saturday, 9th November 2024

• Kigulu Vs Buzaaya – 12:00 pm
• Butembe Vs Bunha – 3:00 pm

Semifinals: Saturday, 23rd November 2024

• Semifinal 1 – 12:00 pm
• Semifinal 2 – 3:00 pm

3rd Place Playoff: Saturday, 30th November 2024

Final: Sunday, 15th December 2024 | 2:00 pm

Dismas Indiza topped the opening round at the 2024 Stanbic Entebbe Golf Pro Open on Wednesday, October 20.

After the opening 18 holes, the long-hitting Kenyan returned to the clubhouse one-under 70.

Indiza’s scorecard had 5 birdies (on holes 7, 9, 11, 15 and 18), 9 pars (recorded on 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 13 and 14) and 4 bogies that came on the back nine at10, 12, 16 and the challenging hole17.

Three golfers were tied in second place on a course level (71) that is Grace Kasango, Silver Opio and another Kenyan Jastas Madoya.

Meanwhile, James Koto, David Kamulindwa, Phillip Kasozi and Saidi Mawa played 1-over 72. Last year’s winner Tadeo Rodell Gaita and Robinson Owiti played 2-over 73 after 18 holes.

It remains a competitive field going into day two of action on Thursday, 31^st October 2024.

Uganda’s final squad for the Fast 5 World Netball Series has been named.

The She Cranes return to the tournament, which is scheduled for November 9-10 in Christchurch, New Zealand, after missing last year’s edition.

Three foreign-based players; Maary Cholhok, Faridah Kadondi and Hanisha Muhameed, have been named on the team. However, Muhameed has been in the country and training with the team for the past couple of weeks.

Skipper Irene Eyaru, midcourt star Margret Baagala, Christine Namulumba, and shooter Shadiah Nassanga who has been in fine form are joined by Christine Nakitto, Sandra Nambirige and Joyce Nakibuule to complete the squad.

At their last appearance in 2022, the She Cranes beat Jamaica (twice) and Australia and finished 5th.

• Margret Baagala
• Christine Nakitto
• Mary Cholhok
• Joyce Nakibuule
• Irene Eyaru
• Sandra Nambirige
• Hanisha Muhameed
• Christine Namulumba
• Falidah Kadondi
• Shadiah Nassanga

Match Summary

• Bahrain 89/10
• Uganda 93/2
• Uganda won by 8 wickets

Cricket Cranes registered a convincing 8-wicket win over Bahrain in their second T20i meeting on Tuesday at Jinja Oval.

The Ugandans were bouncing back from defeat on the previous day in a game that was reduced to 11 Overs due to morning rain.

In the second game, Bahrain won the toss and sent their hosts to the field. However, Uganda’s pacers were clinical with their line and length as Cosmas Kyewuta (3/12) and Juma Miyagi (3/18) picked six of the sculps.

Bahrain’s captain Haider Ali (54) was a lone ranger with only Ahmer Bin Nasir (11) getting to double figures as the side was bundled out for 89.

The chase took Cricket Cranes just 15 overs as Robinson Obuya got stuck in with an unbeaten 28 and found support from Raghav Dhawan (21) and Shrideep Mangela (30).

The two sides will meet again on Thursday in a one-off 50-over game before the Challenge League B tournament that starts next week.

World Athletics has confirmed a list of five nominees for Men’s Out of Stadium Athlete of the Year and Women’s Out of Stadium Athlete of the Year.

In what has been another memorable year for the sport, the nominations reflect some of the standout performances achieved at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, World Athletics Cross Country Championships as well as Label road races.

Uganda’s Jacob Kiplimo earned a nomination for Men’s Out of Stadium Athlete of the Year.

Kiplimo won the World Cross Country Championships gold in Belgrade, Serbia, and the Valencia 10km race.

The vote to determine the Out of Stadium Athlete of the Year finalists is now open on World Athletics social media platforms. It will close on 3 November.