KOBs have defended the National Rugby Sevens title despite losing the final of the ultimate circuit on Sartuday at Legends.

The national champions did just enough to accumulate points by the semifinal stage that were going to be difficult for Pirates to match in the final.

Pirate needed to win the final by more than a 50-point margin to win the national series after Kobs dispatched Rams and Mongers with huge margins in the quarter and semifinals but it was a tall order.

None the less, tries from Timothy Kisiga and Alex Aturinda in the first were enough for Pirates to win the circuit as Kobs second-half comeback ended with Joseph Aredo’s try.

It has been a show of resilience from Pirates who have won the last three circuits of the season after Kobs set pace with victories in Mileke, Gulu and Soroti Circuits.

Having won the shortened 15s premiership title earlier this year, KOBs thus seal a double.

Selected Results

Finals

• Pirates 14-7 Kobs

Semifinals

• Pirates 19-12 Heathens
• Mongers 7-52 Kobs

Quarterfinals

• Pirates 29-00 Hippos
• Heathens 36-07 Buffaloes
• Mongers 14-05 Warriors
• Kobs 41-00 Rams

BUL Football Club scored a late goal to salvage a point against Gaddafi Football Club in a Jinja derby played at the Kyabazinga Stadium in Bugembe on Sunday.

Richard Ayiko cancelled Alex Kitata’s opener with five minutes on the clock to rescue a point for the side.

After a goalless first half, Kitata who had earlier replaced Faisal Muwawu opened the scoring ten minutes into the second half, squizing the ball between Saidi Keni’s legs after being played through by Brian Kalumba.

With five minutes to play, Gaddafi defence and goalkeeper Ronald Mutebi failed to communicate with Ayiko’s cross from a long way out bounced infront of the goalie and into the net.

The point earned lifts BUL to second in the table with 14 points from 7 matches while Gaddafi remains 8th with 9 points from seven matches.

Next Up

Gaddafi will host Vipers SC on 1st December next week on Wednesday while Bul will be away to KCCA FC on the same day.

Starting XIs

Bul FC: Saidi Keni (GK), Umar Mukobe, Richard Ayiko, Walter, Hillary Onek, George Kasonko, Pascal Ngobi, Ibrahim Mugulusi, Richard Wandyaka, Musa Esenu, Joseph Ssemujju.

Gaddafi FC: Mutebi Ronald (GK), Karenzi Buchochera, Musana Hassan, Magumba Bakali, Waiswa Andrew, Sibira Yunusu, Kyeyune Umaru, Munguchu Steven, Muwawu Faisal, Otim James, Kalumba Brian

Masaza Cup organizing committee has docked Kyadondo Ssaza of three points and goals apiece for fielding an ineligible player, Kibumba Kasirye.

The committee based in Njeru was chaired by Samuel Mpiima ruled that Kasirye was indeed a registered player for Blacks Power Football Club, an entity in the FUFA Big League.

According to the tournament regulations, a division player isn’t supposed to feature in the Masaza Cup.

Kabula had lost 3-2 to Kyadondo on Saturday during a game that they twice recovered from a goal down.

In the petition lodged by Kabula team manager Richard Ssenyondo and co-signed by Aloysious Ngabo, the alleged player is registered in the FIFA Connect system under ID 11KWVB4 for FUFA Big League out-fit Blacks Power where he played in the 2018-2019 season.

“We have found enough evidence that Kibumba Kasirye was registered by Blacks Power FC and Kyadondo is punished by docking them three points and three goals. The player is also barred for featuring in the championship,” Mpiima revealed.

The decision has definitely affected the table standings in Masengere coming to the final match day on Monday, 29^th November 2021.

Buluuli leads the standings with 5 points. Gomba, Kyadondo and Kabula are all on four points whilst Ssingo has three points.

Uganda put their Fiba Basketball World Cup qualifying campaign back on track with a 77-74 win over Cape Verde on Saturday night.

The Silverbacks were much improved from the way they played the first game against Mali a day earlier.

Head coach Mandy Juruni had shooting guard Robinson Opong available following his late arrival and delivered an important 17 points in the close game.

Brandon Davies, despite struggling from the line, led the way for Uganda with a game-high 27 points and 16 rebounds.

Both sides started the game slow but Cape Verde edged the opening quarter 14-12.

Despitte going down by as many as 10 points in the second quarter, Silverbacks recorvered and trailed by just a single points (32-31) at halftime.

The fourth quarter was a seesaw until Eric Rwahwire gave Uganda a lead for the first time in the game since the opening exchanges with a long three with about six minutes play.

Uganda picks its first win of the campaign having lost the opener to Mali and will look to end the first window on a high when they face Nigeria on Sunday night.

URA Football Club registered a convincing 2-0 win over Vipers Sports Club at St Mary Stadium – Kitende on Saturday evening.

A goal in each half from Joakim Ojera and Cromwell Rwothomio were enough to hand the Tax Collectors maximum points at a ground difficult to visit.

Vipers dominated in the early stages but it was the visitors who took the lead in the 17th minute with Ojera at the end of Steven Mukwala’s pass.

Halid Lwaliwa could have drawn the hosts level but his header off Bright Anukani’s freekick went just wide of goal. Hood Mulikyi made a goalline clearance at the stroke of halftime to deny Venoms the equalizer.

After the break, Saidi Kyeyume pulled a save out of Fabien Mutombora, and at the other end, Bobosi Byaruhanga saw his effort from outside the area fly wide of goal.

With 16 minutes to play, Rwothomio doubled URA’s lead after Mutombora failed to deal with Ashraf Mandela’s cross.

URA could have scored more but Mukwala and skipper Shafik Kagimu put their chances to waste.

Despite defeat, Vipers maintain second place with 13 points from five matches due to a superior goal difference over BUL.

On the other hand, URA climbs to 7th place in the table with 10 points from 5 matches.

Next Up

URA FC will host Police FC at the Arena of Visions in Ndejje on Tuesday, 30th November while Vipers SC will be away to league newcomers Gaddafi FC the following day.

Starting XIs

Vipers SC: Fabien Mutombora (GK), Paul Willa, Livingstone Mulondo, Halid Lwaliwa(C), Aziz Kayondo, Ssentamu Siraje, Bobosi Byaruhanga, Orit Ibrahim, Karisa Milton, Anukani Bright, Ceaser Manzoki

URA FC: Sebwalunyo Hannington (GK), Mandela Ashraf, Galiwango Arafat, Hudu Mulikyi, Mbowa Patrick, Shafik Kagimu (C), Kyeyune Saidi, Ojera Joackiam, Moses Sseruyide, Mukwala Steven, Cromwel Rwothomio.

Masaza Cup 2021 | Masengere Group:

• Buluuli 3-3 Ssingo

Ssingo and Buluuli settled for a 3-all draw in the Masengere group in the 2021 Masaza Cup at the FUFA Technical Center, Njeru on Saturday.

John Paul Ndembe, Johnson Ssenyonga and Lawrence Kakande found the back of the net for Buluuli.

Mike Kayongo, Cyrus Mukalazi, and substitute Fahad Nsuki netted for Ssingo, winners of the tournament in 2015.

Ssingo had their first chance towards goal when Lauben Lubwama hit the crossbar in the 20^th minute.

With five minutes to half time, Mike Kayongo opened the scores for Ssingo (his third goal of the tournament).

John Paul Ndembe equalized for Buluuli in the 50th minute with a sublime finish past goalkeeper Francis Kasumba.

Three minutes past the hour mark, Ssingo restored their lead through Cyrus Mukalazi whose deflected free-kick beat the defensive wall, and goalkeeper Salim Abudallah Ssekamwa.

A goal melee in the Ssingo backline resulted in a handball call and referee Kimbowa did not hesitate to award a penalty.

Ndembe missed the initial effort – thanks to goalkeeper Francis Kasumba’s perfect dive but Johnson Ssenyonga tapped in rebound for the equalizer with 19 minutes left.

Buluuli thereafter took charge with Lawrence Kakande’s superb goal from acute angle off the right flank on 83 minutes.

With five added minutes after normal time, Buluuli goalkeeper Ssekamwa fluffed a shot and substitute Fahad Nsuki made no mistake to bury the ball home for the equalizer on stroke of full time.

Buluuli goes to five points to remain top of the standings (ahead of Kabula versus Kyadondo contest).

Ssingo remains win-less with the third draw of the tournament which levels them on three points.

Cricket Cranes head coach Laurence Mahatlane has revealed his desires for the national team after they were crowned African T20 Champions in Rwanda.

The Brian Masaba led team defeated Kenya in a rain delayed final match to seal progression to the 2022 T20 World Cup Global Qualifiers.

Speaking after the delightful outings in the Land of a Thousand Hills, the tactician revealed to Daily Monitor how he wants the team to proceed in the footsteps of One Day International (ODI) nations like Ireland and Afghanistan.

“I want to be part of the dream of seeing us as a country go on to achieve greater things. You’ve seen Afghanistan do it, and nothing should stop us in attaining those goals.”

“We have got the talent and ability, but most importantly we have got the opportunity to plan. There is no shortcut,” he added.

Afghanistan and Ireland were both awarded Full Member status by the ICC on 22 June 2017. The pair achieved ODI status in 2009 and 2007 respectively.

How Afghanistan achieved ODI status

Afghanistan won the ICC World Cricket League Division Five, defeating Jersey in the 2007 final.

They remained unbeaten in the ICC World Cricket League Division Four in Tanzania and then won the ICC World Cricket League Division Three in Argentina.

Their performances in the ICC World Cricket League paved the way for Afghanistan to take part in the qualifiers for the ICC Cricket World Cup 2011.

The side did remarkably well to reach the Super Eight stage in South Africa in 2009 but faltered at the last stage, where they lost to Canada.

However, their run helped them gain one-day international status in April 2009 – having started out barely eight years before.

How Ireland achieved ODI status

Ireland – a World Cup debutant in 2007 was an ICC Associate Member at the time, but made it to the “Super 8”, beating India and Pakistan respectively en route.

Ireland became only the second associate nation to make it past the first round of a Cricket World Cup, the first being Kenya in 2003.

At that tournament, a series of eye-catching results against Full Members, including a draw against Zimbabwe, and wins against Pakistan and Bangladesh confirmed Ireland’s ODI status after the competition.

Cricket Cranes return to globals alongside Zimbabwe as a pathway to the 2022 T20 World Cup in Australia.

Uganda Men’s National basketball team, Silverbacks, return to action tonight and head coach Mandy Juruni wants the team to respond.

Uganda fell to Mali 76-66 on Friday in their opening game of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 African Qualifiers in Benguela, Angola.

The Silverbacks, despite being in the game throughout, were hard done by 27 turnovers before falling on the night.

“We came here to win the game, unfortunately, it did not happen. We have to look at the game and see how we can get better, learn from the loss and think about our next game,” said Head coach Mandy Juruni after the game.

“I thought Mali played aggressively and we failed to match up. They took the game away from us, we didn’t play our game and we made so many turnovers and I think it was a huge difference.

“I am not surprised he (Brandon) had a good game for us, he did what is expected of him, but definitely the other players have to step in, this is a team sport and it will not be easy for us if only one or two players show up. Everyone should step in and contribute.

“These Qualifiers are huge for us, we have been improving as a country and I feel we belong here at this stage.

“Most of the things we did not do well against Mali are correctable and if we get them right, we can be a better team. We are not looking at countries, we just have to concentrate on ourselves and I think we can compete with anyone.

“We are going to improve, we should just learn from this and get back stronger. You can see that the effort in there. Every possession is a battle at these games and we have to respect that but I believe that if we can fix a few errors, we can beat anyone.”

Davis Kasirye was the hero as KCCA Football Club edged Uganda Premier League newcomers Arua Hill one-nil at Barifa Ground on Friday.

The forward had replaced Julius Poloto in the 20th minute and needed just 17 minutes to nod the visitors infront after an inviting cross from Mato Rogers.

KCCA maintain the top spot with 19 points in 7 matches but open a six-point lead at the top with their closest rivals playing a day later. on the other hand, Arua Hill drops to 11th with 7 points from 6 matches.

Up Next

Arua Hill will return to action on Tuesday, 30th November away to Busoga United at the Fufa Technical Centre in Njeru while KCCA will host BUL FC at the MTN Omondi Stadium Lugogo on Wednesday, 1st December.

Starting XIs

Arua Hill: Anyama Richard (GK), Atendele Geriga, Toha Rashid, Ibrahim Magandazi, Matovu Richard, Ndihabwe David, Wahab Gadafi, Allan Mugalu, Kawawa Rashid, Eseru Robert, Ssekamatte Samuel

KCCA: Derrick Ochan (GK), Innocent Wafula, Geoffrey Wasswa, John Revita, Herbert Achai, Ashraf Mugume, Arafat Usama (Yasser Mugerwa), Rogers Mato (Aaron Jurua), Julius Poloto (Davis Kasirye), Charles Lwanga (Gift Ali), Sadat Anaku

All Friday Results

• Arua Hill 0-1 KCCA
• Bright Stars 1-0 Tooro United
• Express 1-0 Wakiso Giants
• Police 0-0 Mbarara City
• UPDF 2-1 Busoga United
• SC Villa 2-1 Onduparaka FC

Eric Kambale scored the only goal of the game as Express Football Club registered their first home win of the 2021-22 season.

Kabale scored from 12 yards and in the process ended Wakiso Giants’ run of four straight wins. The penalty result from Fahad Kawooya’s foul on Martin Kizza.

Kizza earlier had a shot rattle the crossbar in the half hosts dominated.

Steven Bogere and Frank Ssebufu came close in the second half for the visitors but Denis Otim who was making his first start in go for Express was up to the task.

“Today’s win was a massive one. The boys knew from the word go that we had to defend home turf and also we needed this win to boost our confidence. I believe we got our chance and scored and we also managed to keep a clean sheet so we’re going to back to correct our mistakes and do better in our next game (away to Onduparaka FC) on Tuesday,” Express coach Wasswa Bbosa said in the aftermath.

The Red Eagles climb to sixth in the table with 11 points while Wakiso Giants maintained fourth place with 12 points.

Up Next

Express FC travels to West Nile to take on Onduparaka on Tuesday, 30th November while Wakiso Giants will host Bright Stars on the same day at Kabaka Kyabaggu Stadium.

Starting XIs

Express: Denis Otim (GK), Deus Bukenya, Enock Walusimbi, Murushid Juuko, Sadiq Ssekyembe, Mahad Yaya, John Byamukama, Godfrey Lwesibawa, Martin Kizza, Eric Kambale, Charles Musiige

Wakiso Giants: Derrick Emukule (GK), Grant Matsiko, Simon Namwanja, Fahad Kawooya, Hassan Wasswa Dazo, Lawrence Bukenya, Tito Ssematimba, Rahmat Ssenfuka, Ibrahim Kasule, Ivan Bogere, Frank Ssebuufu

All Friday Results

• Arua Hill 0-1 KCCA
• Bright Stars 1-0 Tooro United
• Express 1-0 Wakiso Giants
• Police 0-0 Mbarara City
• UPDF 2-1 Busoga United
• SC Villa 2-1 Onduparaka FC