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Uganda Cranes will continue their rebuilding process against Zambia in an International Friendly at Al Hamriya Sports Club in Dubai.

Following the departure of Serbian tactician Milutin `Micho’ Sredojevic, the Cranes seek to kickstart a new era under the guidance of interim coach Morley Byekwaso.

With many asking whether the rebuilding process has been handled with the due diligence that it deserves, the football governing body firmly asserted that they are doing everything with keen analysis.

But before the dust settled, Uganda Cranes had a slow start to their rebuilding process after they fell to Mali in a 1-0 loss.

In a game in which Uganda created less, the Cranes also failed to handle their cool as Hudu Mulikyi fouled in the dangerous area in the 74th minute.

Second-half substitute Lassine Sinayoko scored from the spot and now the focus shifts to Zambia to make amends.

Byekwaso was happy with the team’s performance and believes they can do better if a few errors are worked upon.

“We demonstrated a good display in ball possession and quicker advances into the opponent’s final third but need to do better so as to get where we long to be,” he said.

Uganda continues to sharpen its tools ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers that begin later in November.

The MTN Busoga Masaza Cup clash between Kigulu and Bugweri was abandoned after turmoils and chaos clouded the entertaining game of football at Iganga Saza Playground on Saturday.

Okasha Mulondo put Bugweri upfront on 33 minutes but it was later ruled offside and controversy kicked off from that point onwards.

The first half ended 0-0 after either side failed to register a legitimate goal in the first 45 minutes.

Later in the 71st minute, Shaban Kakaire faced the same sour taste as his goal was flagged offside.

Ten minutes later, Kiguli found the lead through Ali Kiyemba who scored after a scuffle after Kakaire’s corner.

The game got heated up and Bugweri’s players attacked the center referee, Geoffrey Sajjabi in protest for what they called ‘poor officiating’.

As the referee was discussing with the players, Bugweri’s officials and supporters also walked onto the pitch calling for security to intervene.

The match organisers called off the match after the crowds invaded the pitch.

Robert Kaluuba, Bugweri’s head coach, expressed his frustration citing that the centre referee messed up the game.

“Centre referee Sajjabi messed up the game and I am so disappointed with the way he handled the game,” he said.

She Maroons head coach Simon Peter Ocuka has revealed that the team’s target is to finish in the top four.

To achieve the mark, they ought to maintain the thrilling show that was exhibited as they thrashed Asubo Gafford Ladies 5-0.

“Our target this season is to finish in the top four,” Ocuka told the press.

“We have prepared well for the season and I am sure we have all it takes to finish in the top four in the Women’s Super League,” he added.

“I am so happy that we performed well in our first game. I am very happy that we got a victory away from home and managed to score five goals.”

The soft-spoken gaffer revealed that the ladies responded perfectly to the game plan which is why they managed to yield big.

“I am glad the ladies managed to respond positively to the game plan. For you to score, you need to be efficient and have a good conversion rate.”

“Our next game will be against Wakiso Hills and I hope we can put up the required show. We are going back to prepare so that we get maximum points,” he concluded.

After matchday one, She Maroons top the log since they scooped the biggest victory of the weekend.

Full Matchday One Results

FUFA Women Super League | Sunday Results

On Sunday morning, Kawempe Muslim WFC defeated Rines 3-2 in their FUFA Women Super League opener at Kabaka Kyabaggu Stadium in Wakiso.

It rained goals on both sides, but Kawempe’s poise earned them the victory in the open game.

Early in the first half, Hadijah Babirye, Phionah Nabulime, and Agnes Nabukenya found Kawempe’s goals

On the other hand, Catherine Wujja and Yaseem Nalukwago scored the two goals of the hosts who kept fighting till the last minute.

Babirye scored from close range just a few minutes into the contest. After being thwarted by the frame earlier, she guided the rebound into the net.

Wujja went on to equalize with a tremendous header off Jesica Namanda’s ball, tying the score.

Nabulime restored Kawempe’s lead in the 37th minute with a lovely touch to steer in Nabukenya’s lofted cross.

Seven minutes later, creator Nabukenya scored after capitalizing on a blunder by Rines’ backline, who failed to clear their lines.

The hosts improved their goal-scoring chances in the second half, but Kawempe’s defense held firm.

Shakira Nankwanga fouled Aminah Babirye in the hazardous area shortly after the final whistle, and Rines were awarded a penalty.

Rines’ captain stepped up but was unable to convert from the spot, as her shot deflected off the frame and was ruled out.

Substitution in the second half Moreen Nankinga’s corner kick was headed home by Nalukwago, but it was too late.

On the following matchday, Rines will face Uganda Martyrs, while Kawempe will welcome UCU Lady Cardinals.

Despite the Bugisu Province’s 2-0 victory against West Nile in the last group game, they bowed out of the FUFA Drum 2023.

Bugisu came into the tie seeking four goals and a victory to go past Busoga Province and earn a spot in the last eight.

They earned the three points but then only got two goals and it was not enough to send them past the group stages.

Usama Kayemba and James Alitho scored for Bugisu while West Nile hardly responded.

The first stanza was closely contested as both sides were conscious of not letting in any goal and by halftime it was still goalless.

But three minutes into the second stanza, Kayemba nodded home a softball from close range to give Bugisu hope.

Bugisu kept pushing for the second but West Nile kept calm and composed.

Halfway through the second half, Cromwell Rwothomio thought he had levelled matters after chipping the ball past goalkeeper Edward Kasibante but the goal was flagged offside.

With three minutes to play, the ball went off defender Patrick Bayiga’s hand in the area and Bugisu was awarded a penalty.

Golkeeper-cum-forward Alitho stepped up for the challenge and converted from the spot sending goalkeeper Norman Angfidru the wrong way.

West Nile and Busoga qualified from Group C into the last eight.

Teso, Acholi, Lango, Kigezi, Buganda and Tooro are the other Provinces that will play in the quarterfinals.

Charles Ayiekoh Lukula, the Crested Cranes’ interim head coach, has summoned a squad of 32 players that will regroup and start preparations for the CAF 2024 Olympic Games Qualifiers.

Crested Cranes are set to take on the Lionesses of Cameroon in the second round of the qualifiers having eliminated Rwanda at the first round.

Uganda will host the first leg on 26th October at the FUFA Technical Centre in Njeru with the return leg to be played five days later in Douala, Cameroon.

Ayiekoh who is steering the senior women’s National team on a one-month interim basis named five goalkeepers, nine defenders, seven midfielders and 11 forwards.

Notably missing from the squad are forwards Hasifa Nassuna and Sandra Nabweteme as well as goalkeeper Ruth Aturo.

Full Summoned Squad

Goalkeepers

Defenders

Midfielders

Strikers

Uganda Premier League side Vipers has bolstered their technical team by acquiring Brazilian-cum-Portuguese gaffer Jose Esdras Costa Lopez.

Lopez joins the Kitende-based side on a two-year employment contract and his tenure got underway last week.

The development was revealed on Thursday, October 12 via a statement released on the official website of Vipers SC.

“In a bid to boost the coaching department, we have appointed Brazilian-cum-Portuguese coach Jose Esdras Costa Lopez who assumed duties last week,” the statement partly read.

Lopes has a thrilling CV having coached different sides across the globe including being head coach of Thailand.

He has previously coached at SC Rucife, Fluminense FC, America FC, Goias SC, SC Bahia, Caldense SC, Mogi Mirim ES, Verdy Kawzaki in Japan, Al Wasl Club in UAE, Al Saad in Qatar and Club Alianza Lima in Peru.

Lopez also had other coaching spells at Uberaba SC, Botafogo Football de Regatas, Sharja SC (UAE), Gremio Esportivo Juventus, Al Shabab Al Arabi (UAE), Al Garaga in Qatar, Al Shorta in Iraq and Muharraq SC in Bahrain.

He is not new on the African continent after a stint at Petro Atletico de Luanda (Angola) as an assistant and physical coach in 2004, Smouha SC in Egypt as an assistant head coach in the 2017/18 season.

Esdras will be expected to work with Leonard Neiva to put up a strong Vipers’ side who seek to win the UPL title for the third time running as well as regain a spot at the continent.

After a cold 2022-23 campaign for midfielder Elvis Ngonde, the 2023-24 season seems to have started off well for the youngster.

Ngonde has had a thrilling start to his life at SC Villa and now confidently looks up to his Uganda Cranes debut.

While speaking to SC Villa media, Ngode revealed he felt over the moon upon learning that he had made it to the final travelling squad.

“I have always aspired to wear the Cranes jersey and make my family and fans proud,” he was quoted via SC Villa’s official website.

“It’s an honour and privilege I do not take lightly. I was so overwhelmed by the news but I will lie on the aspiration of donning the mighty jersey,” he added.

Ngonde added that he knows the challenge ahead of him but is equally ready to take it up.

“ I am aware of the challenge ahead but am ready to fight for a place on the starting team so that I can show the world what am capable of,” he concluded.

Ngonde together with Kenneth Semakula and Gavin Kizito make up three Jogoos who are part of the squad.

Uganda Cranes will play Mali tomorrow (Friday) at Stade du 26 Mars in Bamako before taking on Zambia next week on Tuesday in Dubai. Both are international friendlies.

The Federation of Uganda Football Association (FUFA) has appointed an interim Technical Team for the Uganda Senior Women’s National Football Team, Crested Cranes.

According to the federation, the interim period is a month.

Charles Ayiekoh Lukula has been appointed the head coach and will be assisted by Eric Ndifuna and Olive Mbekeka.

Ayiekoh has vast experience in women’s football having coached She Corporate and Tanzanian side Simba Queens.

The other members of the technical team are; Stephen Kigundu (Goalkeeping Coach), Felix Ayobo (Fitness Trainer), Mable Kabatalindwa (Team Doctor) and Darlian Kyasiimire (Physiotherapist).

The technical team has been tasked to start work with immediate effect by handling activities around the Crested Cranes.

Crested Cranes will face Cameroon this month in the Qualifiers for the 2024 Paris Olympics and the appointed technical team will summon the squad to enter the camp later this week.

Over the weekend, the MTN Busoga Masaza Cup was a spectacle of thrilling football matches that had fans on the edge of their seats.

In a heart-pounding clash, Bugweri and Bukono went head-to-head, with Bugweri narrowly emerging victorious with a late 1-0 win. Tough-tackling central defender Daniel Bakaki became the hero of the day, securing the winning goal from a penalty spot in the 88th minute.

Coach Kenneth Kaluuba expressed his satisfaction with the result and emphasized the importance of building future Cranes stars through the Busoga Masaza tournament. On the other side, Bukono’s head coach, Issa Kifuuwa, lamented the late penalty decision but remained hopeful for his team’s qualification.

Bulamogi continued their surprising run with a 1-0 victory over two-time champions Kigulu at Kasokwe Primary School Playground. Willy Igoole’s 25th-minute goal turned out the winner.

After losing their first two matches, Bulamogi has turned the tables with back-to-back victories, climbing into second place in the standings with 6 points.

Reigning champions Bukooli Namayingo encountered a hurdle, playing out a scoreless draw against Bunhole Bunanumba which marked their first points dropped this season.

On Sunday, in a heated encounter played at Namutumba Upper Primary School Playground, leaders Busiki and Bugabula battled to a goalless draw.

Both teams created several opportunities but failed to find the back of the net. After the full 90 minutes, Busiki secured their spot in the quarterfinals as group leaders with 7 points from three matches. Meanwhile, Bugabula climbed into second place in the group with 2 points.