It is goalless at halftime between Uganda Cranes and Tanzania in the Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.

The opening forty-five minutes of the match being played at the Suez Canal Authority Stadium have witnessed few chances from both sides.

Both teams have approached the match cautiously in search of their first win of the qualifying campaign.

At the quarter-hour mark, Halid Lwaliwa fouled Mbwana Samata at the edge of the area but the resultant freekick taken by Novatus Dismas went over the bar.

Uganda Cranes winger Joseph Ochaya had an attempt at an acute angle cleared while Fahad Bayo went down and his penalty appeal was waived by the referee towards the half-hour mark.

Skipper Emmanuel Okwi whipped in a ground cross but it didn’t reach the intended target (Ochaya) and the resultant corner kick was fruitless.

Left back Kayondo was booked for a foul and Jamal Salim nearly made a mess of the resultant Dismas freekick that hit the post.

It’s all to play for in the second half.

Uganda Cranes Starting XI: Salim Jamal, Kenneth Ssemakula, Aziz Kayondo, Halid Lwaliwa, Livingston Mulondo, Khalid Aucho, Siraje Sentamu, Farouk Miya, Fahad Bayo, Emma Okwi, and Joseph Ochaya

Uganda Cranes coach Milutin Sredejovich, popularly known as Micho, has named Starting XI to take on Tanzania at the Suez Canal Authority Stadium.

The match kicks off at 5:00 pm (EAT)

Richards Bay Football Club’s in-form keeper Salim Jamal starts in goal ahead of Charles Lukwago and Nafian Alionzi.

Kenneth Ssemakula starts at right back while Livingston Mulondo and Halid Lwaliwa pair up in central defence as Aziz Kayondo starts on the left side of defence.

Siraje Sentamu and assistant captain Khalid Aucho form a double pivot in the middle of the park with Farouk Miya in the advanced role.

Joseph Ochaya is on the left side of the attack while Emmanuel Okwi could drift to the left and Fahad Bayo will run through the middle in search of the goals.

Uganda Cranes Starting XI: Salim Jamal, Kenneth Ssemakula, Aziz Kayondo, Halid Lwaliwa, Livingston Mulondo, Khalid Aucho, Siraje Sentamu, Farouk Miya, Fahad Bayo, Emma Okwi, and Joseph Ochaya

NEC FC returned to winning ways on Thursday by obliterating Soroti City at the Coffee Ground in Bugolobi.

The Army Side had lost 1-0 to Kitara FC and 2-0 to Luweero United in the last two weeks.

Captain Marvin Kavuma was the architect of the damage on Soroti City opening the scores as early as the 8th minute.

He scored a hat trick, adding two goals in the final twelve minutes of the game thus taking his tally of the season to 13.

Simon Peter Odeke had equalized shortly before halftime for the visitors but NEC returned recharged after recess to bag all three points.

Defender Sulaiman Ssesazi headed home a few minutes into the second stanza before substitute Geoffrey Sserunkuma converted from the spot in what was his first goal for NEC.

The win takes NEC FC to third place on 40 points same as Mbarara City who occupy the second spot due to a better goal difference.

Soroti City on the other hand remains in the 13th position and in the relegation zone with 23 points.

• Friday, March 24, 2023
• Suez Canal Stadium, Ismailia, Egypt | 5 pm EAT

Uganda and Tanzania are desperate to pick their maiden victory when they face off in Ismailia on Friday.

The draws for the quarterfinals of this year’s Stanbic Uganda Cup were conducted on Wednesday at FUFA House, Mengo.

As per the draw results, the highlight fixture of the round will be an all UPL affair between Soltilo Bright Stars and KCCA Football Club atKavumba Recreational Ground. The two sides face off at the round of 32 last season with the stars advancing.

In. the other fixtures, Police FC will hosts cup holders at Kavumba Recreation Ground. BUL ejected Onduparaka FC at the round of 16 while the Cops got better of fellow Big League side Ndejje University.

Last year’s finalists Vipers SC will be at home to Calvary FC while Express FC will make a long trip to the West Nile to take on Adjumani Town Council FC at Paridi Stadium.

Games will be played between the 10th – 15th of April 2023

It should be noted that at this stage;

• If teams are still tying by goals at the end of the match, extra time of 30 minutes shall be played.
• If the teams are not separated after extra time, spot kicks shall be applied to determine the winner.

Full Quarterfinal Draw

• Police FC vs. BUL FC – Kavumba Recreation Ground
• Soltilo Bright Stars FC vs. KCCA FC – Kavumba Recreation Ground
• Adjumani Town Council FC vs. Express FC – Paridi Stadium
• Vipers SC vs. Calvary FC – St. Mary’s Stadium, Kitende

It is now full house in Uganda Cranes camp in Egypt as the team prepares to take on Tanzania in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations Qualifiers.

Assistant captain Khalid Aucho was the last player to join the team camp at Mercure Hotel in Ismailia, Egypt on Wednesday.

The defensive midfielder who plies his trade at Young Africans in Tanzania and his arrival means 26 of the 27 players who were summoned are now in camp with the exception of Sadat Anaku who was ruled out due to injury.

“I’m happy to find everyone in camp geared towards the forthcoming games against Tanzania. Definitely, derbies are never easy but we all know our target and are ready to offer everything in our means as players,” Aucho said on arrival as quoted by the team media.

Uganda will play Tanzania on Friday, 24th March at Suez Canal Authority Stadium before the two teams face off again four days later at the Benjamin Mkapa National Stadium in Dar es Salaam.

Uganda Cranes Squad in Egypt

Goalkeepers: Alionzi Nafian (URA FC, Uganda), Lukwago Charles (St. George, Ethiopia), Magoola Salim Omar (Richards Bay FC, South Africa)

Defenders: Torach Rogers (Vipers SC, Uganda), Begisa James Penz (URA FC, Uganda), Mulondo Livingstone (Vipers SC, Uganda), Lwaliwa Halidi (FK Bregalnica, North Macedonia), Semakula Kenneth (SC Villa, Uganda), Kizito Gavin (Al Ittihad Alexandria SC, Egypt), Kayondo Abdu Aziizi (CD Leganes, Spain), Awany Timothy (SC Ironi Ashdod, Israel)

Midfielders: Ssentamu Siraje (Vipers SC, Uganda), Okello Allan (KCCA FC, Uganda), Mugisha Rogers (UPDF FC, Uganda), Aucho Khalid (Yanga SC, Tanzania), Byaruhanga Bobosi (Austin FC, USA), Sserwadda Steven (New York Red Bull II, USA), Mugulusi Isma (Makedonikos FC, Greece), Miya Farouk (Caykur Rizerspor, Turkey)

Forwards: Mato Rogers (KCCA FC, Uganda), Mutyaba Travis (SC Villa, Uganda), Okwi Emmanuel (Erbil SC, Iraq), Ochaya Joseph (Al Makawdoon Al Arab SC, Egypt), Mukwala Steven (Asante Kotoko, Ghana), Bayo Fahad (MFK, Vyskov, Czech Republic), Basangwa Richard (Wadi Degla SC, Egypt)

Maroons continued with he impressive show in the second round of the Uganda Premier League following a 2-0 win over Arua Hill at the Luzira Prisons Ground.

Goals Abel Eturude and Darius Ojok gave Maroons all three points.

The Prisons side has now won three of the four matches in the second round and drew the other.

Meanwhile, Arua Hill remains in search of the first point this year having lost their two games in the second round so far.

Maroons were off to a good start going ahead in the 5th minute through Eturude and it was all Maroons in the first half and could have scored more as Abraham Tusubira’s goal was ruled out for offside.

Eturude, Felix Ojok and Solomon Walusimbi as well as Walusimbi all came close.

After recess, Arua Hill improved as Innocent Media twice came close for the visitors but his attempts went wide before he was denied a penalty after he appeared to have been fouled by the goalkeeper Richard Anyama.

However, it was Maroons that put the game to bed as Ojok who came on for Felix Okot doubled the host’s lead rebounding from Amaku strike that was saved by Anyama.

Maroons leapfrog Arua Hill to 6th on the log with 25 points from 18 matches while Arua Hill drops to 9th with 23 points from 16 matches.

Next Up

Maroons will return to action on Saturday, 1st April away to KCCA at MTN Omondi Stadium while Arua Hill will host Blacks Power at Barifa Ground on Thursday, 30th March.

Team Line Ups

Maroons XI: Simon Tamale (GK), Olega Ceaser, Kigozi Fredrick, Jacob Okao, Patrick Bayiga, Orombi Ronald, Okot Felix, Abel Eturude, Amaku Fred, Solomon Walusimbi, Abraham Tusubira.

Substitutes: Amir Nalugoda (GK), Kabona Edward, Brian Nkuubi, Ojok Darius, Kayanja Brian, Isaac Mpagi, Sula Mpanga.

Arua Hill XI: Richard Anyama (GK), Okello Ivan, Ibrahim Musa, Rashid Muhamad, Richard Matovu, Gibson Adinho, Gadafi Wahab, Ivan Eyamu, Rashid Kawawa, Isaac Ogwang, Innocent Media.

Substitutes: Kanakulya Jimmy (GK), Omirambe Brian, Mpande Reagan, Andama Denis, Jacob Kamwesiga, Stephen Kabuye, Dickson Niwamanya.

Four foreign-based players have joined the Uganda Cranes camp in Ismailia, Egypt.

The quartet includes team captain Emmanuel Okwi, Farouk Miya, Steven Sserwadda and Isma Mugulusi who arrived in Cairo, Egypt on Tuesday morning and straight away joined the rest of the team at their base in Ismailia.

Okwi says the target is getting good results against Tanzania.

“I’m happy to join the team here in Ismailia and delighted to find that the camp is in a good mood as we prepare to face Tanzania.

“Definitely the target is to get positive results off Tanzania in order to achieve our target of qualifying for AFCON. The players, coaches and everyone is committed towards this,” Okwi said as quoted by the team media.

Defensive midfielder and assistant captain Khalid Aucho is expected to join the camp on Wednesday Morning but Scotland-based forward Sadat Anaku is. ruled out due to injury as communicated by his club, Dundee United.

The team will have a friendly match against Ismaily SC at Suez Canal Authority Stadium on Tuesday evening as. they. continue to prepare.

Uganda will play Tanzania on Friday, 24th March at Suez Canal Authority Stadium before the two teams face off again four days later at the Benjamin Mkapa National Stadium in Dar es Salaam.

Uganda Cranes Squad

Goalkeepers: Alionzi Nafian (URA FC, Uganda), Lukwago Charles (St. George, Ethiopia), Magoola Salim Omar (GK) (Richards Bay FC, South Africa)

Defenders: Torach Rogers (Vipers SC, Uganda), Begisa James Penz (URA FC, Uganda), Mulondo Livingstone (Vipers SC, Uganda), Lwaliwa Halidi (FK Bregalnica, North Macedonia), Semakula Kenneth (SC Villa, Uganda), Kizito Gavin (Al Ittihad Alexandria SC, Egypt), Kayondo Abdu Aziizi (CD Leganes, Spain), Awany Timothy (SC Ironi Ashdod, Israel)

Midfielders: Ssentamu Siraje (Vipers SC, Uganda), Okello Allan (KCCA FC, Uganda), Mugisha Rogers (UPDF FC, Uganda), Aucho Khalid (Yanga SC, Tanzania), Byaruhanga Bobosi (Austin FC, USA), Sserwadda Steven (New York Red Bull II, USA), Mugulusi Isma (Makedonikos FC, Greece), Miya Farouk (Caykur Rizerspor, Turkey)

Forwards: Mato Rogers (KCCA FC, Uganda), Mutyaba Travis (SC Villa, Uganda), Okwi Emmanuel (Erbil SC, Iraq), Ochaya Joseph (Al Makawdoon Al Arab SC, Egypt), Mukwala Steven (Asante Kotoko, Ghana), Bayo Fahad (MFK, Vyskov, Czech Republic), Basangwa Richard (Wadi Degla SC, Egypt)

Uganda Cranes and Motherwell defender Bevis Mugabi has branded VAR lines used to award Rangers’ third goal in yesterday’s 4-2 defeat “a bit suspect.”

Mugabi was on the score sheet for his first goal of the season for the Steelmen after poking the ball home after a scramble in the Rangers penalty area.

His goal made it 2-2 in the Fir Park clash before Todd Cantwell fired back in front just four minutes later in controversial circumstances.

TV replays indicated that Rangers striker Fashion Sakala was offside in the build-up to the goal but when VAR lines deemed Dan Casey to be playing Sakala onside by the tightest of margins.

“It’s been a bit questionable,” Mugabi told media.

“A lot of people have noticed the lines look a bit suspect but that is out of our control, we can’t control what VAR does.

“All we can do is focus on ourselves and make sure we do what we are supposed to do during the game.

“It is just a shame we couldn’t hold on for a bit longer than we did after the goal [to make it 2-2] and the sending off didn’t help us either.

“You could still see the team staying compact, talking to each other and focusing on the job in hand.

“I think the manager has installed a mental toughness in us that we need to win games and get results when needed.”

Mugabi was returning for his first notable outing since a knee injury against Celtic in November sidelined him for more than two months.

Ahead of the Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers double-header against Tanzania, MTN Uganda will be rewarding Cranes players if they register a win.

As the number one supporter of Ugandan football, MTN Uganda announced various cash incentives for players and fans of the Uganda Cranes.

The announcement was made on Monday at the MTN Uganda HQ in Industrial Area.

“We have pledged prize money for each of the Uganda Cranes players when they win their upcoming matches against Tanzania in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers,” said MTN Uganda Chief Marketing Officer, Somdev Sen.

“The incentive is on winning and winning only. The incentive is 1.5 million shillings to fifteen players and 2 million for the man of the match,” Somdev emphasised.

“Fans can vote for the Man of the Match and engage in various challenges and predictions via MTN Uganda’s website and social media pages,” Somdev added.

The Cranes will play their home game against the Taifa Stars of Tanzania at the Suez Canal Authority Stadium on Friday, 24th March before travelling to Dar es Salaam for the return leg on Tuesday, 28th March.

MTN Uganda has arranged to set up a large LED screen at the Old Taxi Park where fans can watch the game and participate in various challenges and predictions.

In addition, MTN Uganda will reward the most engaged Uganda Cranes fans with Ugx 100,000 each based on their social media interactions and online content using the hashtag #MTNUgFootball.

“MTN Uganda will also reward the most engaged Uganda Cranes fans with cash each, based on their social media interactions and online content using the hashtag.

“Our aim is to bring back the passion for the Uganda Cranes. Even without a home ground, we are making sure that this game is in the eyes of every Ugandan. We want to do our part to make sure that Uganda Cranes make it to the next World Cup” said Martin Sebuliba the Senior Manager Brand and Communication MTN Uganda.

FUFA Chief Executive Officer Edgar Watson thanked MTN for the initiative and says it will boost the morale of the players going into the games.

“As players, all forms of support is welcome. With the support from MTN, the players move into the game with all the morale they can get to make sure Uganda shines.

“You can do everything, technical, tactical, psychological, medical, etc but only one thing, support, changes things a lot.

“I am glad MTN is organising something for Ugandans to stream the game and enjoy together. Let’s support the boys because we know they will make it,” said FUFA CEO Edgar Watson.

This campaign is a further demonstration of MTN Uganda’s passion for Ugandan football and its desire to complement FUFA’s efforts in developing and elevating the profile of Ugandan football at both continental and international levels.

In January 2023, MTN Uganda announced a Ugx 19 billion sponsorship over five years towards the Federation of Uganda Football Association (FUFA) to support seven properties or programs of the federation namely; the Uganda Cranes, the Crested Cranes, the FUFA Drum, the FUFA Juniors League, FUFA Super 8 tournament, the FUFA Super Cup, and the FUFA Annual Awards.