Vipers Sports Club continued to struggle in front of goal following a goalless draw against Wakiso Giants at St Mary’s Stadium in Kitende.

The Venoms completed the first round of the Uganda Premier League with a shocking 1-0 defeat to Busoga United and have now gone six games (in all competitions) without scoring.

During the stretch, Vipers have played two Uganda Cup games and as many in the CAF Champions League games.

Against Wakiso Giants on Tuesday, the defending champions struggled in front of goal despite creating a couple of opportunities.

Desire Tety came closest after a good interplay with Yunus Sentamu, but the Congolese could only find the side netting.

Najib Yiga had an effort shot directly at the goalkeeper Samson Kirya while Ibrahim Orit, Karim Watambala and Bright Anukani had chances but could not find the target.

For the Purple Sharks, it was Shariph Kimbowa and Norman Ogik who had chances at goal.

Starting XIs

Vipers – Alfred Mudekereza, Hillary Mukundane, Ashraf Mandela, Livingston Mulondo, Murushid Juuko, Siraje Sentamu, Bright Anukani, Karim Watambala, Milton Karisa, Karim Ndugwa, Yunus Sentamu

Wakiso Giants – Samson Kirya, Grant Masiko, Alex Komakech, Paul Willa, Ambrose Arinda, Lawrence Bukenya, Tom Masiko, Rahmat Senfuka, Frank Ssebuufu, Hassan Ssenyonjo, Mikidad Ssenyonga

Busoga United Football Club registered a 2-0 victory over Blacks Power at Akibua Memorial Stadium in Lira, completing a league double over the newcomers.

The Jinja-based side scored throuugh Peter Onzima and Substitute Ronald Kasamba with both goals coming in he second half of the game.

Busoga United won the reverse fixture at Kakindu Stadium with the same scoreline. Then, goals came from Ibrahim Kayiwa and Franco Balabala.

Micheal Siwu, Daniel Otim, Dickens Okwir, Robert Eseru and Mukiibi Ali all threatened for Blacks Power who dominated forlarge spells of the game but couldn’t find the back of the net.

With sixteen minutes left toplay, Onzima found the opener after a good run from the centre to slot past the on-rushing Tonny Kyamera.

The visitors would double their lead in the 85th minute after Onzima turned provider for unmarked Kasamba who calmly headed past Kyamera to seal the points.

Victory puts Busoga United level on 12 points with Blacks Power but the latter sits 12th because of a superior goal difference.

Next Up

Both return to action on Friday, 3rd March. Blacks Power will be away to Bright Stars at Kavumba Recreation Ground while Busoga United will host UPDF at Kakindu stadium.

Team Line-Ups

Blacks Power XI: Tonny Kyamera (GK), Opio Simon Misaki, Daniel Otim, Ahmed Amayo, Dickens Okwir, Micheal Siwu, John Paul Acire, Robert Eseru, Ali Mukiibi, Joel Male, Jackson Wabuleta

Busoga United XI: John Okurut (GK), Isaac Isinde, Charles Sunday Mulanda, Ibrahim Kayiwa, Peter Onzima, Laban Tibiita, Frederick Ngalo, Isaac Doka Mweru, Nicholas Mwere, Benon Tahomera, Nicholas

Uganda Hippos forward Rogers Mugisha was delighted for scooping the man of the match award as Uganda defeated Central African Republic on Monday.

The Hippos began the U20 Africa Cup of Nations with a 2-1 win over their opponents at Suez Canal Authority Stadium in Ismailia, Egypt thanks to goals from skipper Isma Mugulusi and John Paul Dembe.

Mugisha who was electric on the left wing throughout the game was named the best player of the game.

He played a big role in the first goal scored by Mugulusi with his swerving corner kick delivery finding Titus Ssematimba who set up the captain to flick home.

Mugisha who plies his trade at UPDF FC in the Uganda Premier League talked up his success; “It feels great to win the award for Man of the Match and it will boost me more. We want to qualify for the World Cup and winning today was important.”

“We played really well and deserved to win the match,” he told journalists before adding, “we dominated the match and created chances to extend our lead. We’re happy with the result in the first match and it will help us in the upcoming matches.”

Uganda returns to action on Thursday against Congo Brazzaville who defeated South Sudan with the same scoreline.

Uganda U20 Men’s National Team head coach Jackson Mayanja has praised his side for winning the opening group game at the ongoing U20 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt.

The Hippos earned a 2-1 win over Central African Republic on Monday thanks to goals from skipper Isma Mugulusi and striker John Paul Dembe.

Head coach Jackson Mayanja was full of praise for his charges; “My lads played a good game and the first game is not always easy at big tournaments like this.

“It’s a big stage for the players and we won against a good team,” Mayanja said in the post match press conference.

“Like I said this is a big stage and most of these boys are playing at this stage for the first time. We were a bit shaky in the first half but when the nerves settles, the boys were dominated and that tells our performance in the second half.”

“The big stages are always difficult in the first match but as we go on we will get better. We have a lot to deliver but expression wise some of them did that today,” Mayanja added.

The victory sends Uganda to the top of Group B ahead of the second fixture of the group between South Sudan and Congo.

Uganda will return to action on Thursday against Congo Brazzaville who defeated South Sudan 2-1 on Monday.

Tuesday 21^st February 2023

·         Vipers SC Vs Wakiso Giants FC, St Mary’s Stadium-Kitende (4:00 pm) Live on Sanyuka Prime TV

Reigning champions Vipers SC host local rivals Wakiso Giants at Kitende seeking to a stop their non-goal scoring run.

The venoms have played four games this year without scoring in all competitions and sit behind rivals KCCA in third place.

“It is a very important match because we come off two weeks with two very demanding games with no goals scored,” said Karisa told Vipers SC media.

“Tomorrow will be no exception. It will be a difficult game, against opponents who always perform at a very high level -and showed it in the first round.”

“It will be very demanding, but we are aware of that but we are aware that tomorrow’s game is very important for us continuing in the upper part of the League table,” noted Karisa.

“We are prepared to face it, knowing that we have to start the game well -because Wakiso Giants distribute the ball well, and we must be very focused before Saturday’s game against Tanzania’s Simba SC (in the Champions League).”

The hosts have Marvin Youngman, Lumala Abdu and Olivier Osomba ruled out through injury.

Meanwhile, Wakiso Giants who held the champions to a 1-1 draw in the reverse fixture will miss several key players including the trio of Ronald Madoi, Titus Ssematimba and Apollo Kagogwe on Afcon U-20 duty with Uganda.

Moses Aliro, Frank Ssebuufu and Shariph Kimbowa are all doubtful but Paul Willa is available to face his former bosses.

Tuesday 21^st February 2023

·         Blacks Power FC Vs Busoga United FC, Akibua Memorial Stadium-Lira (2:00pm) Live on FUFA TV

·         Vipers SC Vs Wakiso Giants FC, St Mary’s Stadium-Kitende (4:00 pm) Live on Sanyuka Prime TV

·        UPDF FC Vs BUL FC, Bombo Military Barracks Grounds (4:00 pm)

Friday 24^th February 2023

·         SC Villa Vs Onduparaka FC, Akibua Memorial Stadium-Lira (2:00pm) Live on FUFA TV (Closed Stadium, no fans of either side allowed)

·         KCCA FC Vs Arua Hill SC, MTN Omondi Stadium- Lugogo (4:00pm) Live on Sanyuka Prime TV

·         Maroons FC Vs Soltilo Bright Stars FC, Prison Ground-Luzira (4:00 pm).

Sunday 26^th February 2023

·         URA FC Vs Express FC, Nakisunga Ssaza Ground-Mukono (3:00pm) Live on Sanyuka Prime TV

• Kataka 0-3 KCCA

KCCA completed the list of the sixteen clubs to qualify for the last 16 of the Uganda Cup after thrashing hosts Kataka FC 3-0 in Mbale.

Allan Okello, Tshisungu Kankonde and Rogers Mato scored the goals for the 10-time Uganda Cup winners.

Okello opened the scoring in the 36^th minute Kankonde and Mato scored in the second half to make the win safe.

The Kasasiro along with joint record winners Express FC, holders BUL and reigning UPL champions Vipers are some of the team to look out in the next round.

Police, Onduparaka, Mbarara City, Soltilo Bright Stars, Police, Kiyinda Boyz, Kitara, Ndejje University, Wakiso Giants, Adjumani TC, Bunyaruguru, Calvary and Kisugu United are the other teams in the round of 16.

Uganda U20 Men’s national team started with a 2-1 victory over the Central African Republic at Africa Cup of Nations on Monday.

The Hippos captain Isma Mugulusi and John Paul Dembe scored a goal each for Uganda while Boris Gbenou got the consolation for Central African Republic deep in stoppage time.

Uganda was dominant from the start and despite the numerous chances created, the breakthrough did not come until the second stanza.

Titus Ssematimba, Ivan Irinimababazi and Travis Mutyaba all came close but Mugulusi made all matter when he scored from close range.

Ssematimba’s headed effort met Mugulusi just around the goal line and his flicked effort found the back of the net.

Dembe doubled the lead in the 74th minute with a sole effort and with a minute to play in added six minutes, Gbenou pulled one back for Central African Republic but it was too late to stage a comeback.

Uganda will return to action on Thursday against Congo Brazzaville.

Uganda’s starting XI
Abdu Magada (GK), Haruna Lukwago, Ibrahim Juma, Rogers Torach, Apollo Kakogwe, Ivan Irinimbabazi, Rogers Mugisha, Isma Mugulusi (C), John Paul Dembe, Travis Mutyaba, Titus Ssematimba

KCCA Football Club booked their place in the Round of 16 of the Uganda Cup after a comfortable 3-0 victory over Kataka FC at Mbale Municipal Stadium.

Goals from forwards Allan Okello, Simon Kankonde and Rogers Mato gave the Kasasiro the win over a Fufa Big League side.

The ten-time winners of the cup thus complete the list of teams in the Round of 16.

Returning Mustafa Kizza and youngster Hassan Mubiru were handed their debuts as they replaced goal scorers Okello and Mato.

Charles Lwanga’s would-be opener for KCCA was chalked off after he was judged to have fouled the Kataka’s custodian Edward Kasibante in dispossessing the goalie.

Lwanga would later turn provider as he set up Okello to tap home the opener from close range as the victors went into the break leading 1-0.

The side killed off the game with two quick-fire goals in the second half. Kankonde who came on for Muhammad Shaban calmly controlled Lwanga’s pass to slot home in the 64th minute to double the lead and two minutes later, Mato won a penalty after his cutback cross was stopped by Mafabi Shakur’s hand and he stepped up to triple his side’s lead in the 67th minute.

Starting XIs

Kataka XI: Kasibante Edward (GK), Namaisi Stephen, Kaggwa Mubarak, Pengere Ibrahim, Otim Robert, Odongo Francis, David Zaake, Raymond Onyai, Okur Swamad, Aguocho Jonathan, Ocira Moses.

KCCA XI: Derrick Ochan (GK), Filbert Obenchan, Brian Majwega, Peter Magambo, Mustafa Mujuzi, Emmanuel Wasswa, Usama Arafat, Allan Okello, Shaban Muhammad, Charles Lwanga, Rogers Mato.

Qualified Teams for Round of 16

1. Express FC
2. Police FC
3. Ndejje University FC
4. Adjumani T/C FC
5. Calvary FC
6. Kiyinda Boys FC
7. Bunyaruguru United FC
8. Kisugu United FC
9. Wakiso Giants FC
10. Vipers SC
11. BUL FC
12. Onduparaka FC
13. Bright Stars FC
14. Mbarara City FC
15. Kitara FC
16. KCCA FC

Ugandan central defender Bevis Mugabi returned from injury to feature for his Scottish Premier League club Motherwell against Hearts in the Scottish Premiership on Sunday.

Mugabi was ruled out for two months after sustaining a knee injury in Motherwell’s defeat to Celtic in the middle of November last year.

He was forced off early on in the first half of the clash at Fir Park after a challenge by Aaron Mooy and had since been on the sidelines.

Mugabi played the last two minutes and added time yesterday as Motherwell grabbed back-to-back Premiership wins for the first time this season, with a solid victory over high-flying Hearts.

Goals from Jon Obika and Blair Spittal had the Steelmen cruising to the win despite Hearts having started the more lively side.

From Blair Spittal’s corner, however, Sean Goss’s shot was turned in by Obika from close range in the 40th minute.

The score was doubled one minute into the second half when van Veen’s cross was headed off the right post by Spittal, who reacted fastest to sweep the rebound into the net.

Talking up his return, Mugabi said; “Nice to be back out there with the troops! Great performance from the boys today…”

Nice to be back out there with the troops! Great performance from the boys today ❤️💪🏿 pic.twitter.com/0SiR6fPPmp

— Bevis Mugabi (@B_M321) February 19, 2023

Team XIs

MOTHERWELL: Kelly, Johnston, Casey, McGinn, Furlong, Butcher (Mugabi, 88), Goss (O’Donnell, 83), Cornelius (Slattery, 80), Spittal (Danzaki, 88), van Veen, Obika.

Subs (not used): Oxborough (GK), Crankshaw, Aitchison, McKinstry, Tierney.

Booked: Furlong (71), van Veen (85)

HEARTS: Clark, Hill (Atkinson, 60), Sibbick, Cochrane (Oda, 78), Smith (Forrest, 60), Devlin (Grant, 46), Snodgrass, Kingsley, Humphrys (Kuol, 60), McKay, Shankland.

Subs (not used): Stewart (GK), Kiomourtzoglou, Rowles, Halliday.

Hippos Head coach Jackson Mayanja has revealed that his focus is guiding the team to the U20 World Cup in Indonesia between May-June 2023.

Mayanja was speaking ahead of their opening group B game against Central African Republic on Monday in the AFCON U20 tournament at the Suez Canal Authority stadium, Ismailia.

Hippos have played a total of eight friendly matches, seven in Uganda and one in Egypt, against hosts Egypt, winning six, losing one and drawing one.

“Since my first day with this amazing team, the intention has been clear and that is to qualify the team to the World Cup and everything must start against Central African Republic,” he said.

Uganda reached the finals in the last edition, only to lose to Ghana. Teams that reach the semifinal stage represent Africa in the World Cup.