• Thursday, January 2
• Maroons vs Mbale Heroes – 4:00 pm, Luzira

Maroons Football Club have received a significant boost ahead of their Thursday match against Mbale Heroes FC.

Stylish midfielder Jackson Nunda has been cleared fit to return to action and is available for selection after more than a month out with injury.

Nunda, who has scored two goals this season, is now ready to feature in the highly anticipated first meeting between the two sides.

Maroons will be looking to build on their recent win against Police FC at Kavumba Recreation Centre while Mbale Heroes are seeking to bounce back from a disappointing heavy home loss to Vipers SC.

Mubarak Wamboya will be in charge of Mbale Heroes following the suspension of head coach Asaph Mwebaze. The team is currently in the red zone of the table with 9 points in 13 games while Maroons sit 6th with the same number of games played.

The hosts will, however, continue without the services of Darious Ojok, who remains sidelined as he continues his rehabilitation but with Nunda’s return, the team is expected to receive a significant boost in attacking midfield.

• Event: CHAN 2024
• Dates: 1^st to 28^th February 2025
• Hosts: Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania

The Confederation of Africa Football (CAF) will conduct the draw for the African Nations Championship (CHAN) 2024 tournament on 31^st December 2024 at the CAF headquarters in Cairo, Egypt.

The three hosts Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania are seeded as A1, B1 and C1 respectively.

The other countries are seeded based on the performance from the last three editions of the tournament (2018, 2020 and 2022).

Pot 1 has two countries Morocco and the reigning champions, Senegal.

Pot 2 has five countries; Guinea, Zambia, Madagascar, Rwanda and Sudan.

The third pot has the remaining eight countries; Mauritania, Niger, Congo, Angola, Burkina Faso, Nigeria, the Central African Republic and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Democratic Republic of Congo has two titles (2009 and 2016); same as Morocco (2018 and 2020). Tunisia (2011), Libya (2014) and Senegal (2022) have won it one time apiece.

This will be the first time that the CHAN tournament which exclusively accommodates players featuring in the domestic leagues will be co-hosted by three countries.

The tournament will kick off on 1^st February and climax by 28^th February 2025 in the three East African countries of Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania.

The host venues are Mandela National Stadium – Namboole (45,000), Nyayo National Stadium (18,000), Moi International Sports Centre – Kasarani (55,000), Benjamin Mkapa National Stadium (60,000) and Amaan Stadium (20,000).

This tournament is being used by CAF as a precursor to the AFCON 2027 tournament that will still be staged in Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania.

Mbale Heroes Football Club have named Mubarak Wamboya Abu as the club’s head coach on an interim basis following the suspension of Asaph Mwebaze.

The club suspended Mwebaze for 28 days citing indiscipline and now have a son of the soil Wamboya at the helm.

In a statement released by the club yesterday, Wamboya, who has coached Gaddafi and Onduparaka and also worked with Vipers SC will handle the remaining two rounds of the league.

“Mbale Heroes is pleased to announce the appointment of Mubarak Wamboya Abu as the interim head coach for the remaining two games of the season after the suspension of our head coach Asaph Mwebaze,” the statement read in parts.

The remaining two fixtures to close the first round for the newly promoted side are Maroons (away) and NEC (home) on January 2 and 9 respectively.

It remains a mystery whether Mwebaze will be reinstated after serving his temporary ban or whether a new coach will be named permanently.

Wamboya is the third tactician to be handed the reigns at Mbale Heroes after Richard Malinga and Mwebaze.

The 1999 Uganda Cup winners sit in the bottom three at the moment with 9 points after just two victories, three draws and eight defeats.

• FT: Uganda 1-0 Burundi

Hakim Kiwanuka’s late goal secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory for Uganda against Burundi in the CHAN Qualifiers on Sunday at Hamz Stadium, Nakivubo.

The win ensured Uganda progressed with a 2-0 aggregate triumph, ending Burundi’s hopes of reaching the upcoming CHAN finals.

Uganda began the match on a shaky note, with Burundi’s attacking line putting them under early pressure.

The visitors attempted to break through with intricate passing, but Uganda’s defence stood resolute.

A moment of miscommunication in Uganda’s backline nearly proved costly when goalkeeper Joel Mutakubwa handled the ball outside the area, but the resulting free kick was blocked by the wall.

As the first half neared its end, Allan Okello created a golden chance for Isaac Ogwang, but the forward’s finish lacked precision.

Early in the second half, Saidi Mayanja came close to breaking the deadlock, only to see his close-range effort deflected for a corner.

Moments later, Patrick Kakande fouled Kevin Icoyitunge at the edge of the box, but the subsequent free kick was cleared to safety.

In the 80th minute, substitute Ivan Ahimbisibwe nearly put Uganda ahead, but his rebound effort skimmed off the side netting.

Milton Karisa also came close when his cutback set up Saidi Mayanja, whose flick was securely saved by Burundi’s goalkeeper, Dieudonne Ntibahezwa.

The breakthrough finally came in the dying moments. Kiwanuka’s low drive took a deflection and nestled into the back of the net, sparking celebrations.

Uganda XI: Joel Mutakubwa (GK), Gavin Kizito, Gideon Odongo, Rogers Torach, Hillary Mukundane, Joel Sserunjogi, Saidi Mayanja, Isaac Ogwang, Allan Okello (C), Milton Karisa, Jude Ssemugabi.

• HT: Uganda 0-0 Burundi

It remains goalless at halftime between Uganda and Burundi in the CHAN Qualifiers clash at Hamz Stadium, Nakivubo, on Sunday.

Despite head coach Paul Put making three changes to the starting lineup, bringing in Gideon Odongo, Joel Sserunjogi, and Milton Karisa. Uganda struggled to gain control early on, with Burundi’s frontline pushing them onto the defensive.

Burundi attempted to unlock Uganda’s backline with intricate short passes, but the hosts stood resilient.

However, a lack of communication in Uganda’s defence nearly proved costly when goalkeeper Joel Mutakubwa handled the ball outside the area.

Fortunately, the resulting free kick was blocked by the wall.

Jude Ssemugabi, a tireless presence upfront, had several opportunities to break the deadlock but failed to convert any into goals.

Uganda will need to sharpen their attacking efforts in the second half to overcome Burundi’s well-organized defence and secure a crucial victory.

Uganda Starting XI: Joel Mutakubwa (GK), Gavin Kizito, Gideon Odongo, Rogers Torach, Hillary Mukundane, Joel Sserunjogi, Saidi Mayanja, Isaac Ogwang, Allan Okello (C), Milton Karisa, Jude Ssemugabi.

Uganda head coach Paul Put has made three changes to the starting lineup for the second leg of the CHAN Qualifiers against Burundi at Hamz Stadium, Nakivubo.

Gideon Odongo, Joel Sserunjogi, and Milton Karisa have been introduced into the starting XI, replacing Derrick Ndahiro, Paul Mbowa, and Nana Kwikiriza.

Rogers Torach and Hillary Mukundane remain as the central defensive pairing, while Saidi Mayanja and captain Allan Okello retain their places in midfield, joined by Sserunjogi.

In attack, Jude Ssemugabi and Isaac Ogwang are joined by Karisa, who adds fresh energy to the forward line.

Joel Mutakubwa continues as the first-choice goalkeeper, providing stability at the back.

Uganda heads into the match with a slim advantage, having edged Burundi 1-0 in the first leg, thanks to Ogwang’s decisive goal.

The Cranes will look to capitalize on their home advantage and secure a spot in the next round.

• FT: Burundi 0-1 Uganda

Isaac Ogwang’s clinical finish gave Uganda a slender 1-0 victory against Burundi in the CHAN Qualifiers at Hamz Stadium, Nakivubo, on Thursday.

The game started with Uganda showing intent. In the ninth minute, Allan Okello tried a long-range effort, but his shot flew over the bar.

Two minutes later, Uganda came close to opening the scoring but failed to make a decisive touch before Burundi’s goalkeeper intervened.

Burundi had a chance to capitalize on a foul by Patrick Mbowa near the edge of the box. However, Keita Bakuru’s free-kick went wide, leaving the visitors unscathed.

Uganda finally broke the deadlock in the 35th minute when Ogwang outmanoeuvred his marker and slotted home with a composed finish.

Despite Burundi’s attempts to pressure Uganda’s defence, they were unable to find an equalizer before the halftime whistle.

Karim Kamana nearly levelled matters in the 74th minute but his glancing header went inches wide of the frame.

With nine minutes to play, Okello came close to extending Uganda’s lead but his curling effort went above the frame.

The two sides will meet again on Sunday, December 29 in the second leg at the same ground.

Uganda Cranes Starting XI: Joel Mutakubwa (GK), Gavin Kizito, Derrick Ndahiro, Rogers Torach, Hillary Mukundane, Paul Mbowa, Saidi Mayanja, Allan Okello, Isaac Ogwang, Shafik Kwikiriza, Jude Ssemugabi.

• HT: Burundi 0-1 Uganda

Isaac Ogwang’s clinical finish in the 35th minute has given Uganda a slender 1-0 lead against Burundi in the CHAN Qualifiers at Hamz Stadium, Nakivubo, on Thursday.

The game started with Uganda showing intent. In the ninth minute, Allan Okello tried a long-range effort, but his shot flew over the bar.

Two minutes later, Uganda came close to opening the scoring but failed to make a decisive touch before Burundi’s goalkeeper intervened.

Burundi had a chance to capitalize on a foul by Patrick Mbowa near the edge of the box. However, Keita Bakuru’s free-kick went wide, leaving the visitors unscathed.

Uganda finally broke the deadlock in the 35th minute when Ogwang outmanoeuvred his marker and slotted home with a composed finish.

Despite Burundi’s attempts to pressure Uganda’s defence, they were unable to find an equalizer before the halftime whistle.

Uganda Cranes Starting XI:
Joel Mutakubwa (GK), Gavin Kizito, Derrick Ndahiro, Rogers Torach, Hillary Mukundane, Paul Mbowa, Saidi Mayanja, Allan Okello, Isaac Ogwang, Shafik Kwikiriza, Jude Ssemugabi.

Vipers Sports Club forward Allan Okello will lead Uganda Cranes aagainst Burundi in the CHAN Qualifiers match at Hamz Stadium in Nakivubo.

The line for the first leg of he qualifiers has been named with Okello handed the captains arm band nd will be joined by Saidi Mayanja and clubmate Paul Mbowa in the middle of the park.

The forward line has Isaac Ogwang, youngster Shafik Kwikiriza and Jude Ssemugabi who has been infine form recently.

Rogers Torach and Hilary Mukundane will pair up in central defense with Gavin Kizito and Derrick Ndahiro occupying the right and lef back positions respectively.

Joel Mutakubwa starts between the posts.

CHAN Qualifiers | Fixture

• Burundi vs Uganda – 6 PM

Uganda and Burundi are set to clash in a crucial CHAN Qualifiers match at Hamz Stadium, Nakivubo, on Thursday evening.

Uganda Cranes head coach Paul Put expressed confidence in his squad’s preparations and praised the players for their quick adaptation during the intensive training period.

“We have worked very hard in a short period to prepare the team,” the coach stated. “We brought in many new players, and I’m glad to see them adapting well. The players are motivated, focused, and eagerly waiting for the match.”

Forward Allan Okello also highlighted the significance of the encounter for both the players and the country.

“We are well-prepared, and everyone is fit to play. With the teamwork and unity within the squad, we will do our best to achieve a good result,” Okello said.

“Thanks to our coaches’ guidance, we’ve developed better understanding and cohesion, which has been excellent preparation ahead of the CHAN 2025 final tournament. We won’t take this game lightly—our focus is to win and bring joy to our fans.”

The team, comprising all 26 players in good shape, entered a residential camp at Nob View Hotel, Ntinda, on Wednesday evening to finalize preparations.