Moses Waiswa came off the bench and scored in the second half to help Uganda Cranes draw with Cameroon in a Pre-CHAN friendly encounter on Thursday.

The KCCA FC midfielder leveled matters with ten minutes to play after the Cranes had fallen behind to Debami Kemaju’s strike at Stade Chedly Zouiten in Tunis.

It was a beauty of goal as Waiswa showed technique score from an acute angle directly from a freekick after Rogers Mato was fouled on the left of the attack near the area.

It was the second friendly for the team as they gear up for the tournament that starts next week in Algeria. The first friendly ended 2-2 against Sudan on Tuesday.

After the game, head coach Milutin ‘Micho’ Sredojević said: “After 180 minutes, we have scored three goals and that is important. We have seen the areas we need to address going forward.

“We gave some players who didn’t start against Sudan some time and this gave us a proper assessment of where we stand.”

The Cranes will play their final build up game against West African side Mali on Sunday.

Cranes Starting XI: Joel Mutakubwa (GK), James Begisa, Geoffrey Wasswa, Gift Fred, Derrick Ndahiro, Kenneth Ssemakula, Bright Anukani, Karim Watambala, Titus Ssematimba, Najib Yiga, Frank Ssebufu

Substitutes: Nafian Alionzi (GK), Jack Komakech (GK), Ashiraf Mandela, Isa Mubiru, Hillary Mukundane, Siraje Ssentamu, Marvin Youngman, Nelson Ssenkatuka, Travis Mutyaba, Rogers Mato, Moses Aliro, Moses Waiswa, Ibrahim Orit

Khalid Aucho has extended his contract with Tanzania Premier League side Young Africans Sports Club.

The new deal will see the Uganda Cranes midfielder play for the league defending champions until 2024.

Aucho has been a key member of the side since joining Yanga last season after ending his stay at Egyptian side El Makkasa.

He helped his side to win the 2021-23 Tanzania Premier League title, a season they went unbeaten. The Jinja native has also won one FA Cup and two Community Shieldsin the short time he has been at the club.

Currently, Yanga are on track to retaining their league title as they sit top of the table with 50 points, sixteen clear of second-placed Simba, after 19 games.

Previously, Aucho has featured for Jinja Municipaal Council and Simba SC (UPDF) here in Uganda, Tusker and Ghor Mahia in Kenya, Baroka (South Africa) and also had a stint India with Churchill Brothers.

Uganda Cranes played to a two-all draw with Sudan Falcons as the teams faced off in a friendly game played on Tuesday.

In the match played at Jamel Stadium, the Cranes led twice but Sudan were able to come back and force a draw.

Karim Watambala opened the scoring inside the opening minute of the game but Muhammad Abdulrahman levelled matters from the spot sending goalkeeper Nafian Alionzi the wrong way after left back Derrick Ndahiro fouled in the area.

Moments later, Ibrahim Orit restored the lead for Uganda Cranes thanks to a neat cross from Ndahiro.

After the break, Sudan found the equalizer through Siddig Kuwa who capitalised on a mistake by Hillary Mukundane when his attempted long pass failed to reach Moses Aliro.

Coach Milutin Sredojevic was impressed with the performance and picked positives despite squandering the lead twice.

“We have been able to identify our strengths and grey areas. We created several chances but we couldn’t put them away. It is one area we need to address ahead of the next two friendlies,” he said.

Orit, one of the goal scorers, said the game was crucial in giving an assessment of where the team stands.

“We fought hard and played a very good side. I believe as players, there have been several lessons picked and hoping we work on aspects where the team fell short today.”

Uganda Cranes will return to action on Thursday against Cameroon in their second pre-CHAN friendly match.

The final tournament gets underway in Algeria next week on Friday. Uganda is in Group B alongside the Democratic Republic of Congo, Senegal and Ivory Coast.

Uganda Cranes Starting XI: Nafian Alionzi, Ashiraf Mandela, Derrick Ndahiro, Geoffrey Wasswa, Hillary Mukundane, Siraje Ssentamu, Karim Watambala, Moses Waiswa, Frank Ssebufu, Ibrahim Orit, Milton Karisa (C)

A new winner will be crowned between West Nile and Lango Province over two legs of the FUFA Drum final.

The first leg final will come this Saturday 7th January 2023 at Greenlight Stadium in a highly anticipated tie before the return at Akiibua Stadium in Lira.

It will be the second time West Nile is playing in the finals after featuring in the first edition against Buganda Province which they eventually lost over the two legs.

Lango will be appearing in their first final with high hopes of winning it but will be without key men Rogers Mato and Moses Aliro who are on national duty with Uganda Cranes and so is custodian Nafian Alionzi for West Nile.

In this edition, West Nile who is still unbeaten have scored (13) and only conceded once.

Busoga United Football Club forward Laban Tibita has had an outstanding performance thus far in the 2022-23 Uganda Premier League season.

With five league goals to his name, Tibita is one of the top performers despite his side fretting in the relegation zone as positive results have been hard to find.

Tibita is just two goals adrift of the leading goal scorers – Nelson Senkatuka (Bright Stars) and Fred Amaku (Maroons) – but he has downplayed claims of chasing the boot and says the focus is on getting the team out of the red zone.

“The target is getting the results coming for the team,” he said as quoted by The Sports Nation. “We need to win games to jump out of the red zone and that’s the priority.

“Winning the golden boot is secondary and let’s see how it goes so it will be a bonus for me.”

Tibita leads the division in most man-of-the-match accolades (four) which shows how outstanding he has been.

“I am grateful to Allah for the season so far.

“This sport is a team effort and all I can do is give my best which necessitates me to give 100% of my potential. Glad it comes with recognition for all guys on the team.”

 

Henry Kalungi Foundation continued its long tradition of giving back to the community in Uganda as they held an End-of-Year party for underprivileged children in Kampala.

The entity engaged the children in different sports like football with the guidance of coaches who supported former Uganda Cranes International Henry Kalungi, also a licensed coach in the USA.

Kit and soccer equipment was donated, for example, balls, shirts, boots, and bags while the rest of the children got clothes and many other niceties.

Henry and his team washed the feet of the children before handing them new pairs of shoes, a gesture that reminded them of Bible Verses in John 13:1–17, where Jesus washed the feet of his disciples.

Day of kindness and humble service!#WhereOurHeartsBelong pic.twitter.com/bLZWZMxReE

— Henry Kalungi Foundation (@HenryKalungiFdn) December 30, 2022

Talking up the day, Kalungi said; “We thank every individual who contributes to making this day successful. We donated kits, served meals and engaged the children in sports activities.

“As with @HenryKalungiFdn’s tradition every year, we are happy to have this one get concluded successfully. #WhereOurHeartsBelong.”

We thank every individual who contribute to making this day successful. We donated kit, served meals and engaged the children in sports activities. As with @HenryKalungiFdn’s tradition every year, we are happy to have this one get concluded successfully. #WhereOurHeartsBelong pic.twitter.com/t9xOE9yhVh

— Henry Kalungi (@HenryKalungi) December 30, 2022

The Children were also treated to sumptuous lunch before the cake-cutting ceremony that crowned the day coupled with dancing and singing.

The foundation intends to continue its charity drive by supporting communities in need inBulemeezi but also fostering the development of talent.

Henry Kalungi Foundation’s mission is to raise up generations in love, hope and purpose, through outreach, education, and empowerment to positively and sustainability impact the community.

Uganda Cranes head coach Milutin Sredojević has confirmed the team that will travel to Tunisia for a training camp ahead of the African Nations Championship (CHAN).

Micho named a squad of 25 players that will travel on Sunday, 1st January 2023 for another training camp in Sousse, Tunisia.

While in Tunisia, the team will have at least three friendly matches lined up before the tournament.

Uganda is in Group B alongside the Democratic Republic of Congo, Senegal and Ivory Coast.

It will be the sixth time Uganda will feature in the finals of CHAN having played at the 2011, 2014, 2016, 2018 and 2020 editions.

Travelling squad

Goalkeepers: Nafian Alionzi (URA FC), Joel Mutakubwa (Gaddafi FC), Jack Komakech (Vipers SC)

Defenders: Ashiraf Mandela (Vipers SC), James Begisa (URA FC), Derrick Ndahiro (URA FC), Isa Mubiru (Vipers SC), Hillary Mukundane (Vipers SC), Kenneth Ssemakula(SC Villa), Geoffrey Wasswa (KCCA FC), Gift Fred (SC Villa)

Midfielders: Siraje Ssentamu (Vipers SC), Marvin Joseph Youngman (Vipers SC), Abdu Karim Watambala(Vipers SC), Moses Waiswa (KCCA FC)

Forwards: Milton Karisa (Vipers SC), Ibrahim Orit (Vipers SC), Travis Mutyaba (SC Villa), Moses Aliro (Wakiso Giants FC), Rogers Kassim Mato (KCCA FC), Bright Anukani (Vipers SC), Titus Ssematimba (Wakiso Giants), Frank Ssebufu (Wakiso Giants FC), Najib Yiga (Vipers SC), Nelson Ssenkatuka(Soltilo Bright Stars FC)

Jamal Salim Magoola became the first goalkeeper to reach 10 clean sheets in South Africa’s 2022-23 Premier Soccer League.

The Ugandan goalkeeper got his 10th clean sheet in his 14th game of the season as Richards Bay beat Moroka Swallows FC 1-0 at the King Zwelithini Stadium.

Magoola has been an integral part of Richards Bay’s impressive campaign and has only conceded six goals in 14 outings thus far.

Mamelodi Sundowns and Bafana Bafana first-choice goalkeeper Ronwen Williams comes second after Jamal with nine clean sheets in 13 games.

Jamal and Williams are expected to face off when their sides meet in the next game on Friday, 6th January.

Sundowns currently lead the Premiership table with 31 points, six clear of second-placed Richards Bay.

Matchday 12 | Results

• Kitara 4-0 Luweero United
• NEC FC 0-0 Jinja North United
• Kataka FC 4-0 Booma FC
• Calvary FC 1-0 Northern Gateway
• Police FC 3-1 Kaaro Karungi FC
• Ndejje University 3-2 Adjumani FC
• Mbarara City 6-0 Soroti City
• Kyetume 1-1 lugazi FC

Kitara Football Club extended their lead at the top of the Fufa Big League following their 4-0 comfortable win over Luweero United on Thursday.

Goals from Patrick Kaddu, John Kisaakye, Edson Agondeze and Stewart Akugizibwe were enough as the Royals picked a deserved win at Kigaaya Playground.

The win, the eighth for Kitara this season, saw them move to 26 points, one above second-placed Mbarara City who thrashed Soroti City 6-0 at Kakyeka.

Luweero United suffered their fifth defeat of the season and they stay 9th with 15 points from 12 games.

Elsewhere, NEC FC were denied victory at Bugolobi as they drew goalless with Jinja North United.

NEC had the best chance to score at the stroke of halftime but Marvin Kavuma missed from the spot which summed up a frustrating day for them.

The draw saw NEC FC drop to the third position after Mbarara City picked maximum points against Soroti City to leapfrog them. They are now on 24 points but remain unbeaten at home.

Meanwhile, Jinja North moved to 19 points and are now fifth on the log after 12 games.

Uganda Premier League outfit Vipers SC has confirmed parting ways with head coach Roberto Oliviera.

The Venoms confirmed this in a statement released on the club platforms on Thursday evening.

“Vipers Sports Club announces that Mr Roberto Oliveira alias Robertinho has left his role as the head coach with immediate effect.” Reads the statement.

“The club would like to thank Robertinho for his tireless efforts as the head coach during his time at the club and wish him success in the future. The Club shall in the shortest time possible come out with a statement on the technical bench leadership following the coach’s departure.”

Rumors have it that the Brazilian tactician is heading to Tanzania to take over at Simba SC.

Roberto joined Vipers in August 2021 and helped the team to win the Uganda Premier League title last season.

He also led the team into the group stages of the CAF Champions League for the first time.