U-17 AFCON CECAFA Qualifiers | Results

• Uganda 4-1 Somalia 
• South Sudan 0-4 Tanzania 

Uganda qualified for the U-17 Africa Cup of Nations finals after a well-deserved 4-1 victory against Somalia in the Semifinals CECAFA Qualifiers encounter on Tuesday evening.

In a thrilling encounter played at Hamz Stadium, Nakivubo, the Cubs staged a thrilling performance to rectify the heartbreak suffered in the previous qualifiers when Somalia eliminated them.

From the first minute, Uganda was on the front foot, fighting tooth and nail to win the bragging rights on the day.

Abubakari Walusimbi broke the deadlock with a simple tap-in on the stroke of the first half, sending the home crowd into jubilation.

James Bogere doubled Uganda’s lead with a brilliant finish ten minutes into the game’s second stanza.

However, there was a lapse in Uganda’s backline as Somalia pulled back one through Osman Ibrahim.

Bogere scored a double in added time to complete a hatrick but also put the icing sugar on the cake as Uganda sailed to the AFCON finals.

Uganda will take on Tanzania in the final who run over South Sudan in a dominant 4-0 victory. The final will take place at Hamz Stadium on Friday.

U-17 AFCON Qualifiers | Fixture

Semifinals

• South Sudan vs Tanzania – 1 PM
• Uganda vs Somalia – 4:30 PM

Uganda is set to take on Somalia in the U-17 AFCON CECAFA Qualifiers at Hamz Stadium, Nakivubo on Tuesday.

Uganda has so far played two games (group stages) in the ongoing tournament, they started off with a one-all draw against Tanzania before thumping Kenya 5-0.

The Cubs head coach Brian Ssenyondo has expressed readiness for the clash against Somalia.

“The feeling is that we have to win the game because a victory tomorrow comes with a final and qualification to AFCON,” Ssenyondo said.

“We lost to the same opponent (Somalia) in the last edition so we know the assignment ahead of us,” he added.

“I know we shall be motivated from last edition’s win but we are equally motivated and badly want to secure a victory.”

FUFA, the football governing body in the country has mourned the passing of Uganda Cranes legend, Baker Kasigwa.

The Uganda Cranes legendary player passed away on Sunday, December 22, 2024.

Kasigwa was part of the Uganda Cranes squad that toured the UK in 1956. He also played for Uganda Cranes in their first ever appearance of the AFCON in 1962 in Ethiopia.

FUFA President Moses Magogo learnt with shock the passing of the legend before noting that the country had lost a great man.

We have received the sad news of the loss of football legend Mr. Baker Kasigwa. Football has lost a man who gave every Ugandan around the world great memories created in the 50s and 60s” said Magogo.

Kasigwa was recognised by FUFA in the 100th FUFA Ordinary General Assembly for laying a brick on the growth of the beautiful game.

CHAN Qualifiers | Fixture

• Burundi vs Uganda – 6 PM

With Uganda set to host the prestigious African Nations Championship (CHAN) next year, the excitement is already noticeable.

For goalkeeper Hannington Ssebwalunyo, the tournament presents an unparalleled opportunity for both players and fans.

“It’s an opportunity to expose the talents more. It’s an opportunity for us to enjoy the diverse cultures that are coming in from the different countries,” Ssebwalunyo said.

Ssebwalunyo also highlighted the impact CHAN could have on regional football. “It’s a great opportunity for exposure to other local leagues around Africa,” he added.

The custodian emphasized how the continental tournament bridges gaps and fosters growth for domestic footballers.

But before the final tournament, Uganda will take on Burundi in a two-legged fixture of the CHAN Qualifiers.

The two sides will face off on December 26 at Hamz Stadium Nakivubo giving the head coach Paul Put a chance to prepare his squad

The Cranes are eager to make a statement at home, buoyed by the backing of their fans and the knowledge that CHAN 2024 is more than just another tournament—it’s a platform to elevate Ugandan football.

As the match day approaches, all eyes are on the Cranes, who not only represent Uganda’s footballing ambitions but also its pride as hosts of CHAN 2024.

The Squad

Goalkeepers: Hannington Sebwalunyo (NEC FC), Mutwalibi Mugolofa (KCCA FC), Joel Mutakubwa (BUL FC)

Defenders: Gavin Kizito Mugweri (KCCA FC), Gideon Odongo (NEC FC), Moses Aliro (URA FC), Derrick Ndahiro (Vipers SC), Enock Walusimbi (URA FC), Arnold Odong (SC Villa), Rogers Torach (Vipers SC), Hillary Mukundane (Vipers SC)

Midfielders: Joel Sseunjogi (KCCA FC), Enock Ssebagala (NEC FC), Allan Okello (Vipers SC), Saidi Mayanja (KCCA FC) Abdu Karim Watambala (Vipers SC), Paul Patrick Mbowa (Vipers SC)

Forwards: Hakim Kiwanuka (SC Villa), Milton Karisa (Vipers SC), Patrick Jonah Kakande (SC Villa), Shafik Nana Kwikiriza (KCCA FC), Ivan Ahimbisibwe (URA FC), Isaac Ogwang (Police FC), James Jarieko (NEC FC), Jude Ssemugabi (Kitara FC) and Samuel Ssenyonjo (Express FC)

Kawempe Muslim reclaimed top spot in the Fufa Women Super League table after a 3-1 home victory over Tooro Queens.

Samalie Nakacwa, Agnes Nabukenya and Hadijah Nadago were on target for Kawempe while Shaaron Nabbowa netted the consolation for Tooro.

Nakacwa opened the scoring in the 17th minute and Agnes Nabukenya doubled the lead barely four minutes later, a lead the hosts took into the halftime break.

Fifteen minutes into the second, Nandago all but sealed the points before Nabbowa pulled one back for the visitors with ten minutes to play, which only turned into a consolation.

Tooro Queens completed their first round second from the bottom, with 5 points from 11 games.

Meanwhile, the defending champions will complete their first-round schedule with a top-of-the-table clash against Kampala Queens on Saturday, December 28th, 2024.

• U-17 AFCON Qualifiers | Result
• Uganda 5-0 Kenya

The Uganda U-17 Boys National Team thumped Kenya in a well-deserved 5-0 victory at the Hamz Stadium, Nakivubo on Saturday evening.

The victory was much needed as they secured their spot in the semifinals of the 2024 U-17 AFCON CECAFA Qualifiers.

Forward Bogere James was the standout performer, netting a stunning hat trick with goals in the 18th, 42nd, and 51st minutes.

His clinical display not only earned him the match ball but also established him as the tournament’s top scorer with three goals.

Magala Isima Mulala and Wanyama Simon added to the tally, scoring in the 40th and 81st minutes, respectively, to complete Uganda’s emphatic victory over their East African rivals.

Bogere opened the scoring in the 18th minute, coolly converting a penalty after being fouled in the box.

Uganda’s relentless pressing bore fruit again in the 40th minute, as Magala unleashed a precise strike from just inside the box to double the lead. Moments later, Bogere capitalized on a defensive lapse to make it 3-0 before the halftime whistle.

Uganda maintain their intensity in the second half as Bogere completed his hat trick in the 51st minute with a composed finish.

Wanyama Simon put the final touch on Uganda’s dominant performance in the 81st minute, delivering a superb strike to seal the 5-0 emphatic win.

Saturday Results

• Kampala Queens 3-0 Olila High School
• Uganda Martyrs Lubaga 2-0 Lady Doves

Kampala Queens ascended to second place in the Fufa Women Super League table after beating Olila High School 3-0 at the Omondi Stadium in Lugogo on Saturday.

After a fairly balanced and end-to-end first half that ended goalless, the Queens turned the game on its head in the second half to bag maximum points.

Anita Namata broke the deadlock in the 61st minute, a goal carried into the game’s final ten minutes.

Zainah Nandede extended the lead in the 82nd minute with a headed effort thanks to a telling cross from roving left back Sumayiyah Komuntale.

Catherine Nagadya completed the scoring in the third minute of added time. It was also her first goal of the season.

Kampala Queens still have one match to complete their first-round schedule and they will take on Kawempe Muslim in the top of the table clash on December 28, 2024.

In the other match played on the day, Uganda Martyrs Lubaga beat Lady Doves 2-0 with Latifah Nakasi netting a brace.

Sunday Fixture

• Kawempe Muslim Ladies vs FC Tooro Queens – 10:00am

• Uganda Premier League | Results
• Mbale Heroes 0-4 Vipers

Vipers climbed to the summit of the Uganda Premier League table with a commanding 4-0 victory over struggling Mbale Heroes at Mbale.

The visitors almost took an early lead when Gusto Mulongo failed to tap into an empty net after Milton Karisa set him up.

However, Karisa redeemed himself by breaking the deadlock in the 10th minute with a brilliant header, courtesy of a precise cross from Nicholas Wadada on the right flank.

Vipers continued to dominate, and Allan Mulongo came close to doubling the lead in the 20th minute, but his effort struck the frame of the goal.

Just before halftime, Allan Okello made it 2-0 with a powerful strike that ricocheted off the post before finding the back of the net.

In the 74th minute, Okello bagged his second goal of the match with a clinical finish following a left-footed delivery.

Two minutes later, Karisa completed the rout with a composed strike, sealing a much-needed victory for the visitors.

The win propels Vipers to the top of the league with 28 points, while Mbale Heroes remain rooted at the bottom with only nine points from 13 games.

• Uganda Premier League | Results
• Police 1-2 Maroons
• URA 1-0 Lugazi

Maroons secured a well-deserved 2-1 victory against Police in the Uganda Premier League encounter at Kavumba Recreation Centre on Thursday.

Maroons bounced back to winning ways after suffering a shocking 4-0 defeat to Kitara in the previous match day.

Isaac Ogwang gave the hosts a quick league after he found the back of the net in the sixth minute.

However, even after falling early, Maroons kept composed and played from the back to launch endless attacks.

In the 24th minute, Ivan Asaba was tripped in the box and the referee awarded Maroons a penalty.

Asaba stepped up and converted from the 12-yard mark to level matters.

Despite, Maroons being on the front foot, the first half ended 1-1 setting a great tone ahead of the second stanza.

Eight minutes into the second stanza, Asaba finally gave Maroons the well-deserved lead after being set up by Abel Etrude.

The victory sent Maroons into the sixth position with 19 points while Police lay seventh with 17 points in 13 games.

• Uganda Premier League | Results
• URA 1-0 Lugazi
• Police 1-2 Maroons

URA secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory against Lugazi during a Uganda Premier League encounter at Hamz Stadium, Nakivubo on Thursday.

The Tax Collectors condemned Lugazi to the first defeat in six games played in the ongoing league.

The Leaders had played to five consecutive stalemates in the league, but URA ended the run.

The game started with a low temple as both sides tried to keep a respectable shape and limit the opponent’s attacks.

Ivan Ahimbisibwe broke the deadlock in the 23rd minute with an emphatic finish after being set up by Joseph Semujju.

In the 36th  minute, Laban Tibita lost possession in a dangerous area but Freedom Mungudit failed to capitalise on the great opportunity.

URA came close to doubling their lead but custodian Emuran Fahad palmed away Shariph Kimbowa’s effort in the 70th minute.

The victory sends URA in the 4th position with 21 points while Lugazi lie 12th with 13 points after 13 games.