Uganda will face either Somalia or Tanzania to progress to next year’s African Nations Championship (CHAN) slated to take place in Algeria.

Algerian legend Djamal Menad, top scorer and winner of 1990 AFCON conducted the draw on Thursday under the supervision of CAF Head of Competitions Khaled Nassar.

Uganda got a bye at the first round and therefore will either face Somalia or Tanzania at the second round.

The games will be played in August this year with Uganda starting on the road. And the winner on aggregate will advance to the final tournament.

Uganda is seeking to qualify for the sixth time having appeared at the previous five editions (2011, 2014, 2016, 2018 and 2020).

Uganda Cranes have learned their opponent for the qualifiers to the 2022 African Nations Championship (CHAN) that will be played next year.

Uganda was given a bye at the first round which will be played in July this year. The locally-based Cranes will be in action in August to face the winner between Tanzania and Somalia.

Uganda will host the second leg of the tie whose winner will qualify for CHAN final tournament that will be held in Algeria in January 2023.

For the first time in the history of the competition, 18 teams will participate.

The CHAN is the competition that brings together players who compete in their respective domestic leagues.

The previous edition took place in January/February 2021 in Cameroon and saw Morocco being crowned as champions. Morocco had earlier beaten Uganda 5-2 to reach the quarterfinals in Douala.

Uganda is among the three countries in the CECAFA region to receive a bye in the first round. The other two are Rwanda and Sudan.

Uganda Cranes head coach Milutin ‘Micho’ Sredojevic has made an assessment on the three England-based players that have been added to the team preparing for the forthcoming 2023 AFCON Qualifiers.

Ibra Sekajja (Dulwich Harmlet FC), Odokonyero Nathan, and Tirhys Luknyomoi (AFC Port Chester FC) are the three players in the picture.

The trio will be assessed together with the players already in camp for inclusion in the final squad as FUFA finalizes the processing of the official documents.

Micho said the trio was invited because they had a wonderful season at their respective clubs in England.

“But having in mind that they are not at the highest level of competition, we want to make in comparison between them and our locally based players,” the Serbian tactician said.

“If someone comes from England and is better than locally-based players, of course, they succeed to be in the traveling squad that will travel to Algeria and play against Niger.

“However at the same moment, I need to say that we are happy that they are having the desire to play for Uganda. However, this is not enough they need to come and prove their qualities in comparison with the rest of the players we shall who is best of the best.”

On Tuesday, the team had a double training session at Kampala Quality Primary School – Kisasi.

“I am happy with the commitment of the players in comparison with yesterday,” Micho briefly commented after the evening session.

Uganda will open the qualification campaign with an away fixture against Algeria on 4th June in Oran before welcoming Niger at St Mary’s Stadium in Kitende on 8th June 2022.

The Federation of Uganda Football Association has expressed readiness to host the CECAFA Senior Women’s Championship that gets underway next week.

The chairperson of the Local Organizing Committee Florence Nakiwala Kiyingi indicated the country is ready to stage the coveted tournament.

“FUFA is proud to host yet another Championship and we would like to express our readiness in welcoming the rest of the teams that have confirmed participation.

“As the local organizing committee, we have everything set and cannot wait to get the tournament underway,” Nakiwala said.

Nakiwala confirmed that teams will start getting into Uganda this week with Djibouti arriving on Friday, 27th May while Tanzania will arrive the following day.

The tournament will be played at Fufa Technical Center in Njeru from 1st-11th June 2022 and all games will be live on FUFA TV. Fans will be allowed to watch games at no cost.

Groups

Group A

• Uganda
• Rwanda
• Djibouti
• Burundi

Group B

• Tanzania
• Zanzibar
• South Sudan
• Ethiopia

Shaban Muhammad has promised to give his whole in order to make the final Uganda Cranes squad for the upcoming AFCON Qualifiers.

Uganda Cranes are preparing for the opening two matches of their campaign against Algeria on 4th June in Oran and Niger on 8th June at the St Mary’s Stadium Kitende.

“Of course calling someone on the national team means that he has been working hard, they can’t call someone on the national team who has not been performing well.

“I have been fighting to see that they call me and this is not the end. Of course the [final] team will be chosen according to the way we perform in the training so I will do my level best to see that I perform very well to see that I make it to the final squad but it’s all about God now but me my hard work will take me there”.

Shaban rediscovered his scoring boots at Onduparaka after a disappointing season at Vipers. Only league top scorer Cesar Manzoki scored more goals than him in the just-concluded season in which he netted 15 goals.

Ibra Sekajja says that he is ready to score goals for Uganda Cranes team if given the chance he says he has been waiting for.

Sekajja who plays for South London’s Dulwich Hamlet FC in the National League South, the sixth tier of English football, says he has waited for the opportunity for a long time and believes that he has the ability to win games for the national side.

“I have waited for a long time to be here and now have got the opportunity, I am very excited and ready to score goals and help the team to win games because ability-wise, I have no issues at all and ready to give in the best of my self if am given a chance.

“I have played in several levels of English football and each level with different styles, tactics, and format of play, so that kind of experience puts me in a good position to easily adapt to the system and the culture of Ugandan football.”

Uganda is in Group F, alongside Algeria, Niger, and Tanzania, and Sekajja believes that Cranes can go through since it’s only Algeria that poses a big threat.

“We have a chance to through from the group we are in, the only team which is going to give us hard time is Algeria but it’s good that it’s the one we are starting with, so it will help us as a team to measure ourselves and how best we can set for next games.”

Uganda will start its campaign away against Algeria on 4th June before hosting Niger on 8th June followed by a double header against Tanzania.

Vipers Sports Club is ready to do whatever it takes to keep their prized forward Cesar Manzoki at Kitende.

The Congolese striker who recently switched allegiance to play for the Central Africa Republic was vital during Vipers’ run to their fifth league title.

He notched in 18 goals to finish as the 2021-22 Uganda Premier League top scorer and as per club stats, he has scored a whopping 32 goals in all competitions since joining the side.

Manzoki has been linked with a move to Tanzanian giants Simba SC but Vipers are determined to keep their man.

“The emperor (Manzoki) is in Uganda to stay, he is here to stay,” Tadeus Kitandwe said while appearing on NBS TV.

“Yes, Simba SC in Tanzania and other clubs want him but who doesn’t want a good player like him. We are also a big club and we have the money to keep him.

“We have already talked to him, discussed in detail with him and we have told him how important he is to the club and showed him the importance of the stage we are going on. We are in an agreement and I want to assure the Vipers faithful that he will stay for next season,” added the Vipers director.

Manzoki’s stay will be good for the Venoms as a club as they gear up for continental football next season.

Former Uganda Cranes Captain Denis Onyango has paid tribute to retiring midfielder Tonny Mawejje.

The midfielder brought an to ended an illustrious career that lasted over two decades on Saturday playing his last competitive match for Police FC at St. Mary’s stadium, Kitende.

The Mamelodi Sundowns goalkeeper described Mawejje as one of the best midfielders.

“Happy retirement to one of the best midfielders I had an opportunity to play with Tonny Mawejje,” he said.

“Nicknamed Wadulifu, he was unplayable on his day and watching him glide up the pitch in his pomp was a joy. Mawejje was incredible down to earth. Thank you & all the best Legend.”

Happy retirement to one of the best midfielders l had an opportunity to play with, @Tonny_Mawejje6. Nicknamed Wadulifu 😀 he was unplayable on his day & watching him glide up the pitch in his pomp was a joy. Mawejje was incredible & down to earth. Thank you & all the best Legend. pic.twitter.com/03xBJXRkVH

— Dennis Onyango 🇺🇬 (@masindeonyango) May 23, 2022

Onyango who also retired from international football has shared the stage with Mawejje on several ocassions.

From 2003 to 2016, Mawejje amassed 65 appearances with 8 goals on the national team.

The Uganda Women Senior National football Team(Crested Cranes) has moved to FUFA Technical Centre, Njeru to continue preparations for the forthcoming CECAFA Women’s Championship.

The team had been residing at Cranes Paradise Hotel, Kisaasi for two weeks ahead of the competition that is slated for 1st -11th June 2022 at the FUFA Technical Centre.

The team comprising 31 players departed Kisaasi for Njeru on Sunday morning.

“After two weeks of training in Kampala, we are relocating to Njeru where we can have enough time to train well and better. And with the League coming to an end on Friday, the team will be fully available and thus help in preparing better,” coach George Lutalo said.

Uganda is in Group A alongside Rwanda, Burundi and Djibouti.

The tournament will be played at the FUFA Technical Centre, between 1st -11th June 2022.

The tournament is part of Crested Cranes preparations for the 2022 Women Africa Cup of Nations that will happen in July. Uganda was placed in Group A alongside hosts Morocco, Senegal and Burkina Faso.

Crested Cranes Squad in Njeru
Goalkeepers
Daisy Nakaziro (Uganda Martyrs WFC, Uganda), Daphine Nyayenga (She Corporate FC, Uganda), Juliet Adeke (Kawempe Muslim Ladies FC, Uganda), Hadijjah Nalongo (UCU, Uganda)

Defenders
Asia Nakibuuka (Kawempe Muslim Ladies FC, Uganda), Shadia Nankya (UCU Lady Cardinals FC, Uganda), Salena Allibhai (KAA Gent, Belgium), Aisha Nantongo (Kawempe Muslim Ladies FC, Uganda), Viola Namuddu (Makerere University WFC, Uganda), Harima Kanyago (Uganda Martyrs WFC, Uganda), Samalie Nakacwa (Kawempe Muslim Ladies FC), Margaret Namirimu (She Corporate FC, Uganda), Lukia Namubiru (Kampala Queens FC, Uganda), Sumaya Komuntale (FC Tooro Queens, Uganda), Miriam Ibunyu (She Corporate FC, Uganda)

Midfielders
Naome Nagadya (She Corporate FC, Uganda), Joan Nabirye (Vihiga Queens, Kenya), Sheebah Zalwango (FC Amani, DR Congo), Shamirah Nalugya ( Kampala Queens FC, Uganda), Phiona Nabbumba (She Corporate FC, Uganda), Riticia Nabbosa (Lady Doves FC, Uganda)

Forwards
Elizabeth Nakigozi (Uganda Martyrs WFC, Uganda), Lilian Mutuuzo (Kampala Queens FC, Uganda),Joana Ainembabazi (Rines SS WFC), Juliet Nalukenge (Apollon Ladies FC, Cyprus), Natasha Shirazi (Maccabi Kishronot Hadera, Israel), Zaina Nandede (Kampala Queens FC, Uganda), Hasifa Nassuna (UCU Lady Cardinals FC, Uganda), Sandra Nabweteme (Unattached), Fazila Ikwaput (Lady Doves, Uganda), Margaret Kunihira (Kampala Queens, Uganda)

Uganda Cranes Head coach Mulitun ‘Micho’ Sredojevic has named the preliminary squad to start preparations for the 2023 AFCON Qualifiers.

The squad is made up of 33 players including Huddersfield Town goalie Bellagambi Giousue who is the newest in the Cranes set up with his first call.

The Cranes will open their campaign with an away fixture against Algeria on 4th June 202 in Oran followed by a home game four days later on 8th June against Niger at St Mary’s Stadium, Kitende.

Players will enter camp at Cranes Paradise Hotel – Kisasi on Monday 23rd May 2022. The training programme will start 10am using the Fast Fusion Indoor Facility and Gym.

The Squad

Goalkeepers: Lukwago Charles (St. George), Bellagambi Giousue (Huddersfield Town), Alionzi Nafian (URA FC)

Defenders: Bwomono Elvis (IBV), Kizito Gavin (SC Villa), Begisa James (UPDF FC), Muleme Isaac (Viktoria Zizkov), Kayondo Abdu Azizi (Real Monarchs), Mugabi Bevis (Motherwell), Awanyi Timothy (Ashdod), Lwaliwa Khalid (Vipers SC), Ramadan Musa (Cincinnati), Mulondo Livingstone (Vipers SC), Walusimbi Enoch (Express FC)

Midfielders: Aucho Khalid (Yanga) Byaruhanga Bobosi (Vipers SC) Youngman Marvin (Bright Stars FC), Serwadda Stephen (New York Red Bulls), Mutyaba Muzamil (Kyovu Sports), Mato Rogers (KCCA FC) Miya Faruku (Lviv), Okello Alan (Paradou)

Attackers: Karisa Milton (Vipers SC), Aliro Moses (Wakiso Giants FC) Kiwanuka Hakim (Proline FC), Yiga Najib (Vipers SC) Kyambadde Alan (Gouna), Kizza Martin (Express FC), Okwi Emanuel (Kiyovu Sports), Bayo Fahad (Bnei Sakhin), Kakooza Derick (Valmiera), Anaku Sadat (KCCA FC), Shaban Mohamed (Onduparaka FC)

Opening Fixtures

• 4th June: Algeria vs Uganda – Oran
• 8th June: Uganda vs Niger – Kitende