Fort Portal city, Burahya, Mwenge South and Kyaka counties have progressed to the next stages of the MTN Tooro Kingdom Masaza Tournament as the counties continue to tussle it out in the first-ever kingdom soccer tournament that will see the winning county get crowned on the 15 th of April 2022.

From the Group B matches played at the Katoosa playground last Friday, Mwenge South County proceed to the next stage as it beat Kyaka county 1-0 and another 2-1 win against Mwenge North.

Kyaka County eventually registered a 2-1 victory against Mwenge North County, securing its spot in the next stage of the tournament.

The Group C matches that happened yesterday at the King Oyo Sports Complex in Bukwali saw Fort portal and Burahya qualifying for the next stage of the tournament following a series of three heated-up matches.

Fort Portal beat Ntoroko county 3-0 and had a goalless draw against Burahya while Burahya scored one winning goal against Ntoroko to qualify for the next stage of the tournament.

The matches were presided over by Rt. Hon. Stephen Tinka, the 2 nd deputy prime minister of Tooro Kingdom.

Action resumes this weekend. On Friday 1 st April, Kibale, Fort Portal and Kyaka counties will face off at the King Oyo sports complex in Bukwali starting at 10am. On Sunday 3 rd April, Bunyangabu, Mwenge South and Burahya counties will jostle for a spot in the next stages at the Katoosa playground.

Only two clubs from each group will proceed to the semi-finals in a yet-to-be-determined venue.

Results Summary
Group B
Mwenge South 1-0 Kyaka
Kyaka 2-0 Mwenge North
Mwenge South 2-1 Mwenge North

Group C
Fort Portal 3-1 Ntoroko
Ntoroko 0-1 Burahya
Burahya 0-0 Fort Portal

• Mbarara City 1-1 BUL FC

Ibrahim Nsimbe scored ten minutes from time for BUL Football Club to deny Mbarara City their first win in thirteen league matches.

Solomon Okwalinga had put the Ankole Lions in the lead at the stroke of halftime at Kakyeka.

Okwalinga headed home Steven Othieno’s cross with nearly the last kick of the first half to give his side a deserved lead but they failed to hold on to it after the break.

Nsimbe then ensured that the two sides share of spoils with an 80th-minute goal.

The draw means Mbarara City stays second from the bottom with 19 points from 23 games while BUL remains 4^th table with 38 points.

Next up for Mbarara City is a visit to St. Mary’s stadium to face leaders Vipers on May 5 while BUL will host URA a day before.

Action in the MTN Uganda sponsored Tooro Masaza Cup continued over the weekend at different grounds in the Kingdom.

Burahya, Fort Portal City, Kyaka, and Mwenge South all registered at least one victory as the counties continue to tussle it out in the first-ever kingdom football tournament.

Group B matches were played at the Katoosa Playground on Friday with Mwenge South recording two wins, 1-0 against Kyaka and 2-1 over Mwenge North.

Kyaka registered a 2-1 win over Mwenge North to advance to the next stage of the tournament as runners-up in the group.

Meanwhile, King Oyo Sports Complex in Bukwali hosted Group C matches that saw Fort Portal City and Burahya qualifying for the next stage.

Fort Portal beat Ntoroko 3-0 and played to a goalless draw with Burahya to top the group while Burahya edged Ntoroko one-nil to advance as group runners-up.

Next Round

The six teams that advanced from the initial three groups are pooled into two groups of three with matches to be played this weekend and the top two in each group qualifying for the semifinals.

On Friday 1st April, Kibale, Fort Portal, and Kyaka counties will face off at the King Oyo Sports Complex in Bukwali while on Sunday 3rd April, Bunyangabu, Mwenge South, and Burahya counties will also battle for two semifinal spots at the Katoosa Playground.

The final of the tournament will be played on 15^th April 2022.

Weekend Results

Group B 

• Mwenge South 1-0 Kyaka 
• Kyaka 2-0 Mwenge North
• Mwenge South 2-1 Mwenge North

Group C

• Fort Portal 3-1 Ntoroko
• Ntoroko 0-1 Burahya
• Burahya 0-0 Fort Portal

Saturday Results

• Lady Doves 0-1 Kawempe Muslim
• She Maroons 1-2 Uganda Martyrs Lubaga

Sunday Fixtures

• She Corporates vs. Tooro Queens – Nakawa
• Olila High School vs. Kampala Queens – Soroti

Kawempe Muslim bounced back from defeat to UCU Cardinals with a 1-0 win over Lady Doves in a FUFA Women Super League game played in Masindi on Saturday.

Aziiza Amuleni Amoding scored the solitary goal of the match midway through the opening half as the Ayub Khalifa-coached side that had lost three of the previous four matches picked maximum points on the road.

It was a spirited performance from Kawempe that lifted them to fifth position in the table with 10 points from seven games played thus far in the season.

On the other hand,  Lady Doves suffered their fourth loss of the season and remain in 8th place.

In the other game played, Uganda Martyrs Lubaga edged She Maroons 2-1 at the Prisons Stadium in Luzira.

Team Lineups

Lady Doves XI: Rose Bamaniriza (GK), Sarah Nakuya, Saluwa Nakaima, Irene Akiror, Norah Alupo, Fazila Ikwaput, Jowelia Nagadya, Sumaya Nsisi, Olivia Babirye, Ritticia Nabbosa, Fiona Lucy Atono

Substitutes: Bridget Nakato, Spencer Nakacwa, Lydia Nyandera, Rashida Nankya, Vicky Veronica Ajwang, Eseza Kobusobozi, Stella Adiao

Kawempe Muslim XI: Juliet Adeke (GK), Florence Naziz, Asia Nakibuuka, Shakirah Nankwanga, Asiha Nantongo, Rhoda Nanziri, Samalie Nakacwa, Shakira Nyingahirwa, Sharon Naddunga, Allen Nassazi, Aziiza Amuleni Amoding

Substitutes: Hadijah Nandago, Diana Natukunda, Phiona Nabulime, Rebecca Nakato, Halima Kampi, Stella Musubika, Suzan Nalukoda

F𝐮𝐥𝐥-𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐞 | It’s all over at Kakyeka Stadium, as Mbarara City and Express FC have played out a goalless draw. MBAEXP | 0-0 |

88′ | Enoch Walusimbi cleared a goal bound effort off the line while George Ssenkaaba thought he had scored for Express but it was called back for a foul. MBAEXP | 0-0 |

75’ | Fifteen minutes left on the match. It is still goalless between the two teams. There are positive signs that we could see a goal between now and the full-time whistle. MBAEXP | 0-0 |

70’ | The Ankole Lions are pressing on and are trying to take advantage of the fact that they are the home side this afternoon. MBAEXP | 0-0 |

65’ | After that spell of pressure from the Red Eagles, the home side are back on the ball and are keeping it deep inside Express Football Club’s half. MBAEXP | 0-0 |

60’ | Express Football Club’s confidence has been boosted considerably following their recent chances and they sense that they can take all three points from this match now. MBAEXP | 0-0 |

55’ | A couple of half-chances for the home side in the last couple of minutes or so. All harmless tries really as far as the Red Eagles are concerned. MBAEXP | 0-0 |

50’ | There has been a slow start to the second half. The game has yet to pick up momentum. If we go at this rate, it would be safe to assume that a single goal would be enough to settle the result. MBAEXP | 0-0 We’re back for the second half, center referee Byaruhanga Henry sets us underway. MBAEXP | 0-0 |

HT: The referee blows the 𝐡𝐚𝐥𝐟-𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐞 whistle and signals an end to first-half action. It is goalless at the break between the Ankole Lions and the Red Eagles. MBAEXP | 0-0 |

35’ | Mbarara City are the better side right now, it must be said. They still are not exactly playing awe-inspiring football, but they have raised their game somewhat and look most likely to provide an opening goal. MBAEXP | 0-0 |

20’ | It is all Mbarara City at the moment, and they are passing the ball around brilliantly in midfield. The Red Eagles are finding it hard to keep up with them at the moment. MBAEXP | 0-0 |

15’ | It is all Mbarara City at the moment, and they are passing the ball around brilliantly in midfield. The Red Eagles are finding it hard to keep up with them at the moment. MBAEXP | 0-0 |

5’ | The visitors have made a really great start to the match and they are putting the Mbarara City defense under a huge amount of pressure. MBAEXP | 0-0 |

K𝐢𝐜𝐤𝐨𝐟𝐟 | We are underway in this league clash. MBAEXP | 0-0 |

Express FC yet to win a game in the second round, travel to Mbarara to face
Mbarara City FC. You can follow the game here or Dial *165*4*7# for MTN discounted data bundles and catch the game live on the #StarTimesON App today at 2PM.

Hadijah Nandago is one of the female footballers that have sprouted out in Uganda over the last few months and if her performance in recent games is anything to go by, she is headed for the right path.

At just the age of 16, the Senior Five student at Kawempe Muslim Secondary School has already featured for the Junior National Teams (Uganda U17 and U20 Women National Teams) and already knocking at the Senior Team (The Crested Cranes).

Even when the COVID-19 hit the world and put a halt to many things, including Nandago’s opportunity to keep her talent growing, when the chance to play again came, the crafty forward grabbed it by both hands.

Last year, she helped Isra Soccer Academy earn promotion to the FUFA Women Super League while on loan from Kawempe Muslim Ladies FC.

Her brilliant performance lured the coaches at Kawempe Muslim to bring her back thus promoting her to the senior team.

In her first season with the Senior team, Nandago helped the team to reach the semifinals of the FUFA Women Super League where they lost to eventually Champions, Lady Doves FC.

Before the outbreak of COVID-19, Nandago was part of the Uganda U17 Women’s National Team that was one hurdle away from qualifying for the FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup.

At the start, she struggled to command a slot on the starting team right from COSAFA and CECAFA U17 tournaments that Uganda won in 2019.

However, she kept working hard and when FUFA opted to register the Uganda U20 team for the FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup Qualifiers last year, Nandago was one of the players that got promoted from the U17 Team.

This time, she had become a regular starter and added goals to her game hence being a key pillar for the team. Before getting eliminated by Ghana, Uganda has eliminated Kenya and South Africa with Nandago scoring two goals including the lone goal against South Africa at St. Mary’s Stadium, Kitende.

She scored five goals as Uganda finished second at CECAFA U20 Women’s Championship held at FUFA Technical Centre, Njeru.

Her performance prompted Crested Cranes coach George Lutalo to summon her ahead of the Africa Women Cup of Nations Qualifiers last year.

This was a dream come true for Nandago who despite not making the final squad believes this was a good factor to push her and keep working harder.

“It is rare that at my age that you get summoned to the Senior National Team but I’m glad I was given the opportunity and hoping to use it as a springboard to get more calls in future,” she said.

Nandago already has her target set at playing professional football and hopes to perform well both in the League and on the national teams to keep the consistency.

“Every footballer dreams of joining professional ranks and indeed this is my target in the next few years but I know I must keep grounded and continue working hard,” Nandago intimated.

Who is Hadijah Nandago?

Nandago was born to Abdallah Kitengejja and Mariam Namakula on 15th February 2005, in Lungujja, Rubaga division, a suburb of Kampala.

She started playing football in Primary Four at Mirembe Infant Primary School in Nateete before catching the attention of coach Benard Ssenoga, on one of the pitches close to home.

After sitting for her Primary Seven Examinations, Nandago joined Rines SS WFC in 2017 where she studied her Senior One before moving to Pride SS the following year. She later joined Kawempe Muslim SS where she is currently in Senior Five.

Nandago at a glance

• Name: Hadijah Nandago
• Date of Birth: 15th February 2005
• Place of Birth: Lungujja, Rubaga
• Father’s Name: Abdallah Kitengejja
• Mother’s Name: Mariam Namakula

Schools Attended

• Primary: Mpereza Primary School, Khalid Primary School, Mirembe Infant School (P.3-P.7)
• Secondary: Rines SS – Senior 1, Pride College – Senior 2 and Kawempe Muslim SS- S.3-Up to now.
• Clubs – Isra Soccer Academy 2019/20(On loan) and Kawempe Muslim Ladies -2021 to date.

Celebrating Women in Sports

MTN Uganda is Celebrating Women in Sports and we would like you to nominate your outstanding woman in sports and shine a light on their greatness.

Nominate Here.

Fahad Bayo, Steven Sserwadda, and Allan Kyambadde have joined the Uganda Cranes team that is in Uzbekistan for an invitational tournament.

Bayo, who plies his trade at Bnei Sakhnin in Isreal joined the Camp on Tuesday evening and is part of the team for the Navruz Cup.

USA-based midfielder Sserwadda and Egyptian-based Allan Kyambadde had earlier arrived on Tuesday morning.

The trio now joins the other 11 foreign-based players that traveled with the team to Turkey including skipper Emmanuel Okwi and Farouk Miya.

Motherwell defender Bevis Mugabi, Paradou FC’s Allan Okello, and Derrick Kakooza who plays for Valmiera in Latvia are expected to join the team.

The Cranes will compete in the Navruz Cup scheduled for March 25th to 29th. The four-nation tournament has Tajikistan, hosts Uzbekistan, and the Kyrgyz Republic.

Milutin ‘Micho’ Sredejovich, the Cranes’ head coach, will use this tournament to assess his players as they gear up for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations and CHAN qualifiers.

SC Villa knocked archrivals Express Football Club out of the Uganda Cup thanks to a 4-3 shootout victory at Muteesa II Stadium in Wankulukuku.

Normal time of the Round of 32 tie played on Tuesday ended goalless and penalties were called to determine the winner of the tie to face Onduparaka at the Round of 16.

Enock Walusimbi, George Ssenkaba, and Arthur Kiggundu netted the Red Eagles’ first three penalties before Faisal Ssekyanzi and Eric Kambale missed their kicks from the penalty spot.

Saddam Masereka, Nicholas Kabonge, Amir Kakomo, and Ibrahim Saddam Juma converted for the Jogoos.

Ssekyanzi skewed his kick wide of goal while Kambale had a weak effort that was easily saved by SC Villa’s substitute goalkeeper Joseph Yiga who came on in the final minutes of the game.

Team Lineups

Express: Crispus Kusiima, John Byamukama, Sadiq Ssekyembe, Enock Walusimbi, Isa Lumu, Daniel Shabena, Charles Musiige, Ivan Mayanja, Eric Kambale, Abel Eturude, Joseph Akandanwaho

Substitutes: Denis Otim, Deus Bukenya, Arthur Kiggundu, Faisal Ssekyanzi, George Ssenkaba, Kiragga Mustafa, Raymond Walugembe

SC Villa: Martin Ssenkooto, Gavin Kizito, Joseph Kafumbe, Kenneth Ssemakula, Fred Gift, Amir Kakomo, Ali Bayo, Davis Ssekajja, Sadam Masereka, Travis Mutyaba, Isaac Ogwang

Substitutes: Joseph Yiga, Fred Agandu, Shafic Bakaki, Umar Lutalo, Sadam Juma, Nicholas Kabonge, Benson Muhindo

Round of 16 Fixtures

Wednesday, 23rd March 23

• Maroons Vs Ndejje University – Prisons Stadium, Luzira

Sunday, 3rd April

• Onduparaka Vs SC Villa – AbaBet Green Light Stadium, Arua

The MTN-sponsored Tooro Kingdom Masaza Cup kicked off over the weekend with the official opening match between Bunyangabu and Kibale played at Kibiito Secondary School Playground.

The month-long tournament follows a partnership between MTN Uganda and Tooro Kingdom.

The Kingdom Prime Minister, Hon. Bernard Tungakwo officiated the tournament opening, saying that this year’s Football tournament was organized in partnership with telecom giant MTN because the king wanted to use sports as a platform to create awareness against the spread of HIV/AIDs.

“We are grateful that our partners have made this tournament a reality. This will foster the already existing unity among the nine counties of Tooro while we continue to sensitize the King’s subjects about HIV/AIDS,” Tungakwo said.

Tungakwo was in the company of Bunyangabu county chairperson Peace Mutuuzo who doubles as minister for gender and culture in the Kingdom.

In the opening match, Bunyangabu beat Kibale 2-1 thanks to goals from Patrick Musinguzi and Norman Namanya while Ivan Ahereza scored the consolation goal for Kibale.

In the second match of the same group (A), Ivan Ahera’s lone strike was enough for Kibale to edge Kitagwenda.

In the other Group A match, Bunyangabu were three-nile winners over Kitagwenda. Ronald Alituha scored twice while Allan Muganzi scored the other.

Action continues this weekend with Group B taking center stage on Friday, 25th March 2022 at Katoosa Playground. Mwenge South is set to host Kyaka and Mwenge North.

On Sunday, 27th March, Group C matches will be played at King Oyo Sports Complex, Knights Arena Bukwali where Fort Portal City will host Burahya and Ntoroko.

Prizes

The winning team will walk away with Shs 5 million and a trophy while the first runner up will pocket Shs 3 million. The third-placed team will get Shs 1.5 million while the fourth team will be given Shs 500,000.

British Ugandan Karl Anthony Uchechukwu Mubiru Ikpeazu is likely to strike a permanent deal to stay at Cardiff City after impressing this season.

Uche has been a revelation – scoring three times – since signing on loan from EFL Championship club Middlesbrough.

According to Wales Online, Uche “look ungainly and unorthodox but is actually quite effective in what he does.”

For this reason, he remains a potential signing for Cardiff. His transfer status has been described as; “Chris Wilder seems to have made his mind up on him, but Middlesbrough are said to want to recoup the £750,000 they forked out for him.

“That’ll be too prohibitive for Cardiff unless Boro drastically drop their asking price.”

Ikpeazu was called up to the Uganda squad by Northern Irish head coach Johnathan McKinstry for two 2021 Africa Cup of Nations qualification matches in March 2020, but the games were postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic in Uganda.