Wakiso Giants bounced back from a rough patch of three successive league defeats with a resounding 3-1 win over Mbarara City on Wednesday.

Sam Ssenyonjo, Titus Ssematimba and substitute Ivan Bogere were on target for the Purple Sharks at Kabaka Kyabaggu Stadium in Wakiso.

Charles Sempa scored the consolation goal for Mbarara City who are now in the red zone with 17 points from 20 matches.

Ssenyonjo gave the hosts the lead in the 20th minute, heading home a well-delivered corner from Joshua Lubwama. The forward missed from the spot a few minutes later from a seemingly controversially awarded penalty.

Jude Semugabi and Henry Kitegenyi had half chances for Mbarara City in the first half while Luwama couldn’t find the target with a couple of freekicks.

After the break, Sempa drew the Ankole Lions level from 12 yards but Wakiso would later regain their lead through Ssematimba who headed in tom Masiko’s delivery.

Bogere then put the game to bed with a long-range effort having seen goalkeeper Martin Elungat way off his line.

WATCH | Ivan Bogere's SCREAMER for the Purple Sharks@WakisoGiantsFC 3-1 @TeamMbararaCity#WGFCMBRA | #StarTimesUPL | #MTNUgFootball | #HomeOfSports pic.twitter.com/MjsKDad1Xe

— Sanyuka TV (@sanyukatv) March 9, 2022

Starting XIs

Wakiso Giants: Derrick Emukule (GK), Grant Matsiko, Simon Namwanja, Joshua Lubwama, Edward Satulo, Lawrence Bukenya, Ibrahim Kasule, Hassan Ssenyonjo, Moses Aliro, Titus Ssematimba, Sam Senyonjo

Mbarara City: Martin Elungat (GK), Adriko John, Othieno Steven, Otti Ronald, Dudu Ramadhan, Pitis Barenge, Swalik Bebe, Edwok Ronald, Jude Ssemugabi, Seiri Arigumaho, Henry Kitegenyi

The draws for the Round of 16 of the Stanbic Uganda Cup have been conducted at Fufa House Mengo.

As per the draws, defending champions and Uganda Premier League leaders Vipers Sports Club will visit Fufa Big League side Kataka who are eying promotion to the top-flight.

Wakiso Giants have been drawn against fellow top-flight side UPDF while Soltilo Bright Stars who eliminated KCCA will face BUL FC.

The other fixture that will involve two Premier League teams is between Onduparaka FC who will host the winner of the Round of 32 tie between Express FC and SC Villa.

Mbarara City FC eliminated URA FC will be at home to Eastern Regional League entity Iganga Young.

There will be an all Fufa Big League affair between Maroons FC and Ndejje University FC as well as an all Regional League clash between Booma FC from Kitara Region who will host Koboko’s Tipper and Sahara Football Club (Tipsa FC) from the West Nile region.

Uganda Cup | Round of 16 Full Draw

• Booma FC vs. Tipsa FC
• Wakiso Giants FC vs. UPDF FC
• Vipers SC vs. Kataka FC
• Police FC vs. Mbale Heroes FC
• Maroons FC vs. Ndejje University FC
• Onduparaka FC vs. Express FC or SC Villa
• Soltilo Bright Stars FC vs. BUL FC
• Mbarara City FC vs. Iganga Young FC

Buddu were 2-0 winners over Buwekula to claim the 2021 Masaza Cup final held at the St.Mary’s Stadium in Kitende on Saturday.

Second half goals from Marvin Kavuma and Bruno Bunyaga helped Buddu to their second Masaza crown after winning the competition in 2016 at Mandela National Stadium in Namboole.

Kavuma gave Buddu the lead when he headed home Gideon Odongo’s free kick. Odongo again assisted Bunyaga from another free kick to double Buddu’s advantage.

Buddu lifted their second trophy under the stewardship of Steven Bogere who previously guided them to the 2016 crown.

Bulemeezi beat Mawokota 1-0 to win the third place playoff, thanks to Gabriel Eragu’s second half goal.

Buddu goalkeeper Michael Lutaya was named the Most Valuable Player, Isaac Musiima (Buwekula) was the golden boot winner with six goals.

Buwekula was given the Fair Play award for being the most disciplined team.

Ugandan English professional footballer Uchechukwu Mubiru Ikpeazu who plays as a forward from EFL Championship club Middlesbrough could be looking to leave the club at the end of the season.

According to reports, Uche could consider continuing as a forward for EFL Championship club Cardiff City where he is currently loaned.

Chris Wilder’s Middlesbrough are still well in the battle for promotion from the Championship, meaning they could yet be playing Premier League or second-tier football next season.

According to Football League World, “Since making that [loan] move, the striker has scored three goals in seven appearances for the Bluebirds, as many as he did in 22 games for ‘Boro since his move to the club from Wycombe.

“Given he seems to have settled more quickly in the Welsh capital than he did in ‘Boro, and looks to be thriving with the style of play employed by Cardiff boss Steve Morison, the prospect of making that loan move away from ‘Boro permanent in the summer, could well be appealing for Ikpeazu.”

Ikpeazu was once 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. The games however were postponed due COVID-19.

Uganda Cranes head coach Milutin ‘Micho’ Sredojevic has summoned a provisional squad of 35 players to start preparations for the 2022 Navruz Cup in Uzbekistan.

The four-nation tournament to be played from 25th-29th March will kick start Uganda Cranes’ preparations for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations Qualifiers that will start in June.

The tournament will be played at Markaziy Stadium in Namangan City with the Cranes taking on Tajikstan, Uzbekistan, and Kyrgyz Republic (Kyrgyzstan).

The squad has 20 players from the local league (Uganda Premier League) while 15 play from beyond the borders.

Returning to Uganda Cranes fold is skipper Emmanuel Okwi and attacker Farouk Miya as well as Allan Kyambabdde. The trio has been out of the Cranes for the recent games.

Provisional Squad:

Goalkeepers: Charles Lukwago (St George FC, Ethiopia), Alionzi Nafian (URA FC, Uganda), Isma Watenga (Chippa United FC, South Africa), Benjamin Ochan (KCCA FC, Uganda), Jack Komakech (Vipers SC, Uganda)

Defenders: James Begisa (UPDF FC, Uganda), Hassan Jurua (KCCA FC, Uganda), Isaac Muleme (Viktoria Zizkov, Czech Republic), Herbert Achai (KCCA FC, Uganda), Bevis Mugabi (Motherwell FC, Scotland), Timothy Denis Awanyi (Ashdod, Israel), Halid Lwaliwa (Vipers SC, Uganda), Livingstone Mulondo (Vipers SC, Uganda), Fesali Najib (URA FC, Uganda)

Midfielders: Khalid Aucho (Yanga, Tanzania), Bobosi Byaruhanga (Vipers, Uganda), Steven Sserwadda (Red Bull New York, USA), George Kasonko (BUL, Uganda), Marvin Youngman (Soltilo Bright Stars, Uganda), Moses Waiswa (Supersport United, South Africa) Allan Okello (Paradou, Algeria), Martin Kizza (Express FC, Uganda), Najib Yiga (Vipers SC, Uganda), Allan Kyambadde (El Gouna, Egypt), Faruku Miya (Lviv, Ukraine), Milton Karisa (Vipers SC, Uganda), Rogers Mato (KCCA FC, Uganda)

Forwards: Emmanuel Arnold Okwi (Kiyovu FC, Rwanda), Patrick Henry Kaddu (KCCA FC, Uganda), Mohamed Shaban (Onduparaka FC, Uganda), Fahad Bayo (Bnei Sakhin, Israel), Derrick Kakooza (Walmiera, Latvia), Alfred Leku (Arua Hill SC, Uganda), Yunus Junior Sentamu (Vipers SC, Uganda), Sadat Happy Anaku (KCCA FC, Uganda)

FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup Qualifiers 2022
First Round, First Leg
Uganda 2-2 Ethiopia

Uganda and Ethiopia played out a two all draw in the first leg of the first round in the 2022 FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup Qualifiers.

The Pearl led 2-0 midway through the second half, but Ethiopia scored two goals in the second half late on to level the game.

Hadijah Nandago netted twice for Uganda but Ethiopia salvaged a point through Emush Daniel Dandamo and substitute Semira Kedir Ahmed.

Uganda started the better side and captain Shakira Nyinagahirwa got the first attempt on goal in the sixth minute from a free kick but her effort sailed just wide.

The first chance for the Ethiopians came in the 15th minute when Meseret Mamo Wolde attempted to lobe the ball past on rushing goalkeeper Sharon Kaidu but her attempt went off target.

Coach Ayub Ayub Khalifa Kiyingi was forced into making an early change when defender Patience Nabulobi suffered a head injury and was replaced by Esther Namusoke.

There were further changes upon resumption with Sumaya Nalumu and Shamusa Najjuma coming on for Brenda Munyana and Kamiyati Naigaga respectively.

Nalumu nearly opened the scores a minute after coming on with her delivery from the corner kick nearly beating goalkeeper Abeba Ajibo Afa.

Rebecca Nandego broke the deadlock in the 66th minute when she looped over Ethiopia’s goal keeper into the back of the net.

Six minutes later, Nandego scored her second of the day, with her effort outside the box going into the back of the net.

Ethiopia pulled one back through Dandamo in the 79th minute before Semir found the equalizer.

The two teams will face in the second round with the winner on aggregate taking on South Africa.

Uganda Starting XI

Sharon Kaidu(GK), Rebecca Nandhego, Desire Katisi Natooro, Patience Nabulobi, Sharifah Nakimera, Kruthum Namutebi, Brenda Munyana, Shakira Nyinagahirwa, Hadijah Nandago, Kamiyati Naigaga, Catherine Nagadya

Ethiopia Starting XI

Abeba Ajibo Afa, Metasebiya Kifile Gelaw, Meseret Mamo Wolde, Dirshaye Menza Malabo, Ttirist Wondewesen Adamsu, Sebelewongel Wodajo Robse, Emush Daniel Dandamo, Tigist Adane Belihu, Tsehayinesh Jula Tulu, Kalkidan Wondemu Tulu, Yemiwedish Ashbeir Gata

KCCA Football Club and Express Football Club shared points in an entertaining Premier League match played at Muteesa II Stadium in Wankulukuku.

Martin Kizza and substitute Joseph Akandwanaho scored for Express while Julius Poloto and Sadat Anaku were on target for KCCA.

Kizza put the Red Eagles in the lead with a superb freekick but Poloto drew the Kasasiro level from the penalty spot after Enock Walusimbi was adjudged to have fouled Arafat Usama.

After the break, Anaku set the visitors on course for maximum points with a brilliant finish into the top corner but Akandanwaho drew the hosts level with 13 minutes to spare with a cool finish after KCCA’s goalkeeper was caught in no man’s land.

The result means KCCA is now three points adrift of leaders Vipers. On the other hand, Express remains sixth with 30 points.

Next Up

Express visit Gaddafi on 8th March while KCCA hosts SC Villa at Lugogo on 12th March.

Starting XIs

Express: Denis Otim, Isa Lumu, Enock Walusimbi, Murushid Juuko, Arthur Kiggundu, Daniel Shabena, Mahad Yaya Kakooza, Godfrey Lwesibawa, Martin Kizza, Eric Kambale, George Ssenkaba.

KCCA: Derrick Ochan, Denis Iguma, Hassan Jurua, Herbert Achai, Innocent Wafula, Gift Ali, Arafat Usama, Rogers Mato, Julius Poloto, Patrick Kaddu, Sadat Anaku

Vipers Sports Club registered a 2-1 win over Bright Stars in a league game played at St. Mary’s Stadium in Kitende on Wednesday.

Skipper Halid Lwaliwa and on form forward Ceaser Manzoki got the goals as the Venoms bagged all the three important points that took them four clear at the top.

Ibrahim Kasinde’s equalizer from the penalty spot for Bright Stars turned into a consolation.

Lwaliwa put his side ahead in the 10th minute, heading home a well-delivered free kick from Bobosi Byaruhanga.

Vipers were dorminant throughout half had chances to score more but Manzoki saw his effort outside the area go just wide while Milton Karisa failed to score goalkeeper Simon Tamale before Yunus Sentamu headed wide off Disan Galiwango’s free kick.

Stars best chance of the half fell to Emmanuel Loki whose shot from outside the area was collected by Fabien Mutombola.

Four minutes into the second half, Yasin Mugume was fouled by Bobosi Byaruhanga and Kasinde converted from the spot to draw Bright Stars level.

It took Vipers just seven minutes to regain the lead with Manzoki firing home off a Karisa assists.

byaruhanga missed a penalty that could have put the game to bed but nevertheless the venoms were able to hold for all three points.

Team Line-ups

Vipers SC: Fabien Mutombora (GK), Paul Willa, Halid Lwaliwa, Livingstone Mulondo, Disan Galiwango, Siraje Sentamu, Bobosi Byaruhanga, Najib Yiga, Milton Karisa, Yunus Sentamu, Ceaser Manzoki

Substitutes: Jack Komakech (GK), Paul Mucureezi, Ibrahim Orit, Hillary Mukundane, Dennis Mwemezi, Allan Kayiwa, Dan Sserunkuma

Bright Stars: Tamale Simon (GK), Kaggwa Andrew, Ssemayange Simon, Ngoobi Derrick, Buule Warren, Fiat Cleophus, Kasinde Ibrahim, Marvin Youngman, Loki Emmanuel, Janjali Joseph, Mugume Yassin

Substitutes: Were Derrick (GK), Allan Katwe, Kiggundu Derrick, Jungu Methodius, Nvule Jamir, Omony Kaka, Onek Alfred

BUL Football Club was in fine form on Tuesday after when they played host to army side UPDF at the Kyabazinga Stadium in Bugembe.

Simon Peter Oketch, Karim Ndugwa, Ibrahim Kazindula, and Richard Wandyaka were all on target for the Eastern Giants as they beat UPDF 5-1.

Walter Ochora’s own goal was UPDF FC’s consolation on the afternoon.

The army side is now winless in the last 10 matches but had drawn all their last four league games prior to the whitewash.

Ndugwa, returning to the club, found the opener in the 8th minute before turning provider for Oketch who doubled BUL’s lead in the 21st minute that the hosts carried to the halftime break.

Ochora turned the ball into his own net early in the second half but with 20 minutes to play, Kazindula restored the two-goal lead from the spot after Martin Aprem was brought down in the area.

With four minutes to play, Oketch completed his brace, and Wandyaka joined the scoring party in added time with Ibra Nsibe providing the assist.

BUL FC moves to 4th on the table with 33 points from 19 matches while UPDF are 9th with 22 points.

Next Up

BUL FC will return to action on Friday 11th March away to Soltilo Bright Stars at the Kavumba Recreation Ground while UPDF will host Arua Hill at the Bombo Military Barracks Ground on Wednesday, 8th March.

Team Line-ups

BUL XI: Saidi Keni (GK), Walter Ochora, Richard Ayiko, Douglas Muganga, Ibrahim Kazindula, Umar Mukobe, Simon Peter Oketch, Karim Ndugwa, Martin Aprem, Reagan Kalyowa.

Substitutes: John Okurut, Fredson Gwoto, Richard Wandyaka, Ibrahim Nsimbe, Owen Mukisa, Ambrose Kirya, Aggrey Madoi.

UPDF XI: Brian Bwete (GK), Aggrey Kiirya, Jacob Okao, Mbazira Simon, Ibrahim Wammanah, Luwalo Kipper, Mugisha Rogers, Katende Ezekiel, Sabir Yassin, Taban Philip, Ivan Ahimbisibwe.

Substitutes: Wasswa Yusuf, Salim Huud, James Begesa, Adriko Rogers, Kisambira Julius, Omunuk Robert, Sunday Geoffrey.

Uganda Cranes defender Bevis Mugabi feels his club Motherwell FC need to starting with their Scottish Premiership clash against Rangers on Sunday.

The Steelmen are yet to win in 2022 and go toe-to-toe with the Scottish champions in Govan and Mugabi feels Motherwell were unlucky not to take all three points from that last one in September where it ended in 1-1 draw.

Talking up the game, Mugabi knows It will need a lot to get on the winning side but he’s hopeful. “There’s always some sort of pressure, going into any game,” he told Daily Record.

“We know our position in the table, and it’s very tight, and it’s very tight between Rangers and Celtic as well, so it’s an important game for both parties.

“We just need to make sure we put in a good performance and try to get something out of the game. I would love to beat Rangers, I would love to.

“The last time we played them we had a good performance, drew 1-1, and could have actually nicked it, to be fair, with Tony Watt’s opportunity – but it wasn’t meant to be.

“Hopefully it will be the same again this Sunday. We will go there and have a go. We need to keep trying to hit the back of the net.

“In the stats from the last few games we’ve probably had more shots on goal than the team we’ve been playing, so we are creating chances, it’s just the thing of putting them in the back of the net.”

Motherwell are 7th on the log with 34 points from 27 games. They have won 9 games, lost 11 and dawn 7.