Uganda Cranes have finally qualified for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco.

The development was confirmed after South Sudan secured a hard-fought 3-2 victory against Congo Brazzaville on Thursday evening.

It is party-mood in Kampala than it is in Juba where the clash was played simply because Uganda’s journey to the final tournament has taken a thrilling bend.

South Sudan’s victory means that Congo Brazzaville remain at four points with one game to play hence losing the chance to go past Uganda and South Africa who have 10 and eight points respectively.

Uganda Cranes return to the continent’s biggest football stage after five years of waiting.

It will be the eighth time for Uganda to play in the AFCON after being part of the 1962, 1968, 1974, 1976, 1978, 2017 and 2019.

Uganda will take on South Africa with less pressure knowing the spot in the final tournament is sealed.

However, Paul Put and his troops will still go into the game with a vibe and energy fighting for bragging rights.

Uganda joins Burkina Faso, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Morocco, Algeria, Senegal, DR Congo, Egypt and South Africa which have also qualified for the forthcoming tournament.

Uganda Cranes forward Denis Omedi is optimistic about the upcoming AFCON Qualifier against South Africa at Mandela National Stadium, Namboole on Friday.

Uganda will play the return leg against Bafana Bafana, having drawn the first leg 2-2 away from home.

Omedi expressed confidence in the team’s ability to secure a victory. “Regarding my role, my primary responsibility is to score goals. Although our league form hasn’t been ideal, I believe that things will improve over time,” he said.

“I’ve been working hard in preparation for the upcoming game, and I’m hopeful that on Friday, we’ll put up a strong fight and I’ll have the opportunity to score another goal for my country,” he added.

Omedi called on Ugandan fans to come out in full force to support the team, encouraging a strong show of unity and patriotism to motivate the players.

“I humbly invite all Ugandans to come and fill the National Stadium. Fan support always gives players the motivation they need to win,” he concluded.

Uganda currently tops Group K with 10 points after four games.

Uganda Cranes Squad

Goalkeepers
Isima Watenga (Golden Arrows FC, South Africa), Nafian Alionzi (Defence Forces FC, Ethiopia), Charles Lukwago, Venda FC, South Africa), Mutwalibi Mugolofa (KCCA FC, Uganda)

Defenders
Gavin Kizito Mugweri (KCCA FC, Uganda), Kenneth Semakula (Club Africaine, Tunisia), Isaac Muleme (Victoria Zizkov, Czech Republic), Abdu Aziizi Kayondo (FC Slovan Liberec, Czech Republic), Bevis Mugabi (Famagusta Anorthosis, Greece), Timothy Awany (FC Ashdod, Israel), Halidi Lwaliwa (Al Ain SC, Saudi Arabia), Geofrey Wasswa (Ethiopian Coffee FC, Ethiopia)

Midfielders
Khalid Aucho (Yanga SC, Tanzania), Bobosi Byaruhanga (Austin II, USA), Taddeo Lwanga (APR FC, Rwanda), Ronald Ssekiganda (SC Villa, Uganda), Allan Okello (Vipers SC, Uganda), Travis Mutyaba (Girondins Bordeaux, France), Saidi Mayanja (KCCA FC, Uganda)

Forwards
Denis Omedi (Kitara FC, Uganda), Jude Ssemugabi (Kitara FC, Uganda), Shafik Nana Kwikiriza (KCCA FC, Uganda), Rogers Mato (FC Brera Strumica), Derrick, Steven Mukwala (Simba SC, Tanzania), Calvin Kabuye (Sandvikens IF, Sweden), Hakim Kiwanuka (SC Villa,Uganda), John Paul Dembe (BK Hacken, Sweden)

Uganda Cranes forward Hakim Kiwanuka is calling for unity as the team prepares to face South Africa at Mandela National Stadium, Namboole on Friday.

Uganda needs only a point in the remaining two games to secure a spot in the final 2025 AFCON tournament, which will be held in Morocco.

“It’s been a fantastic experience so far. The players have been so friendly. I believe that if we fight as a team, God will bless our efforts,” he said.

“As a team, we have only one target, and that’s getting a victory against South Africa to qualify for the AFCON,” he added.

Calling on Uganda’s passionate supporters, Kiwanuka urged fans to rally behind the team in the crucial clash. “I call upon all the fans to turn up and support the team,” he emphasized.

Uganda currently tops Group K with 10 points after four games.

Uganda Cranes Squad

Goalkeepers
Isima Watenga (Golden Arrows FC, South Africa), Nafian Alionzi (Defence Forces FC, Ethiopia), Charles Lukwago, Venda FC, South Africa), Mutwalibi Mugolofa (KCCA FC, Uganda)

Defenders
Gavin Kizito Mugweri (KCCA FC, Uganda), Kenneth Semakula (Club Africaine, Tunisia), Isaac Muleme (Victoria Zizkov, Czech Republic), Abdu Aziizi Kayondo (FC Slovan Liberec, Czech Republic), Bevis Mugabi (Famagusta Anorthosis, Greece), Timothy Awany (FC Ashdod, Israel), Halidi Lwaliwa (Al Ain SC, Saudi Arabia), Geofrey Wasswa (Ethiopian Coffee FC, Ethiopia)

Midfielders
Khalid Aucho (Yanga SC, Tanzania), Bobosi Byaruhanga (Austin II, USA), Taddeo Lwanga (APR FC, Rwanda), Ronald Ssekiganda (SC Villa, Uganda), Allan Okello (Vipers SC, Uganda), Travis Mutyaba (Girondins Bordeaux, France), Saidi Mayanja (KCCA FC, Uganda)

Forwards
Denis Omedi (Kitara FC, Uganda), Jude Ssemugabi (Kitara FC, Uganda), Shafik Nana Kwikiriza (KCCA FC, Uganda), Rogers Mato (FC Brera Strumica), Derrick, Steven Mukwala (Simba SC, Tanzania), Calvin Kabuye (Sandvikens IF, Sweden), Hakim Kiwanuka (SC Villa,Uganda), John Paul Dembe (BK Hacken, Sweden)

Uganda Cranes forward John Paul Dembe is excited and happy to have received his first call-up to the senior National Team.

With only two games remaining in the campaign, Uganda needs just one point to secure a place in the 2025 AFCON Tournament in Morocco.

The anticipation is high, but the youngster believes he is ready for the big stage if given the chance to showcase his skills.

“I am so happy to receive a national team call-up. I promise to give my best if I am given a chance to play in the upcoming games,” he said.

“I will also work hard to ensure that I contribute to our goal tally so that we qualify for the upcoming AFCON. The experience has been positive, and the system is favorable,” he added.

The youngster has settled in smoothly and praised the supportive environment. “It’s been easy for me to adapt since everyone is friendly, and I believe it’s going to be an unforgettable experience for me and my family.”

Uganda Cranes currently top Group K with 10 points from four games played.

Uganda Cranes Squad

Goalkeepers: Isima Watenga (Golden Arrows FC, South Africa), Nafian Alionzi (Defence Forces FC, Ethiopia), Charles Lukwago, Venda FC, South Africa), Mutwalibi Mugolofa (KCCA FC, Uganda)

Defenders: Gavin Kizito Mugweri (KCCA FC, Uganda), Kenneth Semakula (Club Africaine, Tunisia), Isaac Muleme (Victoria Zizkov, Czech Republic), Abdu Aziizi Kayondo (FC Slovan Liberec, Czech Republic), Bevis Mugabi (Famagusta Anorthosis, Greece), Timothy Awany (FC Ashdod, Israel), Halidi Lwaliwa (Al Ain SC, Saudi Arabia), Geofrey Wasswa (Ethiopian Coffee FC, Ethiopia)

Midfielders: Khalid Aucho (Yanga SC, Tanzania), Bobosi Byaruhanga (Austin II, USA), Taddeo Lwanga (APR FC, Rwanda), Ronald Ssekiganda (SC Villa, Uganda), Allan Okello (Vipers SC, Uganda), Travis Mutyaba (Girondins Bordeaux, France), Saidi Mayanja (KCCA FC, Uganda)

Forwards: Denis Omedi (Kitara FC, Uganda), Jude Ssemugabi (Kitara FC, Uganda), Shafik Nana Kwikiriza (KCCA FC, Uganda), Rogers Mato (FC Brera Strumica), Derrick, Steven Mukwala (Simba SC, Tanzania), Calvin Kabuye (Sandvikens IF, Sweden), Hakim Kiwanuka (SC Villa,Uganda), John Paul Dembe (BK Hacken, Sweden)

Odilo Championship | Results

• Aterai P/S 1-0 Prime View Education Centre
• Oasis P/S 4-0 Source of Light

Aterai Primary School registered 1-0 victory against Prime View Education Centre in the girls 2024 Odilo Championship at FUFA Technical Centre, Njeru on Wednesday.

Salute Akol’s lonely strike was enough to send North Eastern Region representatives to final of this year’s edition.

Elsewhere, Oasis Primary School (West Nile region representatives) cruised past Source Light Primary School in a 4-0 well-deserved victory.

Happy Jackline (brace), Hope Christine and Zuhaira Mansur were on target as Oasis P/S secured the bragging rights on the day.

Mas Jawa Jordan, Oasis P/S coach yearns to win this year’s title after failing to go past last year’s semifinals.

“We have taken part in all the Odilo editions but we have never gone past the semifinal. This means we have gathered alot of experience from participating and it’s time for them this year.” Said Mawa

Classification Matches

• Ineza Primary School 1-0 Hope Primary School
• Habanom Primary School 3 -2 Good Foundation Primary School

Thursday, 14 November 2025 | Fixture

Third Place

• Prime View Primary School Vs Source of Light Primary School – 10am

Final

• Oasis Primary School Vs Aterai Primary School – 11am

AFCON Qualifiers | Fixture

• Friday, November 15, 2024
• Uganda vs South Africa – 4pm

Uganda Cranes and Vipers SC midfielder Allan Okello said that now nothing matters apart from sealing qualification on Friday, November 15, 2024.

Uganda Cranes are set to lock horns with South Africa in a highly anticipated AFCON Qualifiers encounter on Friday at Mandela National Stadium in Namboole.

Uganda need only one point from Friday’s encounter to see that they seal a spot in the final 2025 AFCON Tournament.

“The most important thing on Friday is to secure qualification,” Okello said before adding; “The mood is really positive. Everyone is showing that we need to qualify.”

“The mood is really positive. Everyone is showing that we need to qualify. Even the players who are not in camp have the mindset because we can only achieve this as a team,” he stressed.

Okello has looked decent in the previous games of the campaign thus making three assists in four games played. He promised to empty his tank in the game against South Africa.

“As a player. I am trying to give 100 per cent. The results are not always in our control but on Friday we all need to give 200 per cent because the goal is to go for AFCON.”

Uganda tops Group K with 10 points in four games. They have secured three wins and made one draw. The campaign is left with only two games to come to an end.

Uganda Premier League side KCCA FC’s fans’ executive has launched awards to celebrate and reward players’ excellence.

The awarding got underway after their Premier League match against rivals Vipers SC at St Mary’s Stadium, Kitende.

The development will see the group of fans award the Man of the Match, Player of the Month, and Player of the Season.

According to a document released by the fans’ executive, the awards are named in honour of KCCA FC legends.

The initiative is meant to reward outstanding performers and inspire players to boost their morale and energy to fight for the badge.

The Man of the Match will receive a medal accompanied by Shs 200,000, while the Player of the Month will receive a medal, a certificate, and Shs 500,000.

At the end of the season, the Player of the Season will be awarded a medal, a certificate, a customized plaque, and Shs 1,000,000.

Voting will be public, with fans deciding 60% and a specially selected panel having 40% in the final decision.

FUFA Women Super League | Results

• Kawempe Muslim 1-0 Lady Doves
• Uganda Martyrs 0-0 Rines

Kawempe Muslim registered a hard-fought 1-0 victory against Lady Doves in the FUFA Women’s Super League at the Valley Grounds on Sunday.

Hadijah Babirye was the hero as Kawempe Muslim secured a maximum points on the day.

The hard-fought victory opened a four-point gap ahead of the second team on the FUFA Women Super League’s log.

It was a close game that saw either side create limited chances on the day. As Kawempe were on the front foot, the visitors preferred a low block in the backline.

Babirye replaced Kuluthum Namutebi in the second half thus bringing on fresh legs in the middle park.

The youngster stepped up to the occasion and fired the hosts ahead with only eight minutes left on the clock.

Next, Kawempe Muslim will take on Olila High School as they continue with the search for the sixth league title.

Uganda Premier League | Results

• Mbale Heroes 0-0 BUL

Mbale Heroes and BUL played to a goalless draw in the Uganda Premier League encounter at Mbale Municipal Stadium on Sunday.

Both sides had great opportunities to take the lead but were not so sharp enough to place a foot in the game.

It was Paul Mujampwani’s first clean sheet of the campaign thus giving the hosts a golden point on the day.

The first half was fairly even as the two sides fought for possession in a tightly contested game.

A point takes BUL to fourth position with 12 points levelled with Express and UPDF.

On the other hand, Mbale lie 15th with five points, just a point above the Kitara who is battom of the log.

How they lined up

Mbale Heroes XI; Paul Mujampwani (GK), Adrian Sserugo, Amos Etojo, Hakim Musabbah, Bernard Ndifuna, Davis Ssekajja, Ceasar Olega, Faizo Wabyoona, Umar Kyebatala, Jeremy Matata, Abdul Malik Bironse

BUL XI; Joel Mutakubwa (GK), George Kasonko, Frederick Ngalo, Ochungo, Walter Ochora, Najib Fesali, Pascal Ngobi, Okello, Ibrahim Orit, Martin Aprem, Anwar Ntege

Uganda Premier League | Results

• Maroons 2-1 URA
• Vipers 1-1 KCCA

KCCA held Vipers in a one-all stalemate in the Uganda Premier League encounter at St Mary’s Stadium Kitende on Saturday.

It was an end-to-end encounter as the two sides shared spoils in front of a big crowd.

Milton Karisa nearly gave the hosts the lead in the 25th minute but he was late to connect with Karim Watambala’s delivery.

Fifteen minutes later, Hassan Muhamud made a goalline clearance to deny Moses Waiswa’s powerful low drive.

At the stroke of the first half, Karisa broke the deadlock with a well-directed header thanks to Derrick Ndahiro’s delivery.

In the dying minutes, second-half substitute Ashraf Mugume levelled matters with a stunning finish into the back of the net.

The victory leaves SC Villa on top of the log with 18 points while Vipers lie second with 17 points after eight games.