• AFCON 2025 Qualifiers | Fixture
• Uganda vs Congo Brazzaville – 7pm

Uganda Cranes is set to take on Congo Brazzaville in the AFCON Qualifiers encounter at Mandela National Stadium, Namboole, on Monday.

It will be Uganda’s second game in the qualifiers, but the first played at home since their maiden outing was against South Africa in Johannesburg.

Uganda Cranes head coach Paul Put is confident ahead of Congo Brazzaville’s game indicating they are going for maximum points.

“Our target is to pick maximum points. Congo has quality with very good players featuring in big leagues, so we definitely do not undermine them,” Put stated.

“We are still a work in progress, but I am impressed with the progress, and I know we will get there soon. I believe the players have recovered well despite having limited time to rest,” he added.

Paul Put’s charges narrowly missed out on a victory on a victory after being held by South Africa in a 2-2 draw.

On the other hand, Congo Brazzaville secured a 1-0 victory against South Sudan, and they seek to extend their perfect run in the ongoing qualifiers.

Team News

Muhammad Shaban missed out on the previous encounter due to an injury, and he is still in doubt for today’s game.

The camp has been boosted with the arrival of defenders Kenneth Ssemakula and Halidi Lwaliwa who missed South Africa’s clash.

Uganda is in Group K alongside Congo Brazzaville, South Africa and South Sudan.

FUFA Juniors League Final | Result

• KCCA Soccer Academy 0-1 BUL Junior Team

BUL Junior Team registered a hard fought 1-0 victory against KCCA Soccer Academy in the FUFA Juniors League Final at MTN Omondi Stadium, Lugogo on Sunday.

Okello scored BUL’s only goal as the Jinja based side clinched a trophy on the evening.

It was a jovial moment for the BUL fraternity as they followed the path of the senior team that had earlier lifted the FUFA Super 8 title.

It was an even game for the first 15 minutes as both sides preferred to start on the back foot as they grew into the game.

Pacy forward, Okello broke the deadlock in the 26th minute as they ascended into the driving seat.

Eight minutes later, KCCA made their first change as they introduced Thomas Ogema for Felix Obama.

With three minutes to conclude the first stanza, Ismael Fahad gave put to waste a glorious chance to level matters as he nodded the ball straight to the custodian’s palms.

Despite KCCA’s strong fight in the second stanza, theJinja-basedd side held on to take the bragging sides.

How they lined up:

KCCA XI: Ashraf Lukyamuzi (GK), Felix Obama, Pius Oyirwoth, Christopher Lubuuka, Patrick Sserunjoji, Amos Wabwire, Ismail Fahad, Brian Ijara, Gatbel Yian, Baker Musharaf

BUL FC: Rashid Wanjala (Gk), Reagan Budali, Denis Kyamanya, Yasin Masambo, Isima Malinzi, Eria Lubega, Richard Okello, Isa Sadala, Hakim Magoya, Gift Fred Mutalya, Ivan Maturu

Uganda Premier League side URA has extended the employment contract of promising right-back Justin Opiro.

Opiro has signed a three-year employment contract that will keep him at the club until the year 2027.

The event was confirmed via the club’s official website in the ongoing transfer window.

“Highly promising youthful right back Justin Opiro has renewed his contract at the club for an additional three years,” the statement reads.

Opiro’s football journey started at Good Soccer Academy in Northern Uganda.

He later moved to Bright Valley Primary School in Wagaddu before joining Kibuli Secondary School.

At the time, he became KCCA Junior Team captain before completing his advanced level at St Mary’s Kitende SS.

While at Kitende, the right back attained the USSSA National title and East Africa Football Championship.

Notably, he has represented Uganda with the Uganda Cubs (U-17) and Uganda Hippos (U-20).

Uganda Premier League newcomers, Lugazi FC, have strengthened their defensive line with the acquisition of versatile defender Rogers Atube.

The club confirmed the signing on their official website.

Atube joins Lugazi on a two-year contract from KCCA FC, a move that will keep him at the club until 2025.

The versatile defender had a successful stint with KCCA since joining in 2022 from Lugazi’s second-tier side.

Before his time at KCCA, Atube gained valuable experience playing for Ndejje University, Gulu United, and Football for Good Academy.

His addition to Lugazi’s squad is a significant boost as the club prepares for their inaugural season in the top flight.

With Atube now part of their ranks, Lugazi FC has completed nine signings so far, demonstrating their commitment to building a competitive team for the upcoming campaign.

• 2025 AFCON Qualifiers – Results
• South Africa 2-2 Uganda Cranes

Uganda Cranes pick a point after a 2-2 draw against South Africa in the 2025 AFCON Qualifiers encounter at Orlando Stadium, Johannesburg.

Denis Omedi and Rogers Mato were on target as Uganda picked a point away from home in a dramatic encounter.

South Africa started on the front foot creating several chances but failed to take most of them despite Uganda’s sloppiness in the back line.

Lyle Foster finally broke the deadlock in the 15^th minute after pocking the ball past Uganda Cranes custodian Isima Watenga after a well-worked attack.

Moments later, South Africa nearly extended their lead through Oswin Apollis, but the forward put to was a glorious opportunity.

After the break, the Cranes returned well-energised to fight back into the game.

Six minutes into the second half, on-form forward Omedi levelled matters to ignite Uganda’s hope in the game.

After two minutes, Mato finally put Uganda in the driving seat, thanks to the forward’s long, powerful effort, which left the stadium astonished.

While everyone thought that Uganda had claimed the maximum points on the day Thalente Mbatha found the back of the net in the dying minutes to salvage a point for the home side.

• 2025 AFCON Qualifiers | Half Time

• South Africa 1-0 Uganda

Uganda Cranes tailed 1-0 to South Africa at halftime in the 2025 AFCON Qualifiers at Orlando Stadium, Johannesburg.

Lyle Foster’s goal is still the difference at the end of the first 45 minutes in an end to the game in front of a loud crowd.

Bafana Bafana is still in control of the game thanks to the telepathic combination of Teboho Mokoena, Sphephelo Sithole, and Themba Zwane.

South Africa has had several chances to put the ball in the back of the net, but Uganda Cranes custodian Isima Watenga has been a stand-out player.

Despite Watenga’s great reflex on the day, Foster poked the ball past the custodian to give Bafana Bafana the well-deserved lead.

Moments later, South Africa nearly extended their lead through Oswin Apollis, but the forward put to was a glorious opportunity.

Paul Put and his charges will take the fight in the second half as they seek to restore parity in an unfamiliar territory.

• 2025 Afcon Qualifiers | Thursday, September 5, 2024
• South Africa vs Uganda – Orlando stadium, 7:00 pm (EAT)

Uganda Cranes and South Africa Bafana Bafana will renew acquaintances as the two sides start the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations Qualifiers in a Group K clash.

The Friday match at the Orlando stadium in Johannesburg will be the first competitive encounter between the two countries since the 2006 World Cup Qualifiers.

South Africa, winners of AFCON in 1996, come into the game as favourites but Paul Put’s Uganda Cranes, aiming to get back to the finals for the first time since 2019, will be out to get a bright start to the campaign.

Uganda missed qualifying for the 2023 Afcon as they finished third in their group with seven points, one point behind Tanzania, who qualified alongside Algeria and a good start will be key for Put’s men.

The Cranes go into the game on the back of a 2-1 home defeat by Algeria in the World Cup qualifiers but had beaten Botswana 1-0 before.

Past Meetings

The Cranes have faced Bafana Bafana four times since their first meeting in 2004.

Uganda has lost on all four occasions, three in regulation time while the other was via penalties in the COSAFA Cup in 2019.

Uganda Cranes Squad

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

Defenders: Elvis Bwomono (St. Mirren FC, Scotland), James Begisa (URA FC, Uganda), Isaac Muleme (Viktoria Zizkov, Czech Republic), Abdu Aziizi Kayondo (FC Sloven Liberec, Czech Republic), Joseph Ochaya (Al Mokawloon Al Arab SC, Egypt), Bevis Mugabi (Famagusta Anorthosis, Greece), Elio Capradossi (Unattached), Halid Lwaliwa (Al Ain, Saudi Arabia), Arnold Odongo (SC Villa, Uganda), Timothy Awany (FC Ashdod, Israel), Kenneth Semakula (Club Africaine, Tunisia)

Midfielders: Khalid Aucho (Yanga Africans, Tanzania), Bobosi Byaruhanga (Austin II FC, USA), Joel Sserunjogi (KCCA FC, Uganda), Ronald Ssekiganda (SC Villa, Uganda), Travis Mutyaba (Zamalek SC, Egypt), Saidi Mayanja (KCCA FC, Uganda)

Forwards: Denis Omedi (Kitara FC, Uganda), Jude Ssemugabi (Kitara FC, Uganda), Joackiam Ojera (Al Mokawloon Al Arab Sc, Uganda), Muhammad Shaban (Al Hilal Benghazi, Libya), Steven Mukwala (Simba SC, Tanzania), Calvin Kabuye (Sandvikens IF, Sweden), Allan Okello (Vipers SC, Uganda), Rogers Mato (FC Brera Strumica, North Macedonia)

MTN Uganda, in collaboration with the Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA), has proudly unveiled the new official jersey for the Uganda Cranes ahead of the highly anticipated upcoming Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers.

The jersey unveiling event took place at the MTN Uganda headquarters in Kampala and was attended by top officials from both MTN Uganda and FUFA.

The jersey, which prominently features MTN Uganda’s logo, signifies the company’s unwavering support for the national team as they prepare for continental competition.

Speaking at the ceremony, Somdev Sen, MTN Uganda’s Chief Marketing Officer, emphasized the importance of national pride and unity that the new jersey represents.

“This jersey is not just a piece of apparel; it’s a statement of our collective identity and support for the Uganda Cranes. We are thrilled to offer fans a modern and dynamic jersey that they can wear with pride as they cheer on the team during the ongoing AFCON qualifiers. We encourage all Ugandans to grab their jerseys, wear them with pride, and rally behind our team,” said Somdev.

Rogers Byamukama, the Fufa ExCom member in charge of Marketing, echoed these sentiments, highlighting the strong partnership between MTN Uganda and Ugandan football.

“We are excited to present this new jersey, which captures the passion and determination of the Uganda Cranes. As we approach the upcoming AFCON qualifier matches, we urge all Ugandans to show their support by donning the jersey and creating a powerful wave of unity and encouragement for the team,” Byamukama stated.

Where and how to buy the jersey

The newly designed jersey is now available for purchase at FUFA House. Additionally, fans can conveniently order the jerseys online through the Market by MoMo platform, MTN Uganda’s e-commerce solution that enables customers to shop for products and services with ease.

Customers purchasing through Market by MoMo can enjoy home delivery in and around Kampala, making it easier than ever to support the Uganda Cranes.

The jerseys are available in three colour variants that play a unifying role among all Ugandans, namely; Black, Yellow, and White, with the following pricing options: the Match Day Jersey is priced at UGX 120,000, while the Replica Jersey – Category 2 is available for UGX 50,000 (or UGX 45,000 when purchased via Market by MoMo during September), and the Replica Jersey – Category 3 is offered at UGX 30,000 (or UGX 25,000 via Market by MoMo during September).

Fans can order their jerseys through Market by MoMo by visiting Market by MoMo or accessing the MoMo App and selecting the Market icon. Payment options include mobile money and major credit/debit cards such as Mastercard, Visa, or Union Pay. MTN Uganda is offering a UGX 5,000 discount on replica jerseys purchased through Market by MoMo during the month of September.

The Uganda Cranes are set to face Congo Brazzaville on 9th September at the Mandela National Stadium, Namboole, in the ongoing AFCON qualifiers. Fans are encouraged to purchase their jerseys and tickets early and to show up in full support, wearing their new jerseys as they cheer on the Cranes towards victory.

How to order the Uganda Cranes jersey through Market by MoMo

1. Log onto the Market by MoMo platform at https://market.momo.africa/. Or visit the Momo app and follow the Market ICON. 
2. Browse the available jerseys, add to their cart, and proceed to checkout to complete the payment through Mobile Money or Card (Mastercard, Visa or Union pay). 
3. A Market by MoMo agent will reach out shortly after the customer has placed his/her order to confirm their order details. The delivery will then be on its way.

Uganda Cranes head coach Paul Put sounds very confident ahead of the AFCON qualifiers’ encounter scheduled for Friday, September 6, at Orlando Stadium.

According to the gaffer, the team is energised and has a positive spirit ahead of the Bafana Bafana clash happening in a while.

“I love what I am seeing so far. The energy, teamwork, and positive spirit. These will be crucial in this fight,” the gaffer stated.

“I have been to 5 AFCON finals, and I want to add to that number with this team. This group has what it takes to qualify, but we have to work for it,” he added.

“We have to fight for the right to be in Morocco next year, and the fight starts this Friday against South Africa,” he concluded.

Uganda is in Group K with South Africa, Congo, and neighbours South Sudan.

The two top teams in each group at the end of the qualification matches will confirm spots in the final (AFCON) tournament.

Uganda aims at ending the frustrating run that has seen the team miss out on the past two AFCON editions.

Busoga United FC has gotten new leadership after being legally handed over to the community of Busoga with immediate effect.

The interesting confirmation was made through the FUFA official website on Tuesday, September 3, 2024.

“FUFA’s vision to create community clubs as a solution to rally fans to support club football has started being realised as the ownership of Busoga United has been legally handed over to the community,” the statement partly reads.

The decision was given a green light by the Patron of the club, His Royal Highness, the Kyabazinga of Busoga William Wilberforce Kadumbula Nadiope V.

The Kyabazinga and the FUFA President Moses Magogo held a successful meeting at Igenge Palace on Friday, August 16, 2024.

Following the meeting, FUFA was mandated to name the transition executive committee to run the club.

On Tuesday, September 3, the executive committee named Hajji Abubaker Walubi as the chairperson and Diana Hope Nyago as Vice President.

Daniel Gulere has been named the Chief Executive Officer to run the day-to-day operations of the club as it fights to return to the top tier.