FUFA Women Cup
Sunday, June 9, 2024

• UCU Lady Cardinals 1-1 Rines WFC

UCU Lady Cardinals shared spoils with Rines WFC 1-1 in the FUFA Women Cup on Sunday.

The Lady Cardinals started on the front foot seeking an early goal, though the visitors’ backline matched the challenge.

In the 24th minute, Jovia Nakagolo was fouled in the area, but the centre referee waved the challenge, giving Rines a goal kick.

Four minutes later, Nakagolo fired the hosts ahead, breaking the deadlock as the crowd was sent to their feet.

From that point, the tides changed as Rines threw several bodies upfront, seeking a leveller.

On top of the hour, Amina Nababi scored the equaliser from the penalty spot.

Five minutes to the end of the game, Nakagolo nearly scored the winning goal, but her attempt bounced off the woodwork.

The two sides will meet for the second leg at Kabaka Kyabaggu Stadium to decide who will play the highly anticipated final.

FIFA World Cup Qualifiers | Results

• Friday, June 7, 2023
• Uganda 1-0 Botswana

Uganda Cranes secured a 1-0 victory over Botswana in the 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers at Mandela National Stadium, Namboole on Friday.

Muhammad Shaban’s goal gave the Cranes maximum points in the colourful return to their home.

It was an electric ambience from the start as the fans kept on top of their voices chanting and drumming to give the players on the pitch the desired morale.

Uganda’s best chance came in the eighth minute as Fahad Bayo’s header off Steven Mukwala’s delivery went narrowly wide of the frame.

A couple of minutes later, Fahad Bayo headed Steven Mukwala’s cross from the left over the bar as the Cranes continued to press for an early goal.

Elvis Bwomono’s effort was sent into the side netting for a corner that Ronald Ssekiganda headed over Allan Okello’s corner.

Bayo missed the biggest chance of the game as he headed wide Okello’s telling delivery in the 30th minute of the game.

At the start of the second half, Paul Put introduces Rogers Mato for Okello in Uganda Cranes’first change.

Coming from the locker rooms, the Cranes kept throwing bodies upfront in search of an opener but Sekiganda’s effort went narrowly wide in the 55th minute.

Five minutes later, Shaban Muhammad and Bobosi Byraruhanga replaced Bwomono and Mukwala.

Shaban broke the deadlock with a touch off Omedi’s cross before Namboole erupted in jubilation.

The victory takes Uganda to six points levelled with Guinea and Algeria in Group G.

Uganda Cranes will return to action on Monday, June 9 as they take on Algeria.

Uganda Cranes head coach Paul Put has named Uganda Cranes Starting XI to take on Botswana in tonight’s Fifa World Cup Qualifier at Mandela National Stadium – Namboole.

Isma Watenga starts in goal for the first time in this qualifying campaign and will captain the team.

The backline has Elvis Bwomono, Isaac Muleme, Halid Lwaliwa, and Elio Capradossi who will be making his debut for Uganda Cranes.

The midfield will be anchored by SC Villa’s Uganda Premier League-winning pair of Kenneth Ssemakula and Ronald Ssekiganda.

Fahd Bayo and Steven Mukwala lead the search for the goals with support from the creative duo of Travis Mutyaba and Allan Okello

Uganda Cranes XI: Isma Watenga (GK)(C) | Elvis Bwomono, Isaac Muleme, Halid Lwaaliwa, Elio Capradossi | Kenneth Ssemakula, Ronald Ssekiganda, Travis Mutyaba, Allan Okello | Fahad Bayo, Steven Mukwala

Substitutes: Nafian Alionzi (GK), Chrispas Kusiima (GK), Rogers Mato, Denis Omedi, Ibrahim Kasule, Shaban Muhammad, Bobosi Byaruhanga, Nicholas Mwere, Ronald Otti, Joel Sserunjogi, Timothy Awany, Umar Lutalo

Uganda Premier League side KCCA FC has announced the contract renewal for their custodian Mutwalibi Mugolofa.

Mugolofa has put pen to paper on a two-year employment contract that will see him at the club until the 2026-27 season.

The development was confirmed via the club’s official website on Thursday, June 6, 2024.

“Mutwalibi Mugolofa has renewed his contract with KCCA FC until the end of the 2026-27 season,” the statement partly reads.

The custodian joined the team in January 2024 before penning a short-term contract that kept him at the club until the end of the season.

In the previous campaign, he managed to be in goal for four games, making two clean sheets on his report card.

In an interview with the club media, Mugolofa expressed his recent excitement upon extending his stay at the club.

“I am happy to commit my future to KCCA FC. I have felt at home during my first six months at the club, and I didn’t think twice about my contract renewal,” he was quoted.

“I want to compete and become an important member of this club. When I joined the club, I set goals for myself, and part of those was to get back to my very best,” he added.

“The club has offered me an opportunity, and I want to continue competing with other good goalkeepers at the club. I am ready to go again.”

2026 FIFA World Cup | Fixture

• Friday, June 6, 2024
• Uganda vs Botswana – 7 PM

Uganda Cranes will take on Botswana in the 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers at Mandela National Stadium, Namboole on Friday night.

It will be an emotional evening for the football faithful in the country as the beautiful game returns to its cathedral.

The Cranes come into the game with three points in two games. Paul Put and his charges will be hoping for a great show to enlighten their path to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The gaffer revealed that the preparations have been successful and hopes to get the best out of the team.

“We have had good preparations ahead of the upcoming games. I am blessed to work with such a talented group of players, and I hope to get the best out of them,” he noted.

“We have to be a little bit patient with the process because the average age of the team is 23 years. I am confident that the team will grow so that we have a good name in the future,” he added.

“Assembling a team has been a challenge, but we have a strong foundation with 16 dedicated local players despite injuries and delayed arrivals from international players.”

Head to head

In the three games the two sides have met, Uganda Cranes has come out victorious with three wins as Botswana has been on the losing side throughout.

Team News

The Cranes will miss the services of their captain Khalid Aucho due to an injury suffered during a club engagement.

Rogers Mato is also ruled out for the game against Botswana since he will be coming to the country late for the highly anticipated encounter.

As football lovers long for a long return to Mandela National Stadium, Namboole, the same excitement and anxiety are shared with players.

Fans’ favourite Travis Mutyaba shared his excitement with FUFA Media, revealing he longs to make his long-awaited Namboole debut count.

“It is every Ugandan footballer’s dream to play at Namboole. I was unfortunate that by the time I got my first cap, the team was hosting away from home,” he stated.

“While I was young, my coach and father took me to Namboole to watch the Uganda Cranes. It was an unforgettable experience because of the players and the atmosphere created by the fans,” he added.

“I am glad that I now have the opportunity to be at Namboole as a player. I am too anxious and can’t wait to share the experience.”

The Cranes are pitted in Group G along Algeria, Botswana, Guinea, Mozambique and Somalia.

After the two games played, Uganda Cranes have registered one victory and lost one sitting fourth on the log with three points.

Players in Camp

Goalkeepers: Isima Bid Rashid Watenga (Lamontville Golden Arrows FC, South Africa), Nafian Alionzi (Defence Forces FC, Ethiopia), Crispus Kusiima (Kitara FC, Uganda), Braddy Jeans Wokorach (SC Villa, Uganda)

Defenders: Elvis Bwomono (St. Mirren FC, Scotland), Kenneth Semakula (SC Villa, Uganda), Isaac Muleme (FK Victoria Zizkov, Czech Republic), Ronald Otto (Bul FC, Uganda), Abdul Aziizi Kayondo (MFK Vyskov, Czech Republic), Nicholas Mwere (BUL FC, Uganda), Timothy Denis Awany (FC Ashdod, Israel), Elio Capradossi (Calcio Lecco FC, Italy), Halidi Lwaliwa (FK Bregainica Stip, North Macedonia)

Midfielders: Khalid Aucho (Yanga SC, Tanzania), Bobosi Byaruhanga (Austin FC, USA), Ronald Ssekiganda (SC Villa, Uganda), Joel Sserunjogi (KCCA FC, Uganda), Ibrahim Kasule (New York Red Bull II, USA), Travis Mutyaba (Zamalek SC, Egypt), Carl James Mujaguzi (Athlone Town AFC, Ireland)

Forwards: Steven Dese Mukwala (Asante Kotoko FC, Ghana), Nelson Ssenkatuka ( Soltilo BrightStars, Uganda) Denis Omedi (Kitara FC, Uganda), Muhammad Shaban (KCCA FC, Uganda), Fahad Aziz Bayo (MFK Vyskov, Czech Republic), Patrick Jonah Kakande (SC Villa, Uganda), Umar Lutalo (SC Villa, Uganda), Allan Okello (Vipers SC, Uganda)

Uganda Cranes captain Khalid Aucho is ruled out of the 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifier game against Botswana.

The sad announcement was made by Uganda Cranes head coach Paul Put in a pre-match conference held at FUFA Complex, Mengo on Thursday morning.

According to the gaffer, the skipper is ruled out of the game tomorrow due to a minor injury.

“Unfortunately, captain (Khalid) Aucho picked up an injury in his last club engagement,” the gaffer stated.

“The doctors assessed him and ruled him out of tomorrow’s game but we hope he can be able to recover in time for the game on Monday,” he added.

In the same breath, Aucho added to the gaffer’s words confirming his injury suffered in the club’s game they faced Azam FC.

“I felt something in my knee after the final against Azam on Sunday but I thought it was minor. When I took a scan, the results were not positive but regardless the coach wanted me to be part of the team,” he said.

“I believe the boys are in the best shape mentally and physically. I believe they will deliver in both games and make Ugandans proud.”

The Cranes are pitted in Group G along Algeria, Botswana, Guinea, Mozambique and Somalia.

After the two games played, Uganda Cranes have registered one victory and lost one sitting fourth on the log with three points.

Players in Camp

Goalkeepers
Isima Bid Rashid Watenga (Lamontville Golden Arrows FC, South Africa), Nafian Alionzi (Defence Forces FC, Ethiopia), Crispus Kusiima (Kitara FC, Uganda), Braddy Jeans Wokorach (SC Villa, Uganda)

Defenders
Elvis Bwomono (St. Mirren FC, Scotland), Kenneth Semakula (SC Villa, Uganda), Isaac Muleme (FK Victoria Zizkov, Czech Republic), Ronald Otto (Bul FC, Uganda), Abdul Aziizi Kayondo (MFK Vyskov, Czech Republic), Nicholas Mwere (BUL FC, Uganda), Timothy Denis Awany (FC Ashdod, Israel), Elio Capradossi (Calcio Lecco FC, Italy), Halidi Lwaliwa (FK Bregainica Stip, North Macedonia)

Midfielders
Khalid Aucho (Yanga SC, Tanzania), Bobosi Byaruhanga (Austin FC, USA), Ronald Ssekiganda (SC Villa, Uganda), Joel Sserunjogi (KCCA FC, Uganda), Ibrahim Kasule (New York Red Bull II, USA), Travis Mutyaba (Zamalek SC, Egypt), Carl James Mujaguzi (Athlone Town AFC, Ireland)

Forwards
Steven Dese Mukwala (Asante Kotoko FC, Ghana), Nelson Ssenkatuka ( Soltilo BrightStars, Uganda) Denis Omedi (Kitara FC, Uganda), Muhammad Shaban (KCCA FC, Uganda), Fahad Aziz Bayo (MFK Vyskov, Czech Republic), Patrick Jonah Kakande (SC Villa, Uganda), Umar Lutalo (SC Villa, Uganda), Allan Okello (Vipers SC, Uganda)

Steven Mukwala is eager to impress for Uganda Cranes ahead of the two 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers.

Uganda Cranes is to play Botswana and Algeria on Friday, June 7, before they return to action three days respectively later at Mandela National Stadium, Namboole.

Mukwala has been on form at the club, having scored 14 goals, and Ugandans hope that the forward carried along his scoring boots.

Having joined the camp on Tuesday, June 4, the forward will have to impress Paul Put to cut, though he is now focused towards helping his country.

“For now, the focus is on helping my country win, and I hope to carry my form at the club to the national team,” he stated.

“Since day one of my career, it is all about hard work and trying to be consistent, which I have done all my career,” he added.

The former Vipers forward called upon Ugandans to turn up in high numbers to ensure that they give the boys the much-needed ambience.

“I call upon Ugandans to turn up in big numbers. For me, big numbers mean big motivation as they cheer us, so we call upon all Ugandans to come and support us.”

The Cranes are pitted in Group G along Algeria, Botswana, Guinea, Mozambique, and Somalia.

After the two games played, Uganda Cranes registered one victory and lost one sitting fourth on the log with three points.

The University Football League (UFL) held its awards ceremony at Kati Kati Restaurant, Lugogo, to celebrate the outstanding athletes and officials of the 2023-24 season.

The star of the night was UCU Cardinals’ captain Geoffrey Gagganga, who bagged two individual awards.

The skipper was named the Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the season, best midfielder and was also included in the UFL team of the season.

Despite the Cardinals’ 3-1 loss to Nkumba University in the finals, Gaganga emerged victorious in the MVP race, edging out Nkumba’s skipper Kennedy Sewankambo and Micheal Abura of St. Lawrence University.

Gagganga expressed his excitement about the awards, acknowledging the hard work and dedication behind them.

“Winning these awards means I’ve been working hard and achieving positive results on the field. It might not necessarily mean I’m better than other players, but it shows my extra efforts during games,” he said.

“While it’s exciting to win, these awards also come with the responsibility to work even harder. My main goal now is to play in the Uganda Premier League,” he added.

Award Winners

• Most Valuable Player: Geoffrey Gagganga (Uganda Christian University)
• Best Goalkeeper: John Andrew Obwana (Nkumba University)
• Best Defender: Ismail Lubega (Nkumba University)
• Best Midfielder: Geoffrey Gagganga (Uganda Christian University)
• Rookie of the Season: Alleluyah Muzzoora (Kabale University)
• Top Scorer: Akbar Ssentongo (Uganda Martyrs University)
• Best Sports Tutor: Samuel Lukaire (Uganda Christian University)
• Best Coach: Sulaiman Bbosa

Best Eleven

• Goalkeeper: John Andrew Obwana (Nkumba University)
• Defenders: Ismail Lubega (Nkumba University), Robert Kitabalwa (Uganda Martyrs University), Geofrey Alijole (Uganda Christian University)
• Midfielders: Micheal Abura (St. Lawrence University), Geoffrey Gagganga (Uganda Christian University), Kennedy Ssewankambo (Nkumba University), Munir Sudhir Bin Saidi (MUBS)
• Forwards: Isaac Ssenyunja (Bugema University), Akbar Sentongo (Uganda Martyrs University), Isaac Ofoyirwoth (Uganda Christian University)

The Uganda Cranes’ camp received a boost with the arrival of three foreign-based players ahead of their upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers.

Steven Mukwala (Asante Kotoko, Ghana), Ibrahim Kasule (New York Red Bulls II, USA), and Elvis Bwomono (St. Mirren, Scotland) reported to the camp on Tuesday morning.

The trio’s arrival strengthens the team’s options, adding two forwards and a defender to the squad as the coach builds a strong Uganda Cranes team.

Uganda is set to play a double-header against Botswana and Algeria at the Mandela National Stadium, Namboole on Friday, June 7th, and Monday, June 10th.

The Cranes are in Group G alongside Algeria, Botswana, Guinea, Mozambique, and Somalia.
After two games played, Uganda Cranes has recorded one win and one loss, currently sitting fourth in the group with three points.