• U20 FIFA Women’s World Cup Qualifiers | Results
• Saturday, November 11, 2023
• Senegal 1-0 Uganda

Queen Cranes fell to Senegal in a U20 FIFA Women’s World Cup Qualifiers in a first-leg game hosted in Dakar on Saturday evening.

Aissatou Chris Ba scored the only goal for the hosts to register a slim victory in the opening leg of the clash.

In a game that Uganda created few chances on the day, they worked hard to keep the lead slim on able to overturn in the second leg.

The two sides will play the second leg on Saturday, November 18 at FUFA Technical Centre, Njeru in a decider of who gets to the next stage.

The aggregate winner between Uganda and Senegal will play against the victor between Ghana and Estwani in the last hurdle of the campaign.

To reach this level, Uganda whitewashed Mozambique in an 8-0 victory on aggregate.

How Uganda lined up:

Uganda starting XI: Sharon Kaidu (GK), Hadijah Nandago, Sharifah Nakimera, Harima Kanyago, Desire Katisi, Patricia Nanyanzi, Krusum Namutebi, Agnes Nabukenya, Kevin Nakacwa, Catherine Nagadya, Margret Kunihira

Substitutes: Lilian Nakirya, Hasifah Namboozo, Immaculate Odolu, Shamusa Najjuma, Kamiyati Naigaga, Rebecca Nandago, Hairat Babirye

Uganda Premier League | Results

Saturday, November 11, 2023

• Gaddafi 2-1 Mbarara City
• Maroons 0-1 NEC FC

Gaddafi FC registered a 2-1 victory against Mbarara City in the Uganda Premier League at Gaddafi Arena on Saturday.

It was the first home victory for Gaddafi who had earlier lost three home games in the ongoing season.

Benson Muhindo and Kaka Amiru were on target for Gaddafi FC as Joseph Akadwanaho scored the visitors’ only goal.

Right from the start the game was cagey as both sides struggled to have an organised structure to attack.

With three minutes to end the first half, Muhindo converted from the 12-yard mark to give the hosts the lead.

Two minutes later, Mbarara City’s captain Akwadwanaho restored parity as the game got back to levelled terms.

The game was deadlocked as the two sides went into the resting rooms thus setting up a thrilling second stanza.

Both sides returned with great pace and energy to see that they took the lead in the closely contested game.

Amiru reported to duty with a delightful finish to give the hosts the lead in the 48th minute.

Like the norm at the Gaddafi Arena, the drum sounded a pitch higher and the dances got underway as the home crowd got into a party mood.

From that point, Mbarara City gaffer Wasswa Bbosa made four changes to introduce fresh legs into the middle park but still, Gaddafi’s backline stood firm and tall.

The victory lifts Gaddafi to the eighth position with nine points while Mbarara City is eleventh on the log with seven points in seven games.

Uganda Premier League | Results

Saturday, November 11, 2023

• Gaddafi 2-1 Mbarara City
• Maroons 0-1 NEC FC

Allan Mugalu scored the only goal to earn NEC FC a victory against Maroons in the Uganda Premier League at Prison Grounds in Luzira on Saturday.

In a game that produced several chances, the visitors edged the Prison Wardens in the very entertaining encounter.

NEC FC’s first clear chance in the game came in the 26^th minute with Ibrahim Thembo attempting from long range with a powerful effort but goalkeeper Hannington Ssebwalunyo smartly dealt with it.

Four minutes later Sulaiman Ssesaazi came close with a well-curated free kick but the custodian pulled off a stunning save, tipping it out for a corner.

Jackson Nnunda beat his marker to a slick touch before his effort outside the boat went above the frame by a whisker.

In the 42^nd minute, Kelvin Tah Barni made a double block to deny Darius Ojok and Fred Amaku from close range in a deadly attack by the hosts.

Ten minutes into the second stanza Mugalu broke the deadlock after directing Joseph Dhata’s cutback into the back of the net.

The second-half substitute, Marvin Kavuma was set up by the goal scorer before he remained with only a keeper to beat but Ssebwalunyo comfortably collected his weak shot.

The victory sends NEC FC in the third position on the log with 15 points while Maroons remain sixth on the table with 11 points after playing seven games.

The league will take a break to give room for international matches and will resume in the last week of November.

Uganda Cranes head coach Paul Put has named the final squad for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers.

The squad is comprised of 27 players. The first released list had 36 players summoned before nine players were cut off.

Uganda are set to play Guinea on Friday, November 17 before they lock horns with Somalia four days later.

The local players among the 27 are set to depart for Morocco on Sunday, November 12.

The professional players will beef up the squad in the coming days before it’s full house.

Uganda is in Group G with Algeria, Botswana, Mozambique and Somalia.

Final Traveling Squad

Goalkeepers

Salim Omar Magoola (Richards Bay FC, South Africa), Isima Bin Rashid Abdul Watenga (Golden Arrows FC, South Africa), Jack Komakech (Vipers SC, Uganda)

Defenders

Kenneth Semakula (SC Villa, Uganda), Gavin Kizito Mugweri (SC Villa, Uganda), Elvis Bwomono Okello (IBV Vestamanyaer, Iceland), Abdu Aziizi Kayondo CD Leganes, Spain), Ibrahim Juma (CD Leganes, Spain), Halidi Lwaliwa (FK Bregalnica, North Macedonia), Bevis Kristofer Mugabi (Motherwell FC, Scotland), Denis Timothy Awany (SC Ashdod, Israel), Rogers Ochaki Torach (Vipers SC, Uganda)

Midfielders

Bobosi Byaruhanga (Austin FC, USA), Khalid Aucho (Yanga SC, Tanzania), Hudu Mulikyi (URA FC, Uganda), Allan Oyirwoth (AMUS College, Uganda), Bright Anukani (Vipers SC, Uganda), Joseph Kizito Luwagga (Hapoel Kfar Saba, Israel), Umaru Lutalo (SC Villa, Uganda)

Forwards

Denis Omedi (Kitara FC, Uganda), Fred Amaku (Maroons FC, Uganda), Richard Basangwa (Wadi Degla SC, Egypt), Rogers Mato (Sanliurfaspor FC, Turkey), Milton Karisa (Vipers SC, Uganda), Travis Mutyaba (FC Dynamo Tbilisi, Georgia), Fahad Bayo (MFK Vyskov), Yunus Sentamu (Vipers SC)

Uganda Premier League | Results

Friday, November 10, 2023

• URA FC 2-2 Kitara

URA FC shared spoils with Kitara in a two-all draw in the Uganda Premier League at Metha Stadium in Lugazi on Friday.

It was David Obua’s first game in charge of the Tax Collectors and his troops gave away the victory in the last minutes of the game.

The game’s possession kept swinging like a pendulum bob as either side’s backline was kept in check to keep the goal safe from danger.

Living Kabon gave Kitara the lead in the 31^st minute. The midfielder’s flying volley off Hudu Mulikyi’s clearance just on the line of the box found the corner of the net.

Two minutes later, Denis Omedi nearly doubled the lead with a low hard sort but URA FC goalkeeper Denis Otim was equal to the challenge palming the ball away.

URA FC wasted a clear goal-scoring opportunity after Chrispus Kusiima spread his limbs to deny Enock Walusimbi who was set up through Vianne Ssekajugo’s well-weighted cut back.

Kabon was denied by the woodwork after beating URA’s backline and even when the ball returned into play for a rebound, the forward nodded wide.

With two minutes to conclude the first half, Najib Fesali jumped highest beyond his mark to nod home Joshua Lubwama’s corner kick.

Ivan Ahimbisibwe doubled the hosts’ lead with a minute into the second half to eventually place the home side in the driving seat.

Sharif Kimbowa and Joseph Ssemujju wasted a number of chances denying URA to kill off the tight game and send Kitara to bed.

In the last minute of the game, Brian Aheebwa scored to help his side pick a point out of the game.

The point takes URA FC’s tally to 10 while Kitara are on 16 points after seven games played. 

Uganda Premier League | Results

• KCCA FC 3-1 Vipers SC
• URA FC 2-2 Kitara FC
• Bright Stars 3-2 Busoga United

KCCA FC picked their first victory of the 2023/24 Uganda Premier League season.

The Kasasiro Boys registered a 3-1 victory against Vipers SC in the UPL clash at MTN Omondi Stadium in Lugogo on Friday.

The victory put an end to KCCA’s poor run as they finally got off the mark

Muhammad Shaban headed home to draw first blood in the second minute. The forward‘s touch off Haruna Lukwago’s cross beat Jack Komakech to find the back of the net.

From that point, the game got cagey as both sides failed to penetrate into the box.

KCCA FC captain Julius Poloto limped off the field after suffering a hamstring injury before Ettiene Katenga walked onto the field in the 20th minute.

Usama Arafat came close through a header off Gui Cungulo’s cross but his effort went wide by inches.

Shaban doubled the lead with a tap in connecting well with Usama’s low cross two minutes to the hour mark.

Bright Anukani had a chance to pull back one in the 65th minute after being set up by Ashraf Mandela but the midfielder skied the ball from close range.

In added time, Usama Arafat extended KCCA FC’s lead completing a quick counterattack that was started by Katenga.

Abubaker Lawal finally gave Vipers a consolation in the last minute of the game.

KCCA are now in 14th position with four points after playing seven games while Vipers’ unbeaten run comes to an end but they remain third on the log with 14 points.

Uganda Premier League | Fixtures

Friday, November 10, 2023

• KCCA FC vs Vipers – 7PM

KCCA FC and Vipers are to meet in a highly anticipated Uganda Premier League clash at MTN Omondi Stadium in Lugogo on Friday, November 10, under the floodlights.

This game has always given the football faithful a great experience due to the tension and pace staged between the two teams.

The Kasasiro Boys have had quite a tough start to the ongoing season, they have five losses and picked a loss in the six games played.

However, this game gives a chance to the 13-time UPL champions to get back their season on the right track.

The latest update from Lugogo confirms that captain Julius Poloto has fully recovered from an injury that has kept him out of action for a number of weeks.

His return gives KCCA a massive boast since in him they are sure of a leader on the field of play as well as a skilful goal poacher.

“Yes, Poloto (Julius) is returning. He has been out for over six weeks but now he is ready to play,” Magera confirmed during a pre-match press conference held on Thursday.

“His return is very important because he is one of the leaders on the team and so with him we are sure of a big difference in the performance of the team,” he added.

On the other hand, Vipers captain Milton Karisa expects a tough challenge from KCCA but also adds that they badly want to avenge last season’s 1-0 loss at Lugogo.

“It’s going to be a difficult game. We know how hard it’s going to be since they will be looking for their first league win,” Karisa was quoted by the club’s official website.

“You have got to face the best teams in the league early when the opportunity comes. They would not want to play us at this moment according to the situation they are in but that is what the fixture says,” he added.

While KCCA is 15th on the log with a point, Vipers are currently third with 14 points after playing six games.

Uganda Premier League | Results

Thursday, November 9, 2023

• SC Villa 2-0 Arua Hill SC
• UPDF FC 2-0 BUL FC

SC Villa registered a 3-1 victory against Arua Hill SC in the Uganda Premier League at Muteesa II Stadium on Thursday evening.

It was the Villa’s second victory in the six games played in the 2023/24 campaign.

On the other side, it was the sixth loss for the Kongolo who continue to have a tough start to the ongoing season.

Nathan Oloro came close to giving Arua Hill the lead in the 15th minute but his effort was blocked by lanky defender Arnold Odong.

Two minutes later, Charles Lwanga miscued the ball with a goalkeeper at his disposal. Patrick Kakande set up the forward with a backhil but the chance was put to waste.

Richard Anyama turned up big in the 25th minute making a double save to deny Arnold Odong and Kenneth Semakula from attempts off a corner kick.

Ronald Ssekiganda finally broke the deadlock with a venomous shot to beat Arua Hill custodian Anyama in stellar fashion.

Umar Lutalo doubled the hosts’ lead in the 69th minute after making a good run to tap home Ivan Bogere’s freekick as Arua Hill’s backline looked on.

SC Villa had a chance to extend their lead but Peter Onzima’s pass to release Bogere on the counterattack was far from desired.

With seven minutes to play, Ronald Mpande had a chance to pull back one but he nodded Gadafi Wahab’s freekick wide by inches.

In added time, Ozima added salt into Arua Hill’s salt with an individual finish after going through a forest of bodies thanks to his pace.

Frank Kalanda pulled back one for the visitors in the last action of the game.

The victory takes Villa to the 8th position with eight points while Arua Hill sits at the bottom of the log with a point.

Uganda Premier League | Results

Thursday, November 9, 2023

• UPDF FC 2-0 BUL FC
• SC Villa 3-1 Arua Hill SC

UPDF FC ended BUL FC’s perfect run in the 2023/24 Uganda Premier League season.

The army side registered a 2-0 victory against BUL in the match played at Bombo Barracks Grounds in Luweero.

Benard Muwanga and Sam Kintu were on the score sheet as the Army side picked maximum points at home.

Muwanga put UPDF in front in the sixth minute after converting from the 12-yard mark following Walter Ochora’s handball in the area.

The visitors did all it takes to try and level matters but the Army side displayed a great show keeping their goal safe.

Nine minutes into the second half, Kintu doubled the hosts’ lead to seal off the day.

At the end of the 90 minutes, the scoreboard read 2-0 in favour of the hosts.

This was the first loss for the oil manufacturers who came in this game having won six games in a row. 

BUL remain on top of the log with 18 points after seven games while UPDF are ninth with eight games.

In the next game, UPDF will play against troubled Arua Hill SC.

The Uganda U20 Women’s National Team Head Coach Ayub Khalifah Kiyingi has confirmed a squad of 20 players that will travel to Senegal, Dakar.

The Queen Cranes will lock horns with Senegal ahead of the first leg of the FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup Qualifiers clash.

The two sides face off in Dakar on Saturday, November 11, 2023, before they renew their rivalry a week later at the FUFA Technical Centre, Njeru.

The departed Ugandan delegation was headed by Agnes Mugena and flew out of the country via Entebbe International Airport on Thursday morning at 2:45am aboard Ethiopian Airways.

The team will have a stopover in Addis Ababa before connecting to Senegal where the game will be played.

The Queen Cranes eliminated Mozambique 8-0 on aggregate to reach this level. 

There will be one more round after the second round to determine the four teams that will represent Africa at next year’s FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup in Colombia.

Travelling Squad:

Goalkeepers: Sharon Kaidu, Lillian Nakilya, Nuruh Babirye Nankyazi.

Defenders: Patricia Nakato Nanyanzi, Harima Kanyago, Sharifah Nakimera, Rebecca Nandhego, Patricia Hasifah Namboozo, Desire Katisi Natooro

Midfielders: Kevin Nakacwa, Hadijah Nandago, Hairat Babirye, Krusum Namutebi, Agnes Nabukenya, Dorcus Kisakye, Immaculate Odalu

Forwards: Margret Kunihira, Catherine Nagadya Shamusa Najjuma, Kamiyati Naigaga