Uganda head coach Paul Put has made three changes to the starting lineup for the second leg of the CHAN Qualifiers against Burundi at Hamz Stadium, Nakivubo.

Gideon Odongo, Joel Sserunjogi, and Milton Karisa have been introduced into the starting XI, replacing Derrick Ndahiro, Paul Mbowa, and Nana Kwikiriza.

Rogers Torach and Hillary Mukundane remain as the central defensive pairing, while Saidi Mayanja and captain Allan Okello retain their places in midfield, joined by Sserunjogi.

In attack, Jude Ssemugabi and Isaac Ogwang are joined by Karisa, who adds fresh energy to the forward line.

Joel Mutakubwa continues as the first-choice goalkeeper, providing stability at the back.

Uganda heads into the match with a slim advantage, having edged Burundi 1-0 in the first leg, thanks to Ogwang’s decisive goal.

The Cranes will look to capitalize on their home advantage and secure a spot in the next round.

• FT: Burundi 0-1 Uganda

Isaac Ogwang’s clinical finish gave Uganda a slender 1-0 victory against Burundi in the CHAN Qualifiers at Hamz Stadium, Nakivubo, on Thursday.

The game started with Uganda showing intent. In the ninth minute, Allan Okello tried a long-range effort, but his shot flew over the bar.

Two minutes later, Uganda came close to opening the scoring but failed to make a decisive touch before Burundi’s goalkeeper intervened.

Burundi had a chance to capitalize on a foul by Patrick Mbowa near the edge of the box. However, Keita Bakuru’s free-kick went wide, leaving the visitors unscathed.

Uganda finally broke the deadlock in the 35th minute when Ogwang outmanoeuvred his marker and slotted home with a composed finish.

Despite Burundi’s attempts to pressure Uganda’s defence, they were unable to find an equalizer before the halftime whistle.

Karim Kamana nearly levelled matters in the 74th minute but his glancing header went inches wide of the frame.

With nine minutes to play, Okello came close to extending Uganda’s lead but his curling effort went above the frame.

The two sides will meet again on Sunday, December 29 in the second leg at the same ground.

Uganda Cranes Starting XI: Joel Mutakubwa (GK), Gavin Kizito, Derrick Ndahiro, Rogers Torach, Hillary Mukundane, Paul Mbowa, Saidi Mayanja, Allan Okello, Isaac Ogwang, Shafik Kwikiriza, Jude Ssemugabi.

• HT: Burundi 0-1 Uganda

Isaac Ogwang’s clinical finish in the 35th minute has given Uganda a slender 1-0 lead against Burundi in the CHAN Qualifiers at Hamz Stadium, Nakivubo, on Thursday.

The game started with Uganda showing intent. In the ninth minute, Allan Okello tried a long-range effort, but his shot flew over the bar.

Two minutes later, Uganda came close to opening the scoring but failed to make a decisive touch before Burundi’s goalkeeper intervened.

Burundi had a chance to capitalize on a foul by Patrick Mbowa near the edge of the box. However, Keita Bakuru’s free-kick went wide, leaving the visitors unscathed.

Uganda finally broke the deadlock in the 35th minute when Ogwang outmanoeuvred his marker and slotted home with a composed finish.

Despite Burundi’s attempts to pressure Uganda’s defence, they were unable to find an equalizer before the halftime whistle.

Uganda Cranes Starting XI:
Joel Mutakubwa (GK), Gavin Kizito, Derrick Ndahiro, Rogers Torach, Hillary Mukundane, Paul Mbowa, Saidi Mayanja, Allan Okello, Isaac Ogwang, Shafik Kwikiriza, Jude Ssemugabi.

Vipers Sports Club forward Allan Okello will lead Uganda Cranes aagainst Burundi in the CHAN Qualifiers match at Hamz Stadium in Nakivubo.

The line for the first leg of he qualifiers has been named with Okello handed the captains arm band nd will be joined by Saidi Mayanja and clubmate Paul Mbowa in the middle of the park.

The forward line has Isaac Ogwang, youngster Shafik Kwikiriza and Jude Ssemugabi who has been infine form recently.

Rogers Torach and Hilary Mukundane will pair up in central defense with Gavin Kizito and Derrick Ndahiro occupying the right and lef back positions respectively.

Joel Mutakubwa starts between the posts.

CHAN Qualifiers | Fixture

• Burundi vs Uganda – 6 PM

Uganda and Burundi are set to clash in a crucial CHAN Qualifiers match at Hamz Stadium, Nakivubo, on Thursday evening.

Uganda Cranes head coach Paul Put expressed confidence in his squad’s preparations and praised the players for their quick adaptation during the intensive training period.

“We have worked very hard in a short period to prepare the team,” the coach stated. “We brought in many new players, and I’m glad to see them adapting well. The players are motivated, focused, and eagerly waiting for the match.”

Forward Allan Okello also highlighted the significance of the encounter for both the players and the country.

“We are well-prepared, and everyone is fit to play. With the teamwork and unity within the squad, we will do our best to achieve a good result,” Okello said.

“Thanks to our coaches’ guidance, we’ve developed better understanding and cohesion, which has been excellent preparation ahead of the CHAN 2025 final tournament. We won’t take this game lightly—our focus is to win and bring joy to our fans.”

The team, comprising all 26 players in good shape, entered a residential camp at Nob View Hotel, Ntinda, on Wednesday evening to finalize preparations.

U-17 AFCON CECAFA Qualifiers | Results

• Uganda 4-1 Somalia 
• South Sudan 0-4 Tanzania 

Uganda qualified for the U-17 Africa Cup of Nations finals after a well-deserved 4-1 victory against Somalia in the Semifinals CECAFA Qualifiers encounter on Tuesday evening.

In a thrilling encounter played at Hamz Stadium, Nakivubo, the Cubs staged a thrilling performance to rectify the heartbreak suffered in the previous qualifiers when Somalia eliminated them.

From the first minute, Uganda was on the front foot, fighting tooth and nail to win the bragging rights on the day.

Abubakari Walusimbi broke the deadlock with a simple tap-in on the stroke of the first half, sending the home crowd into jubilation.

James Bogere doubled Uganda’s lead with a brilliant finish ten minutes into the game’s second stanza.

However, there was a lapse in Uganda’s backline as Somalia pulled back one through Osman Ibrahim.

Bogere scored a double in added time to complete a hatrick but also put the icing sugar on the cake as Uganda sailed to the AFCON finals.

Uganda will take on Tanzania in the final who run over South Sudan in a dominant 4-0 victory. The final will take place at Hamz Stadium on Friday.

U-17 AFCON Qualifiers | Fixture

Semifinals

• South Sudan vs Tanzania – 1 PM
• Uganda vs Somalia – 4:30 PM

Uganda is set to take on Somalia in the U-17 AFCON CECAFA Qualifiers at Hamz Stadium, Nakivubo on Tuesday.

Uganda has so far played two games (group stages) in the ongoing tournament, they started off with a one-all draw against Tanzania before thumping Kenya 5-0.

The Cubs head coach Brian Ssenyondo has expressed readiness for the clash against Somalia.

“The feeling is that we have to win the game because a victory tomorrow comes with a final and qualification to AFCON,” Ssenyondo said.

“We lost to the same opponent (Somalia) in the last edition so we know the assignment ahead of us,” he added.

“I know we shall be motivated from last edition’s win but we are equally motivated and badly want to secure a victory.”

FUFA, the football governing body in the country has mourned the passing of Uganda Cranes legend, Baker Kasigwa.

The Uganda Cranes legendary player passed away on Sunday, December 22, 2024.

Kasigwa was part of the Uganda Cranes squad that toured the UK in 1956. He also played for Uganda Cranes in their first ever appearance of the AFCON in 1962 in Ethiopia.

FUFA President Moses Magogo learnt with shock the passing of the legend before noting that the country had lost a great man.

We have received the sad news of the loss of football legend Mr. Baker Kasigwa. Football has lost a man who gave every Ugandan around the world great memories created in the 50s and 60s” said Magogo.

Kasigwa was recognised by FUFA in the 100th FUFA Ordinary General Assembly for laying a brick on the growth of the beautiful game.

CHAN Qualifiers | Fixture

• Burundi vs Uganda – 6 PM

With Uganda set to host the prestigious African Nations Championship (CHAN) next year, the excitement is already noticeable.

For goalkeeper Hannington Ssebwalunyo, the tournament presents an unparalleled opportunity for both players and fans.

“It’s an opportunity to expose the talents more. It’s an opportunity for us to enjoy the diverse cultures that are coming in from the different countries,” Ssebwalunyo said.

Ssebwalunyo also highlighted the impact CHAN could have on regional football. “It’s a great opportunity for exposure to other local leagues around Africa,” he added.

The custodian emphasized how the continental tournament bridges gaps and fosters growth for domestic footballers.

But before the final tournament, Uganda will take on Burundi in a two-legged fixture of the CHAN Qualifiers.

The two sides will face off on December 26 at Hamz Stadium Nakivubo giving the head coach Paul Put a chance to prepare his squad

The Cranes are eager to make a statement at home, buoyed by the backing of their fans and the knowledge that CHAN 2024 is more than just another tournament—it’s a platform to elevate Ugandan football.

As the match day approaches, all eyes are on the Cranes, who not only represent Uganda’s footballing ambitions but also its pride as hosts of CHAN 2024.

The Squad

Goalkeepers: Hannington Sebwalunyo (NEC FC), Mutwalibi Mugolofa (KCCA FC), Joel Mutakubwa (BUL FC)

Defenders: Gavin Kizito Mugweri (KCCA FC), Gideon Odongo (NEC FC), Moses Aliro (URA FC), Derrick Ndahiro (Vipers SC), Enock Walusimbi (URA FC), Arnold Odong (SC Villa), Rogers Torach (Vipers SC), Hillary Mukundane (Vipers SC)

Midfielders: Joel Sseunjogi (KCCA FC), Enock Ssebagala (NEC FC), Allan Okello (Vipers SC), Saidi Mayanja (KCCA FC) Abdu Karim Watambala (Vipers SC), Paul Patrick Mbowa (Vipers SC)

Forwards: Hakim Kiwanuka (SC Villa), Milton Karisa (Vipers SC), Patrick Jonah Kakande (SC Villa), Shafik Nana Kwikiriza (KCCA FC), Ivan Ahimbisibwe (URA FC), Isaac Ogwang (Police FC), James Jarieko (NEC FC), Jude Ssemugabi (Kitara FC) and Samuel Ssenyonjo (Express FC)

Uganda Cranes head coach Paul Put has named a squad of 26 players ahead of the Africa Nations Championship (CHAN) 2024 Qualifiers.

Uganda will lock horns with Burundi in a two-legged tie that is scheduled for December 26 and 28. Both games will take place at Hamz Stadium, Nakivubo.

The squad is made of three goalkeepers, eight defenders, six midfielders and nine forwards.

The squad is dominated by Vipers who have seven representatives followed by KCCA and NEC who have three representatives respectively.

Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania have already secured their slots in the final tournament which is scheduled for February 1 to 28 2025.

The team will kick start its preparations on Saturday, December 21 before entering camp at Nob View Hotel.

Full Squad

Goalkeepers

Hannington Ssebwalunyo (NEC FC), Mutwalibi Mugolofa (KCCA FC), Joel Mutakubwa (BUL FC)

Defenders

Gavin Kizito Mugweri (KCCA FC), Gideon Odongo (NEC FC), Moses Aliro (URA FC), Derrick Ndahiro (Vipers SC), Enock Walusimbi (URA FC), Arnold Odong (SC Villa), Rogers Torach (Vipers SC), Hillary Mukundane (Vipers SC)

Midfielders

Joel Sseunjogi (KCCA FC), Enock Ssebagala (NEC FC), Allan Okello (Vipers SC), Saidi Mayanja (KCCA FC), Abdu Karim Watambala (Vipers SC), Paul Patrick Mbowa (Vipers SC)

Forwards

Hakim Kiwanuka (SC Villa, Milton Karisa (Vipers SC), Jude Ssemugabi (Kitara FC), Patrick Jonah Kakande (SC Villa), Shafik Nana Kwikiriza (KCCA FC), Samuel Ssenyonjo (Express FC), Ivan Ahimbisibwe (URA FC), Isaac Ogwang (Police FC), James Jarieko (NEC FC)