Uganda Cranes playmaker Travis Mutyaba has completed a mega deal to join FC Girondins de Bordeaux.

Reports indicate that the quick-footed forward joined the French side on a three-year employment contract.

Mutyaba’s life at Zamalek ended unfortunately, and so he joins FC Girondins de Bordeaux as he seeks to regain his career on form.

This massive transfer gives Mutyaba a chance to showcase his talent and confidence after staying out of action for quite a while.

He has played at different national team levels, which has equipped him with the much-needed experience to play at such a stage.

It will also help him sharpen up as the Uganda Cranes start preparations ahead of the double against South Sudan.

Mutyaba has previously played for Vipers JT, Express, and recently Zamalek.

Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania have been confirmed as the hosts of the 2024 CHAN tournament scheduled for February 1 to 28.

The good news was shared with FUFA President Moses Hashim Magogo as he confirmed via his X (formerly Twitter) official account.

“It is now official,” he posted before adding; “CHAN 2024 will be hosted by Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania.”

“19 nations, including the three (3) hosts, will be competing from 1st Feb to 28th Feb 2025 in Nairobi, Kampala, and Dar es Salaam.”

The decision was made by the Confederation of Africa Football (CAF) on Monday, September 16, 2024, in an executive meeting in Nairobi.

The CHAN tournament will feature 19 countries that will be using players in their local domestic leagues.

The tournament is set to help the three nations gauge themselves as they continue to prepare more ahead of the 2027 AFCON Finals.

This will be the third time the CHAN tournament has come to East Africa after editions in Sudan (2011) and Rwanda (2016).

Uganda Cranes have beaten Congo 2-0 in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations Qualifiers at Mandela National Stadium in Namboole.

Aziz Kayondo and Jude Ssemugabi scored for the Cranes who picked their first win of the campaign that took their points tally to 4 in two games, and top of the group.

Uganda started the match on the front foot seeking for an opener in front of a loud crowd.

In the third minute, the Cranes got their first chance at goal. Denis Omedi cut in from the left but his shot from just outside the box went over the bar.

Muhammad Shaban played Rogers Mato through but the latter was a second late for the pass.

Kayondo made a quick throw in to Mato who played Shaban through but the center forward was a bit slow with Congo clearing their lines.

At the quarter hour mark, Cranes had another chance. Ssekiganda played a long ball to find Mato who dribbled his way into the box but his ground cross was cleared.

In the 20th minute, Cranes took the lead through Aziz Kayondo who beat goalie with a cross-cum-shot. The left back recieved the ball in space from Mato driving through about 20 yards before shooting at goal for the opener.

Mato could have doubled the lead five minutes later but he could not find the target after cutting in to shoot.

The Cranes suffered a setback as Shaban paved way for Jude Ssemugabi before halftime with an injury.

In the second half, Uganda took the foot off the pedal with Congo taking control of some moments in search of an equalizer.

However, the introduction Allan Okello for Travis Mutyaba restored some urgency in the Cranes attack. The Vipers forward set up Ssemugabi to seal the points for the home side with four minutes to full time.

Uganda returns to action on 7th October when they host South Sudan at Namboole.

Uganda Cranes Starting XI

Isima Watenga (GK), Kenneth Semakula, Aziizi Kayondo, Bevis Mugabi, Elio Caprodossi, Ronald Ssekiganda, Rogers Mato, Khalid Aucho, Muhammad Shaban, Travis Mutyaba, Denis Omedi

AFCON 2025 Qualifiers | Half Time

HT: Uganda 1-0 Congo Brazaville

Uganda secure a 1-0 half time lead against Congo Brazaville in the 2025 AFCON Qualifiers in the encounter played at Mandela National Stadium, Namboole on Monday.

Roving left back, Aziz Kayondo’s effort is still the difference between the two sides after the 45 minutes in the ongoing entertaining game.

Paul Put made two changes as Kenneth Semakula and Muhammad Shaban came into the starting eleven to replace Elvis Bwomono and Steven Mukwala respectively.

Uganda started right away on the front foot seeking for an opener as well as the driving seat infront of a loud crowd.

Kayondo broke the deadlock with a deep effort that eluded the custodian into the back of the net.

The Cranes will seek to hang in and fight for maximum points so as to enlighten their path to the 2025 final AFCON tournament.

Uganda Cranes Starting XI

Isima Watenga (GK), Kenneth Semakula, Aziizi Kayondo, Bevis Mugabi, Elio Caprodossi, Ronald Ssekiganda, Rogers Mato, Khalid Aucho, Muhammad Shaban, Travis Mutyaba, Denis Omedi

Uganda Cranes head coach Paul Put has named the team to take on Cong in the AFCON 2025 Qualifiers at Mandela National Stadium, Namboole.

The major change in the team has seen Kenneth Ssemakula named to start at right back in the place of Elvis Bwomono while Muhammad Shaban replaces Steven Mukwala upfront.

Ismaa Watenga maintains his place in goal with Bevis Mugabi and Elio Capradossi pairing up in the centre of defence while Aziz Kaayondo maintains his place at left-back.

Skipper Khalid Aucho and Ronald Ssekiganda are joined by Travis Mutyaba in midfield while Rogers Mato, Muhammad Shaban and Denis Omedi form the front three.

• 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.

• 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.