Crested Cranes’ hopes of reaching the semifinals of this year’s CECAFA women’s cup have been boosted with a 9-0 thrashing of tournament minnows Zanzibar in another one sided match at the Fufa technical centre in Njeru.

Uganda entered the game at the back of a 4-0 humiliation in the hands of bitter rivals who are tournament favorites Kenya and needed to at least win the match with a superior margin.

The seventh minute presented the first near attempt with Fazirah Ikwaput making a long run in her left wing then released a cross to Hasfa Nassuna who fired in only for the liner to rule it off.

Seninde also came closer after the half hour connecting Yudaya’s corner but was denied by the crossbar and later cleared off.

Hassifa Nassuna unlocked the match with five minutes to the break from the spot after right back Khatibu Salum had handled Ikwaput’s cross.

Ikwaput doubled the lead a minute later after breaking through the weak Zanzibar back line and Christine Nambirige finished the first in style.

Second half massacre.
Ikwaput returned with more pace getting at the end of Nassuna’s chip and calmly chested down then looped over an advancing Khadijah in the opponent’s goal.

Hassuna made a brace in the 57th with a well curled free kick. She had earlier been fouled by Fatuma Salum at the edge of the box. Hasfa completed her trebble strike in the 82nd and 85th.

Laki closed the rout in the last minute also her double.

Uganda returns to the folds on Thursday with a must win game against Burundi. Both teams stand on three points with the same goal difference (+5) but the Burundians have scored one more goal.

Zanzibar are mathematically out of the championship and will finish their tournament with a heavy duty clash with favorites Kenya.

Zanzibar XI: Khadeja Saleh Ali, Mwajuma Abdallah, Riziki Abdalla Mohammed, Mtumwa Khatib Ali, Warda Khalid (55′ Msimu Suluhu), Fatima Khatibu Salum, Hassan Ali Siajab (66′ Paulina Zacharia Michael), Nassirin Mohd Ahmed, Sena Khakis Rashid, Sabahi Hashim yusuff, Aziz Ali Mtumwa.

Uganda XI: Aturo Ruth, Christine Wanyana, Nakayenze Yudaya, Gladys Nakitto, Jean Sseninde, Naume Nagadya, Hasifa Nassuna, Laki Otandeka, Ikwaput Fazirah, Christine Nambirige, Joan Nakirya

Officials
CR: Suaris Iratunga
1st ass: Speciose Nyinahabari
2nd ass: Woisnet Abira
4th: Salma Mukansanga

Uganda Cranes Boss Milutin ‘Micho’ Sredojevic has revealed that the team will camp in Lome the capital of Togo as well as play an international build up match against the Sparrow Hawks ahead of the 2018 Worldcup qualifiers opener.

“I am so happy after hard fight we confirmed camp in Togo and Friendly match on 4th October Tuesday 2016 and from there we shall play Ghana in World cup qualifiers on 7th October 2016,” Micho revealed.

Uganda was pooled in group E alongside Congo Brazzaville, Egypt and Ghana. The Cranes open their campaign with an away match to Ghana on Sunday 9th October.

They will later host Congo on November 12th this year before heading for the Afcon finals in mid-January and February next year.

The Cranes advanced to the group stages after overcoming Togo in the second round with an aggregate 4-0 margin over two legs.

Togo will use the match as a preparation for the 2017 Africa cup of Nations to be held in Gabon. Both Uganda and Togo qualified for the finals after emerging the best two runners up in the overall ranking from group D and A respectively.

Match day two in the Ongoing CECAFA women’s championship continues on Wednesday with only one group B fixture between Ethiopia and Rwanda to spice the day at Fufa Technical Center in Njeru.

The beauty of this game is it’s irony that Ethiopia have not played a game a yet and this will be their opener while Rwanda could pack their bags in case they fail to get a positive comeback after narrowly losing 3-2 to Tanzania in Monday evening.

Rwanda Coach Marie grace Nyinawumuntu has cautioned that his team will go all out on Wednesday to look for an outright win to redeem their campaign in search for a place in the semis.

“Ethiopia’s game carries a lot of weight because it’s our final game and must win it or else we’ll be on our way back home immediately,” he said.

The coach also admits that his main challenge is to play a team he knows little about yet the Ethiopians were in the stands to watch Rwanda displaying their game against Tanzania.

“I know very little about how Ethiopia play as a national team but I am sure they’re a good side so the best way to deal with them is going with a winning strategy because they haven’t played but watched our game and that makes it tricky because we have to go in well equipped.”

Ethiopia’s coach Meseret Manne carried a squad dominated by local league champions Dedebit FC. Manne is wary of Rwanda’s threat but is confident to pick a result after watching them play the Kilimanjaro queens in the first game

“Rwanda is a very good team and I noted Tanzania really struggled to defeat them. I expect a similar game tomorrow (Wednesday),” he said also noting that “watching their first game was to our advantage because we picked out their strength and weaknesses which will try and exploit.”

Rwanda need a straight win or a draw to keep their hopes alive as they wait for the outcome of Tanzania and Ethiopia on Friday while any other result could keep them out. Ethiopia still have a second chance since its just their opening game but can seal a semi final spot with three points.

The game kicks off at 4 pm in Njeru.

Kenya Harambee Stars have secured an away international build up match with DR Congo during the international week on the October 4th, the Kenya FA has confirmed.

Kenya performed dismally in the recently concluded 2017 Gabon AFCON qualifiers where they finished bottom in group E.

They also failed to advance to the group stage qualifiers of the 2018 Russia world cup and thus will not have any meaningful international competition until the 2019 Afcon qualifiers kick off later next year or in 2018.

Congo on the other side will use the match to prepare for the upcoming Russia group D qualifiers that commence on October 9th with a home clash with Egypt at the Stade Municipal de Kintélé, Brazzaville.

They are pooled in group E alongside East African giants Uganda Cranes who will be making an away trip to West Africa to play the Black Stars of Ghana on 7th of October.

Congo could be using the friendly against Kenya to try and gauge possible ways of confronting Uganda a month later in the second group E game on November 12th in Kampala.

Recently, Kenya had a barren international friendly In Uganda before the hosts went on to beat Comoros to qualify for the Afcon 2017 finals. Kenya in the other side picked a draw against hosts Zambia in their Afcon qualifiers closing game.

Women’s Cecafa Football championship
Uganda 9-0 Zanzibar

The Crested cranes boosted chances of qualifying to the semifinal phase after an empathic 9-0 win over minnows Zanzibar on Tuesday at the ongoing women’s CECAFA football championship.

Hasifa Nassuna scored four goals, before debutant Ikwaput Fazirah and Laki Otandeka each grabbed a brace and Christine Nambirigge netted the other goal to complete the rout.

ChimpReports’ Joel Muyita rates each player’s performance against Zanzibar.

Ruth Aturo (GK) (6)
Aturo was not bothered the entire game and even when Zanzibar came close, she was in place to clear the danger.

Yudaya Nakayenze (6)
Despite switching from left back where she played against Kenya in the opening game, Yudaya remained comfortable in the right back position.

Joan Nakirya (7)
Very comfortable at playing at left back yet she is right footed. Nakirya balanced both offence and defence making roving runs upfront whenever the cranes were in possession.

Gladys Nakitto (5)
She did not get any challenge from the Zanzibar forwards but remained calm and composed and kept her position.

Christine Wanyana (7)
The captain commanded the defence line well and won most of the aerial duels that she got involved in.

Jean Peace Sseninde (8)
Sseninde improved a lot from the performance against Kenya. She ignited the Crane’s attacks, won possession back, made timely interceptions and pushed forward whenever Uganda was in attack. She almost scored in the 34th minute but her attempt off a header ricocheted off the crossbar.

Christine Nambirigge (7)
One of the most versatile players on the team. Put her anywhere on the pitch and she will deliver. Nambirigge netted one and created for Ikwaput’s second goal

Naome Nagadya (8)
She bossed the midfield, playing link up passes with teammates and offered support to the attacking trio.

Fazirah Ikwaput (8)
Making her debut for the national team, there were thoughts she would grow feet of clay but Ikwaput proved a thorn in the foot for the Zanzibar defence netting twice, won the penalty and had an assist on her first game.

Hasifa Nassuna (9)
She was the best player on the day. Nassuna scored a double brace and the coordination with Laki Otandeka and Ikwaput proved unstoppable on the day.

Laki Otandeka (7)
Otandeka also opened her scoring account for the national team striking a brace. She kept switching positions with Nambirigge and coordinated well with Nassuna and Ikwaput.

Majidah Nantanda (coach) 7
She put out her best team despite Zanzibar being weak and kept commanding the team to push forward even when the game was beyond reach.

Crested Cranes’ forward, Hasifa Nassuna has dedicated the goals she scored against Zanzibar to her mother Annet Nakimbugwe.

Nassuna scored four goals as Uganda thumped Zanzibar 9-0 on Tuesday at the ongoing women’s CECAFA tournament.

“I dedicate the goals I scored today to my mother, she means everything to me. She gave me the opportunity to showcase my talent,” said Nassuna.

Nakimbugwe, mother to Nassuna who also attended the game said she felt happy seeing her daughter take on the mantle of playing football.

“Ofcourse, as a mother I feel proud to see her (Nassuna) represent Uganda like we also did. I’m Happy that I have someone who carried on the talent,” said Nakimbugwe who also played for the crested cranes.

Nassuna scored her first goal in the 40th minute converting a penalty before she grabbed her second and crane’s fifth of the day from a free kick 13 minutes after recess.

The skillful forward scored the third and fourth in the 82nd and 85th minute respectively. The other goals were scored by Laki Otandeka (brace),Christine Nambirigge and Ikwaput Fazirah(brace).

Nassuna also guided Kawempe Muslim to their second successive league title  scoring 18 goals and 17 assists and was crowned MVP.

Crested Cranes boss Majidah Nantanda has cleared the air on rumors that were circulating that captain Stella Kaliba Nassuna had left the team camp because of disagreements and poor facilitation.

“I would like to confirm that Stella Kalliba went for her academic duties and she is most likely to be back for the semifinals,” Majidah replied to a ChimpSport querry during Zanzibar post match presser.

She emphasized that, “The federation has always been encouraging players to balance their books as well because we’ve always believed in sports and education so for that reason we allowed her to go to Nairobi to do her tests.”

Majidah who was confident of a semifinal qualification spot further confirmed that the skipper will be back before the playoffs.

“She used a flight and so will not be tired. She will be there for the semifinals and that is why Laki is here to speak as the assistant captain.

Tactical Changes
The coach made three tactical changes from her team that started in the 4-0 loss to Kenya relegating Zaina Namuleme and Winnie Babirye to the bench plus the absence of Stella Kaliba. Joan Nakirya who came as a first half substitute in the previous game started this time round same as Fazirah Ikwaput and Christine Nambirige who just made the eighteen ladies squad for the first time.

Joan assisted one goal while Ikwaput and Nambirige registered a brace and goal respectively in the 9-0 rout.

“Have always been telling people that I am not a coach who believes in individual players. All the players who made it to the final selection and in camp are all good players so I make changes according to the game plan.”

“Those that featured in the Kenya game were the right ones for that and as much as we want to win, I also feel the need to give them as many chances to play so both were my good teams.”

Uganda will be back in action on Thursday afternoon against Burundi side to decide the second team to qualify for the last four. Both teams are ties on three points with the same goal difference (+5).

Group A fixture & results
Sunday 11th September
Zanzibar 1-10 Burundi
Uganda 0-4 Kenya

Tuesday 13th September
Burundi 0-4 Kenya
Uganda 9-0 Zanzibar

Thursday 15th September
2pm: Kenya vs Zanzibar
4pm: Uganda vs Burundi

Uganda Sports Press Association (USPA) has remembered their fallen members who perished in an accident with a memorial mass held at Christ the King church in Kampala on Wednesday.

The annual memorial service was conducted in commemoration of four sports journalists who perished in a motor accident in Lugazi along the Kampala- Jinja highway in 2001.

The four included Kenneth Matovu, Leo Kabunga, Simon Peter Ekarot and Francis Batte Junior.

Rev. Gerald Kalumba who presided over the mass called upon all Ugandans to be careful while on the road to avoid the rampant road carnage cases.

“Accidents have claimed our beloved ones, relatives and friends therefore I urge all the people who use the roads to be more responsible,” he said.

USPA President, Sabitti Muwanga thanked all the people that partnered with the association in the campaign to combat road accidents and called upon the government to embrace the cause.

“We thank our partners who have always stood with us in every campaign we carryout. We appeal to the government that they can spear head this noble cause so that it spreads across the country,” said Muwanga.

This is the 12th year that the sports journalists’ association are conducting road accident awareness campaigns as part of activities to remember their departed colleagues.

This year’s road awareness campaign that runs under the theme “learn and respect road signs” will continue on Thursday with KCCA football club joining USPA to sensitize motorcyclists in Kampala about wreck less driving.

The campaign will climax with an awareness session in Buwama town along the Kampala-Masaka on Saturday.

National Council of Sports (NCS) has Wednesday afternoon flagged off two kick boxers to Hungary where they will participate in the World Kick boxing championship due this weekend.

Female kick boxer Patricia Apolot and Shakey Mubiru will be in action on 17th September with both engaging in non-title fights.

While flagging off the two kick boxers at the council’s headquarters in  Lugogo, NCS senior administrative secretary, Ivan Mugowa thanked the kick boxing federation for developing the game.

“I want to thank the federation for developing the game and taking all the initiatives to see that the game continues to spread and grow.” He stated

“As NCS, we want to wish success to the two boxers in all their endeavours. Despite the fact that their fights are non-title, they should put up a good show,” added Mugowa.

Apolot will fight against Selja Omechovic Bosnia and Herzegovina while Mubiru will face Russian kick boxer Soltaeu Jausup.

Apolot believes she has trained well and ready for the challenge.

“I feel I’m ready for the fight because I have really trained hard and I believe I’m in the right structure to fight.” She explained.

The two kick boxers, together with their coach Adam Boumadi set off for Hungary on Wednesday evening aboard Brussels airlines.

Rwanda are out of the 2016 CECAFA women’s cup after suffering their second group B loss at the hands of Ethiopia in a five goal thrilling encounter in a chilly Wednesday afternoon at Njeru.

The she Amavubi came from down twice to draw level in both halves but were unable to hold nor score more so leaking a 70th minute header from Meskerem Kanko to seal their fate.

Dedebit striker Losa Abera scored the first goal three minutes into the game from a quick counter attack that snaked down the right from defender Estifanos through to Shetaya Sisaya who set Losa to finish off a belted in.

The striker added the second in the 63rd to restore Ethiopia’s lead after Dorothee Mukishimana had pelted in at the death of half time to end the period level

“Ethiopia played very good football with short passes and attacked us from the wings with speed and precision. We played well but they were better and clinical with their chances. We also played well but they were generally better,” Rwandan coach Marie Nyinawumuntu told ChimpSport after the game.

Rwanda’s second goal was scored by captain Nibagwire Sifa Gloria in the 65th minute.

Ethiopia are now through to the semifinals with the game against Tanzania on Friday set to decide the group leaders and second runners up.

The games continue on Thursday with Kenya taking on Zanzibar and Uganda finishing the stages with Burundi tie.

Rwanda: Helene Uwizeyimana(G), Gloria Sifa Nibagwire, Umwariwase Dudja (25′ Abimana Djamila) Uwamahoro MarieClare, Kalimba Alice (71′ Liberate Nibagwire), Florence Imanizabayo, Ibangarye Anne Marie, Nyirahafashimana Jeanne, Mukeshimana Dorothee, Mukantaganira Joseline, Florence Imanizabayo,

Ethiopia: Liya Shibru, Birtukan Gebrekirstos, Tirunchi Mengesha, Tsion Estifanos, Meskerem Kanko, Etsegenet Bizuneh, Emebet Addisu, Berktawit Girma, Shetaya Sisaya, Losa Abera, Medina Awol (48′ Erehima Zekega).

Officials
CR: Carolyne Wanjala
1st Ass: Mary Njoroge
2nd Ass: Dorcus Atuhaire
4th: Suavis Iratunga

The speaker of the Parliament Rebecca Kadaga has revived the debate over national football team Shs33M per players winning bonus that had been promised by the local football federation, Fufa if they beat Comoros to qualify for Afcon.

Kadaga was speaking during a motion by the shadow minister of Sports, Allan Sewanyana discussing the poor performance registered by the country in the recently concluded Rio Olympics in Brazil.

The motion was tabled by Hon Moses Kasibante in the absence of Ssewanyana.

“I heard this rumor that the Cranes team members were promised to be given $10, 000 and were only given $1, 000 and am really concerned,” Kadaga noted.

“We demand that the Ministry of Education and Sports comes and explains to the house the where abouts of the pledge whether it was made by government or supporters,”

The speaker also revealed that there was a motion to invite the gallant Cranes soldiers who qualified for the continental finals for the first time since 1978 and also confirmed the date.

“Am aware of the motion seeking to pay tribute to the Cranes and we shall host them on them on Tuesday,” she confirmed.

The Cranes defeated Comoros by 1-0 courtesy of Farouk Miya’s 34th minute goal on Sunday 4th September to qualify as one of the two best runners ups after accumulating thirteen points.

Prior to the game, Fufa president Eng. Moses Magogo had promised every player bonus to a total of $10,000 (approx Ugx 33M) if they qualify. However sources inside the Cranes setup revealed that Fufa informed the players that they will be paid at a later date and received part of their normal winning bonus.

After a long preseason of guessing and uncertainty, finally Fufa competitions committee has confirmed that the country’s second division, the Fufa Big League 2016-17 season will kick off on Thursday 15th September with ten games on the cards.

Relegated sides Maroons FC and Simba FC begin campaign with tricky fixtures on the road to other promotion favorites Paidha Black Angels and Busia Fisheries respectively.

Lira side Sporting United that lost playoffs finals to Proline FC also make an away trip to new entrants Moroto United while Ndejje University head to Kamuli to pay Kamuli Park a visit.

Newcomers
Dove All Stars from Arua begin their campaign against Kyambogo FC as Kataka FC host Nyamityobora FC at the Mbale Municipal stadium.

Mbarara City FC host Entebbe FC while Airtel Kitara make their first trip to Kampala against Baza Holdings.

Two teams that finish on the summit of each group; Elgon and Rwenzori will make it direct to the topflight while the two runners ups qualify for playoffs.

The bottom four from the groups are relegated to their respective regional leagues. Eight teams from the eight gain promotion to the second tier.

Fixtures:

Elgon
Paidha Black Angels v Maroons FC Barokoro
Busia Fisheries v Simba-Busia
Sporting United vs Moroto UTD- Lango
Doves All Stars vs Kyambogo -Arua
Art. Katale v s Ndejje University FC -Kamuli

Rwenzori
Kireka United FC vs.Boma Young Namboole-Out
Mbarara City vs Entebbe FC Kakyeka-Mbarara
Baza Holdings FC vs Airtel Kitara-Kawempe moslem
Kataka FC vs Nyamityobora FC Mbale
Masavu FC vs Synergy FC Katabi Grd-Entebbe

The last match day in the 2016 CECAFA group A takes centre stage on Thursday with main focus on the Uganda Crested Cranes and Burundi game which will be played later at 4PM. The duel will decide the last team that will qualify for the semifinals to join Kenya, Tanzania and Ethiopia.

Both teams have three points after simultaneously thrashing tournament minnows Zanzibar. They also share same goal difference (+5) after a twin 4-0 defeat to Kenya.

Burundi coach Daniella Niyibimenya expects a tough opposition and hostile fans who have been religiously following the home side gradually throughout the game but hopes to pick maximum points.

“There is no big difference between the styles of play but we are going to try our best from this game to progress further in the tournament,” she said.

Burundi has no serious injuries but will have to rely on late fitness test to determine if attacking midfielder Maggy Mumerezo will feature after missing out against Kenya but the rest of the squad likely to remain unchanged. She had scored a brace and bagged a hattrick of assists in the opener against Zanzibar.

Crested Cranes coach Majidah Nantanda has no other mathematics in her plans other than a direct win due to lesser goals scored compared to their Thursday opponents.

“We shall be in the semifinals because I believe my girls have all what it takes to defeat Burundi. Our main aim against Zanzibar was to win the game and have that courage going forward though it’s not just an assured case,” Majidah said.

Crested Cranes will miss out on the services of Stella Kaliba who is reported to have flown to Kenya for academic obligations but expected back in case the team reach finals.

Nantanda is likely to maintain her winning squad with Ikwaput, Otandeka and Hassuna leading the attack.

The other match of the day will see Kenya confirm their top place in case they pick at least a point against Zanzibar though the coach has signalled wholesale changes.

Barely a week into negotiations, league champions KCCA FC have agreed a deal to loan experienced striker Caesar Okhuti to new entrants Onduparaka FC from Arua.

The Arua side edged KCCA FC 2-1 over the weekend to earn their first league win but one of the notes from the match was the momentous shouting from the fans telling the champions to release Okhuti, ‘their home boy’ to the caterpillars.

Match day commentators also repeatedly praised the striker while pinning coach Mutebi for sidelining him.

Both teams announced the move on their media channels on Wednesday night confirming he will be at Greenlight stadium up to mid-season.

“Ceaser will add value to the club with his pace and eye for the goal, we believe he will give the club more cutting edge upfront. His experience will also be vital given the fact that we have youthful players who will have a lot to learn from him,” Onduparaka FC CEO, Mr. Ofeti noted.

The 25- year old (according to sources) started his career at Mvara junior before joining Edioffe hills for two seasons where he scored around 80 goals.

He later transferred to Bunamwaya (now Vipers) until 2011 when he turned semi professional at Vissai Ninh Bình in the Vietnam league. There, he met fellow compatriot Livingstone Mbabazi, now assistant coach at Onduparaka.

“I played with him in Vietnam, he is a very good addition who brings in big experience into this youthful side, apart from that, he will give us a very good cutting edge upfront,” Mbabazi said.

He returned to Vipers in 2012 but later moved to El Nasir in Sudan and then a short stint at Onduparaka before Crossing to Express FC and KCCA last season. He scored 10 goals for the Red Eagles and two for the champions.

National Basketball League
Thursday, 15th September 2016
UCU Canons vs KIU Titans 8pm

After a shocking defeat to Falcons last Sunday, UCU Canons return to action on Thursday at the YMCA outdoor court against high flying KIU Titans in the university derby.

Canons will be aiming at halting the Titans’ impressive run that has seen them win 14 successive games in the regular season.

Nick Natuhereza charges lost 50-63 to a Stephen Omony inspired Falcons on Sunday and they will seek to bounce back against Titans who have been sublime form since losing the opening three games at the start of the season.

On the other hand, the Hamza Nyambogo coached side will be out for revenge against the Canons. Titans lost 3-2 in the semifinal series of last season and also lost to the Canons in their first round fixture.

The Kansanga based side survived a scare against struggling Our Saviour on Sunday needing extra performance in the fourth quarter to win 59-52.

With the regular season almost coming to an end, teams are fighting to get comfortable positions ahead of the playoffs. Titans lie 2nd on the logo with 31 points while UCU are 5th on 28 points.

Ivan Lumanyika and Suudi Ulanga who both feature for KIU Titans will be facing their former masters in today’s clash.

CECAFA women’s championship enters the last group games on Thursday and Friday in the respective pools. Eighteen goals were scored on Tuesday and Wednesday with tournament underdogs Zanzibar put on the firing squads yet again with the hosts firing nine to send the team packing. Kenya replicated their opening day form to thrash Burundi 4-0.

Rwanda yet again fell 3-2 despite coming twice from down confirming Tanzania and Ethiopia’s semifinal spot.

ChimpReports’ Fred Mwambu analyzes some of the best performers of the match day in summary.

Goalkeeper: Vivian Akinyi (Kenya)
The gangly huge Harambee starlets goalie maintained her dignity in between the sticks and finished her second 90 minutes unscratched though not very busy as such but was commanding and handled the Burundians with ease.

Defenders:

Dorcas Nixon Shikobe (Kenya)
If there is one centre back who traverses a larger part of the field and covers both her wingbacks in time of attack, then Shikobe is the option. Troubled Burundian forwards with her strong aerial ability and confidence on the ground with accurate tackles and passes.

Meskerem Kanko (Ethiopia)
Ethiopia brought a different style of passing play that aroused the crowds. Kanko started as a right back and was able to cover up the centre backs while offering options wide attack. Capped her game with a 69th minute winning header.

Joan Nakirya (Uganda)
Proved the coach wrong for benching her in the first game. Nakirya manned the right wing perfectly and was always ready to attack and fall back with ease. Assisted one of Ikwaput’s goals with a long pass.

Midfielders:

Fazirah Ikwaput (Uganda)
The dark skinned Olira attacker was a revelation of match day two and was arguably the ‘man of the match’. Contributed Nassuna’s opening goal with a marvelous dribble that forced Khatibu to handle the ball inside the box. Went on to score two goals.

Mary Kinuthia & Essy Akida (Kenya)
Combination of this duo was a total nightmare to the Burundians. Their runs, dribbles and quick passes were swift and well coordinated and had it not for unfortunate luck, the starlets would have bagged a hattrick each but were comfortable with one apiece.

Losa Abera (Ethiopia)
The jolly Dedebit attacker carried her scoring form to the regional platform with two goals and an assist. Was denied twice by the Rwanda keeper.

Laki Otandeka (Uganda)
Had a poor debut on day one but turned up with two goals on second appearance with a string of good performances.

Strikers:

Neddy Atieno Akoth (Kenya)
Spent 58 minutes on the pitch with two quick goals in the 30th and 46th minute. Statistics prove her the most lethal Kenyan forward on the day

Hasfa Nassuna (Uganda)
The first player to strike four in one game at this tournament. The dead ball specialist could have at least three more but was denied by the crossbar and missed two sitters inside six.

Special mentions to Jean Sseninde, Christine Wanyana, Helene Uwizeyimana (Tanzania keeper) and Solano Avillia.

Coach: Nantanda
Credits to her tactical changes from the starting team that lost to Kenya bringing in Ikwaput, Nakirya and Nambirige who all had sterling shows way above average

Match day two results
Burundi 0-4 Kenya
Zanzibar 0-9 Uganda
Rwanda 2-3 Ethiopia

Uganda remained fixed on position 65 globally in the recent Fifa rankings released on Thursday 15th September despite picking a draw against Kenya in an international friendly and then defeating Comoros 1-0 to qualify for the 2017 AFCON.

Actually, in real sense the country has dropped a whole nineteen points from 525 accumulated in August down to 509 this month.

Surprisingly, Comoros national team has moved up three places and perched on 152 worldwide and 49 in Africa. Their global position is the beat they have ever attained in their history.

2017 Afcon qualifiers group D winners Burkina Faso have scaled up six spaces to 67th after their hard-fought 2-1 win over Botswana.

East Africa.
The Cranes who are 15th in Africa still lead the region followed by Kenya at 91. The rest of the CECAFA teams lie below the 100 point mark. They include Rwanda (107/33), Ethiopia (126/39), Burundi (129/40), Tanzania (132/42) and Sudan (135/44).

World cup Q group E  opponents.
Uganda’s opponents in group E, Ghana, Egypt and Congo are all lying in the top 8 in Africa and are 43rd, 53rd and 54th respectively.

Argentina and Belgium maintained their dominance in the world football while Germany traded places with Colombia in the third and fourth positions. Brazil closes the top five, joint with Colombia on fourth after climbing five places.

The Uganda Volleyball Federation (UVF) has finally issued a statement on the looming saga about volleyball player Daudi OOkello rejoining Kampala Amateur Volleyball Club (KAVC).

While addressing the media on Thursday at the Uganda Olympic committee offices in Lugogo, UVF President Saddick Nassiwu indicated that the world volleyball governing body (FIVB) granted them the go ahead to allow Okello play for KAVC.

“With guidance from FIVB, we were advised that Daudi is free to play for any other club after his contract at Inatek in Rwanda expired in May this year,” said Nassiwu.

The saga stems from the fact that clubs in the national league and serie A division are protesting Kampala Amateur volleyball club.

According to Nassiwu, it is not that the federation is trying to favour KAVC but rather they are following the guidelines from FIVB.

“I want to make this clear that we are not in any way siding with KAVC as many people are perceiving it. We have no interest whatsoever but just trying to put everything in order,” he explained.

When quizzed about reports indicating clubs have threatened to pull out of the league, Nassiwu said they will stick to their earlier judgement.

“We are not doing this to please people. Because the majority are saying we should not allow Okello to play. We will not deviate from the FIVB guidelines to please people,” said Nassiwu.

Nassiwu said that if clubs fail to abide by the regulations the league will be suspense until an amicable solution is found.

Kenya’s Harambee starlets completed their CECAFA group games with a bang by hammering Zanzibar 11-0 in a one way traffic match played on Thursday.

Coach David Ouma made eight changes from the squad that featured in the first and second games against Uganda and Rwanda.

Christine Nafula started the rout fourteen minutes into the game completing Ambogo Mwikali’s low cross.

Nafula was on target in the 32nd and 69th minute respectively to seal her hattrick of the day.

Vivian Odhiambo Corazon also registered three goals all flowing late in the second half inside ten minutes from the 79th.

Other scorers include Essy Akida who has now reached five goal mark after her brace, Jacky Agol too had a double while Neddy Atieno and Onyango Achieng scored one a piece.

Kenya qualify for semi as group A leaders and will await the weaker side between Tanzania and Ethiopia.

The semifinals will be played on Sunday and the finals on Tuesday 20th.

Kenya lineup: Samantha Akinyi, Ogutu Irene Owuor, Juma Jackline Akoth, Nixon Dorcas Shikobe, Teresa Ouko Caleb, Jacky Ogol,  Mercy Onyango Achieng, Christine Nafula, Ambogo Elizabeth Mwikali, Omondi Doreen Nabwire, Odhiambo Vivian Corazon

Zanzibar lineup: Amina Mohammed Kitambi (GK), Mwajuma Abdallah Abdulahi, Riziki Abdalla Mohammed, Mtumwa Khatib Ali, Warda Khalid Abdullah, Fatuma Khatibu Salum, Msimu Suluhu Hassan, Nassirin Mohammed Ahmed, Zena Khamis Rashid, Sabahi Hashim Yussuf, Aziz Ali Mtumwa.

Officials.
CR: Akoyi Anna
1st Ass: Catherine Nagaddya
2nd Ass: Nyinawabari Speciise
4th: Salma Mukansanga

Olira FC’s star Fazirah Ikwaput struck the only goal against Burundi that ensured Crested Cranes progression to the semifinals of the CECAFA women’s championship.

Ikwaput triumphed in the 44th minute after pouncing on a long ball from Christine Nambirige before calmly looping over an advancing Burundi goalie Belinda Ndoreraho.

Earlier on the striker had blown off a clear chance set up by Hasiffa Nassuna with only the keeper to beat but hit the crossbar instead.

“We came into the game in need of a three points because Burundi were better than us in terms of goal difference. The Burundians put up a spirited show which also pushed us to our limits,” Coach Majidah said after the match.

“The game was tough and Uganda buried their chance and we failed on our part. That’s why we lost but it was a fair game and lost fairly. We pick positives,” Burundi coach said.

Uganda qualify as group A runners up and will await the winner between Tanzania and Ethiopia for the semifinal clash on Sunday.

Uganda XI: Aturo Ruth, Christine Wanyana, Nakayenze Yudaya, Gladys Nakitto, Jean Sseninde (62′ Shakira Nalwooga), Naume Nagadya, Hasifa Nassuna, Laki Otandeka, Ikwaput Fazirah, Christine Nambirige(46′ Tracy Akiror), Joan Nakirya

Burundi XI: Belida Ndoraraho, Aziza Nzigiyimana (52′ Divine Nihorembere), Bukuru Joelle, Diane Irandukunda, Nahimana Masra, Kanyamuneze Gilnette, Umimana Nella, Sakina Saidi (82′ Nancy Kamugisha), Uwimeza Djazilla(75′ Maggy Mumenero), Asha Jafali, Nsimirimana Neema