National basketball league
City Oilers 68-72 Pemba Warriors

As the regular season nears it’s climax, the games are getting tighter and competitive than ever.

Pemba Warriors defeated defending champions City oilers in the money bags clash at the YMCA court in Wandegeya on Friday.

The loss to Warriors was Oiler’s third defeat this season after succumbing to KIU Titans and Tiger head Power.

Mande Juruni’s charges took the first quarter 13-7 with the warriors playing catch up play but returned explosive in the second quarter to win 18-12 to go into halftime with both sides having 25 points apiece.

Warriors coach executed a good rotation with big man Phillip Ameny limiting Kami Kabange. The third quarter saw Warriors win 22-18 to head into the final 10 minutes with a 4 point lead.

The final quarter provided intensity with the lead fluctuating to other side but the decisive moment came when Jude Ochieng had a three pointer to stretch Warrior’s lead to four points. The score in the final quarter had both teams score 25 points.

Cyrus Kiviiri had a game high 20 points with Phillip Ameny and Mark Opio Okidi both scoring in double figures, 17 points and 15 points respectively.

Kami Kabangu had a game high for the defending champions with 19 points while Landry Ndikumana was limited to 11 points.

Police boss IGP Gen. Kale Kayihura is expected to grace the 2016 CECAFA semifinals match between Uganda’s Crested Cranes and the Kilimanjaro Queens from Tanzania.

The match will kick off on Sunday 18th at the Fufa technical centre in Njeru just after Kenya versus Ethiopia cracker.

The developments were revealed by Crested Cranes team manager Henry Barungi to this website on Saturday morning.

“We met him (Gen Kayihura) while on recreation where the girls had gone to refresh themselves at Mada hotel on Friday,” he revealed. “He was very happy to see a senior national women’s football team on duty. Actually he was not aware of the team and only knew the Cranes who had finished their qualifiers last week.”

Barungi furthers revealed that, “Gen Kayihura promised to come and watched our semifinals and even told his aid to note our contacts and get back to us so we highly expect him there in tomorrow’s game.”

ChimpSport has also learnt that the IGP is pondering on forming a women’s team for the Uganda Police Force. The law enforcers currently sponsor the Uganda Police FC in the topflight and the Police Armless Brigade in the Fufa junior league.

Kenya and Ethiopia will kick off the semifinals match at 1:30 Pm on Sunday just before the highly anticipated match between hosts Uganda Crested Cranes and Tanzania at 3:30 pm.

CECAFA secretary general Nicholas Musonye has finally confirmed the draws for the kickoff, rules and regulations that will be followed in the semifinals knockout stages that take centre stage on Sunday 17th.

“Our first match tomorrow will be Kenya and Ethiopia starting at 1:30pm and then followed by Uganda-Tanzania at 3:30pm,” Musonye said. “In the event that any of the matches does not produce a winner after normal time then they will go for another thirty minutes of ’15-15 and later penalties in case the same situation prevails.”

Musonye confirmed the same rules will be applied for the final match on Tuesday but not the third place playoffs.

“The finals will also follow the same format but the third place match proceed to finals directly if there is no winner by the end of normal time.”

“We have not had any major concern so far and are happy the fans are attending in big numbers for all games regardless the team. That is the spirit we encourage.”

Only seven teams took part in this year’s edition with Rwanda, Zanzibar and Burundi already eliminated. Only one pitch was used for all the Group games and will remain unchanged throughout the knockouts.

“It’s always a challenge to organize the first event because other countries said they don’t have funds, some were cautious and maybe wanted to witness success before they come in next time but all in all we have moved on well despite lack of a sponsor,” Musonye added.

Semifinals fixture
1:30PM Ethiopia vs Kenya -1
3:30PM Uganda vs Tanzania -2

Cecafa women’s championship group stages came to a successful climax on Friday afternoon with drama where pool B rankings were decided by coin toss.

A total of 50 goals have leaked in so far from nine matches translating to 6.1 goals per match. Kenya led group A with a perfect nine points from three games without conceding while Zanzibar swallowed thirty and scored one.

Crested Cranes leading striker Hasifa Nassuna (4) tops the scoring table jointly with Mbeyu Essy Akida and Vivian Corazon Odhiambo both from Kenya. Kenya has the most goals, 19.

There have been a total of 20 cards issued, 19 yellows and one red card handed to Zanzibar keeper Amina Mohammed Kitambi during the opening game against Burundi.

The islanders have also received the highest number of cards five (four yellows) while Burundi have only one caution. Kenya’s Christine Nafula has accumulated the most number of cautions (2) and is therefore suspended for the semis.

Best Team of the groups;
Just like has been the norm, Chimpsport’s Fred analyses the best performers of the group stages.

GK: Vivian Akinyi
The Kenyan first choice keeper has maintained her goal area with maximum discipline and perfection not letting in a single goal. Has also done well in commanding and maintaining team balance.

Defenders:
Stumai Abdallah (Tz).Always provided Tanzania with attacking options on her left wing and good cover in her original left back position. She happened to score the winning goal against Burundi which helped largely to cement the top spot after a barren result with Ethiopia.

Asol Wendy Achieng (Ke). Was the second commanding force after Vivian with accurate tackles, aerial action and perfect clearances.

Christine Wanyana (Ug). The Crested Cranes captain started on a low note failing to inspire Uganda against an explosive Kenyan attack but picked up later and kept two crucial clean sheets in the last two games.

Konka Meskerem (ETH). Very energetic, vastly talented and speedy defender who can adopt to almost every position in the field as a cover up. Scored the winning goal versus Rwanda that confirmed Lucy’s semi final place.

Midfielders:
Fazirah Ikwaput(Ug). Missed the first game but exploded in the second leading to three goals and one for her own. She capped her debut with a lone winner in the last game against Burundi.

Mary Kinuthia (Ke). The small bodied left foot Kenyan skipper has been the attacking engine of the Kenyan team. Scoring two and recording over four assists. The team struggled with touch against Zanzibar until she was introduced in the second half.

Asha Rashid(Tz). Asha has been involved in all the three Tanzania goals scoring two and assisting Stumai Abdalla’s. Was unlucky to hit the post twice against Ethiopia.

Loss Abera (ETH). Very skillful and ready to initiate attack whenever in the opponents half. Scored two and assisted to Konko’s header.

Strikers.
Essy Akida (Ke) & Hasifah Nassuna (UG)
Tournament leading scorers with four goals apiece. Akida has been the highlight of Kenya’s attacking formula. Probably the most feared forward at the tournament so far. Hassifa thrived against Zanzibar with four on target. She lacked support against Kenya while kept Burundi defenders in their half during most part of the game.

Coach: David Ouma.. Simply a perfect record

If there has been any revelation for the Crested Cranes at the ongoing Women’s CECAFA championship at Njeru technical centre, it has got to be youngster Fazirah Ikwaput.

Just at 17 years, Ikwaput has proved she will be a force to reckon with in the near future.

Confident, swift and with a good sense of positioning the lanky forward has raised eyebrows after her brilliant performances against Zanzibar and Burundi.

However, Ikwaput attributes all her performance to the good coordination within the team.

“It is been easy for me to fit in the team, my teammates have been very kind to me and we coordinate well both on and off the pitch. We live like a family,” she said.

“The coach too believed in me and offered me a chance to play and I’m glad I did not disappoint,” Ikwaput explained.

The young forward was handed her debut on the national team against Zanzibar, a game in which she netted a brace.

Ikwaput also netted the solitary strike against Burundi in the final group A game.

Asked about how she felt helping Uganda qualify for the semifinal stage, the Olila High school striker said it was a great moment in her life.

“It is a special moment both for me and the team at large. This is one of the moments I will live to cherish given the fact that I got the opportunity to serve my country,” Ikwaput added.

John Ongodia, her coach at Olila High school where she plays in the FUFA women Elite league, believes Ikwaput has got a lot of potential to become a great player.

“I spotted her in Sironko district at the beginning of last year and I brought her to Olila High school where she played last season. Actually people are yet to see her best, because she is a versatile player who can play anywhere on the pitch,” said Ongodia.

Ikwaput has scored three goals in the two games she has played for the Crested Cranes.

Kenya rally driver Don Smith was confirmed the 2016 African Rally championship (ARC) winner after his closest competitor Muna Singh Junior failed to finish the race on Saturday.

Smith navigated by Bob Kaugi needed just to finish the V-Shell Pearl Africa rally to clinch the crown and that’s exactly what he did – finishing ninth.

Smith’s major rival at the African crown was Zambia’s Muna Singh Junior but retired after five stages with his fuel tank reportedly leaking.

Smith came into the Pearl of Africa rally with 79 points, 22 points above Muna Singh Junior and needed to just to finish the event to win the ARC title.

But the joy came early enough for the Kenyan driver as his major competitor could not go beyond the fifth stage.

The results meant another Kenyan driver won the prestigious African title after Jaspreet Chatthe who took it last year.

It was bad news for most of the local drivers who dropped out before the end of the event.

Duncan Mubiru who won the super special stage in Busiika on day one developed a mechanical problem in the early stages while Ronald Ssebuguzi who was vying for the National Rally championship (NRC) had similar problems and also bowed out at stage three.

Desh Kananura who finished on the podium last year dropped out despite being in the lead after stage two.

Other drivers who retired included Ambrose Byona,Geoffrey Nsamba,Ahmed Ashraf and Eddie Mukiibi.

Hassan Alwi won the 2016 V-Shell Pearl of Africa rally clocking 02:41:03 while Arthur Blick Junior came second at 02:41:53.

The podium positions were completed by Christakis Fitidis who came third in 02:48:58.

Top five crews

Hassan Alwi/Enock Olinga

Arthur Blick Junior/Unisan Bakunda

Christakis Fitidis/Eric Maxime Nzamwita

Omar Mayanja/Hussein Mukuye

Ismail Shemohammed/ Vihir Patel

The Lady Cranes 7s defied all odds to reach the semifinals of the Rugby Afrique 7s tournament that kicked off on Saturday in Harare, Zimbabwe.

The dream of playing at next year’s World Series that looked a dream far from reality now seems a possibility after the Ladies cranes qualified for the semifinals.

Uganda defeated Madagascar 12-10 and also overcame Tunisia 17-12 to book a slot in the final four despite losing the third game of the day to Kenya.

In the first game, the Lady Cranes came back from a 10-00 halftime deficit to edge past Madagascar 12-10 with Grace Auma and Charlotte Thereza Mudoola each getting a try while Samiya Ayikoru made one conversion.

Youngster Auma continued her brilliant performance in the second game against Tunisia, helping Uganda to once again stage a comeback.

The North African side led 07-05 at halftime before Uganda came back recharged after recess to win 17-12.

Auma had two tries while skipper Emmanuel Orumo added the other with Ayikoru stepping up once again to make the conversion.

However, Uganda lost to rivals Kenya 36-05 in the third game but that did not stop the Lady cranes from advancing to the semifinals.

Auma got the lone try against Kenya.

Uganda will face pre-tournament overwhelming favourites South Africa on Sunday with the two finalists qualifying for the HSBC World Series in Dubai next year.

Women’s Cecafa championship
Semifinal two
Uganda vs Tanzania 3:30pm

Created cranes head coach Majidah Nantanda has made one change in the starting lineup against Tanzania from the team that defeated Burundi 1-0 in the final group A game on Thursday.

Stella Kaliba Nassuna who played the opening game against Kenya but missed the final two games in group replaces versatile player and teammate at She Corporate Christine Nambirige.

Nambirige was rushed to hospital at halftime against Burundi after suffering a concussion. She is replaced by Kaliba who had gone to Kenya reportedly for academic reasons.

Ruth Aturo maintains the slot in goal ahead of experienced Fatuma Kim Matovu while the back line remains unchanged.

Kaliba will partner with Jean Peace Sseninde in the holding midfield to offer cover to the defence with Naome Nagadya taking the attacking midfield position.

The attacking trio of Fazila Ikwaput ,Hasifa Nassuna and Laki Otandeka remains unchanged.

Crested cranes starting XI
Ruth Aturo,Yudaya Nakayenze,Joan Nakirya,Christine Wanyana(cpt),Gladys Nakitto,Jean Peace Sseninde,Nassuna Stella Kaliba,Fazila Ikwaput, Hasifa Nassuna,Laki Otandeka

Substitutes
Matovu Fatumah,Zaina Namuleme,Tracy Akiror,Shakira Nalwoga,Ritah Nabossa,Sandra Nantumbwe,Christine Nambirigge

Tanzania starting XI
Fatuma Omar,Asha Rashid(cpt),Anastazia Antony,Fatuma Issa,Mwanahamisi Omari,Donisia Daniel, Hapy Henzron,Amina Ally,Stumai Abdalla,Wema Richard, Maimuna Khamis

Substitutes
Belina Julius,Fadhila Hamad,Fatuma Hassan,Fatuma Bashiri,Sheridan Boniface,Fatuma Mustafa,Anna Hebron

Women’s Cecafa championship

Semifinal
Uganda 1-4 Tanzania

Uganda crested cranes bowed out of the women’s CECAFA championship with a comprehensive defeat to Tanzania.

Tanzania humiliated the hosts Uganda  4-1 in a game played on Sunday at Njeru technical centre.

The Kilimanjaro queens began on an explosive note taking an early lead through Donisa Daniel just after five minutes when cranes goalkeeper Ruth Aturo failed to deal with her free kick.

The high flying Tanzanians then doubled the lead eleven minutes later with winger Mwanahamisi Omari slotting home after the crested cranes defence failed to clear the ball out of danger.

Cranes coach Majidah Nantanda them opted for a quick change bringing on Nambirigge Christine for defender Yudaya Nakayenze.

However, this failed to pay off dividends and instead the Kilimanjaro queens stretched their lead with Stumai Abdalla getting the third goal at the half hour mark.

Skipper Asha Rashid put the game beyond reach grabbing the Tanzania’s fourth goal a minute after recesss to completely erase hopes for a comeback.

Nantanda then brought on Tracy Akiror and Ritah Nabossa for Joan Nakirya and Laki Otandeka but they couldn’t match a brilliant Tanzania side.

Hasifa Nassuna got a consolation goal for the Crested cranes deep into added time for Uganda to walk away with some pride.

Tanzania will play Kenya in the finals on Tuesday after the Starlets overpowered past Ethiopia 3-1 in the first semifinal while Uganda will play Ethiopia in the third place playoff match.

Crested cranes starting XI
Ruth Aturo, Stellla Kaliba,Yudaya Nakayenze,Christine Wanyana,Gladys Nakitto,Jean Peace Sseninde, Naome Nagadya,Hasifa Nassuna, Fazila Ikwaput,Laki Otandeka, Joan Nakirya

Tanzania starting XI
Fatuma Omari,Asha Rashid,Anastazia Antony, Fatuma Issa,Mwanahamisi Omari,Donisia Daniel,Hapy Henzron,Amina Ally,Stumai Abdalla,Wema Richard, Maimuna Khamis

Harambee starlets from Kenya secured the first spot in the 2016 CECAFA semifinals stage after a remarkable comeback from a goal down to defeat Ethiopia 3-2 in a five goal thriller at Fufa technical in Njeru.

Ethiopia put a spirited show with the first attempt inside the second minute Losa Abera testing Samantha Akinyi who got her first game relegating Vivian Akinyi to the bench.

Kenya replied the attack eighteen minutes later but Akida’s stinger hit the crossbar. She had earlier disposed off Mengesha in the midfield and advanced to beat two defenders before powering from over 30 yards.

Dedebit striker Losa Abera sparked the game with a beautiful screamer to the top roof in the 37th minute.

Kenya team celebrate second goal

Starlets coach David Ouma was forced to make two first half changes pulling off Salano Avilla and Doreen Nabweru for Jacky Ogol and Elizabeth Mwikali in the 40th and 44 respectively.

The substitutions shifted the game to Kenya’s advantage with Neddy Athieno pulling level six minutes into the second period with a low shot which Liya failed to hold on.

Neddy doubled her tally thirteen minutes late burying home Mwikali’s through pass just before Carolyne Omondi headed in Kinuthia’s corner.

Ethiopia’s mission for a comeback ended in the 81st minute when Abera twisted and turned to hit past Akinyi.

Kenya will play Tanzania in the finals while Ethiopia and Uganda go for the losers match

Kenya: Samantha Akinyi, Onyango Ann Oluoch, Asol Wendy Achieng, Irene Oguttu Awuor, Nixon Dorcas Shikobe, Omondi Carolyne Anyango, Essy Akida, Avilla Salano Cheris (49′ Elizabeth Mwikali), Okoth Neddy Atieno, Omondi Doreen Nabwire (40′ Vivian Corazon Odhiambo), Mary Wanjiku Kinuthia.

Ethiopia: Liya Shibru, Birtukan Gebrekirstos, Tirunchi Mengesha, Tsion Estifanos, Meskerem Kanko, Etsegenet Bizuneh, Hiwot Dengiso (75′ Emebet Addisu), Berktawit Girma, Shetaya Sisaya, Losa Abera, Erehima Zekegaw.

CECAFA secretary general Nicholas Musonye has lauded Fufa’s organization and also termed the 2016 women’s championship a success.

The outspoken SG was addressing media on Monday morning during the last media briefing held on the eve of the finals at the FTC in Njeru.

“What I can say is that this tournament has been very successful both on and off the pitch,” Musonye said. “We have not recorded any complain from the teams nor the any other stakeholder and that speaks for itself.”

The tournament has seen a sizeable number of fans attending all the groups which the organisers pick as a positive going into the next editions.

“The fans have really graced the games with passion and I think it was a wise decision to bring the games to Njeru. We shall bring the Junior challenge here next year in Januar,” Musonye adds.

The games will climax on Tuesday 19 September with Uganda taking on Ethiopia in the third place play offs before Kenya and Tanzania go head to head for the ultimate championship prize.

National basketball league
Our Saviour Ndejje University Angels

Our Saviour basketball team finally returned to winning ways after picking a hard fought win over Ndejje University angels at the YMCA outdoor court on Sunday.

The Kikoni based side registered their first win since the start of the second round after going on a six game losing streak.

Our Saviour inspired by Martin Kelly and Chuma took the first quarter 18-13 while the two sides had 10 points apiece but the former took a 28-23 at halftime.

Ndejje returned recharged after recess and took the third quarter 20-12 but Our Saviour held to claim the final quarter 18-09 to win the game 58-52.

Chuma led the scores with a game high 15 points while David added 12 points for Our Saviour.

Innocent Odom had a team high 12 points for Ndejje University angels.

In the lady’s category, KCCA Leopards defeated UCU Lady Cardinals 67-59 while A1 challenge won 74-62 against JKL Lady dolphins.

Sunday results
UPDF Tomahawks 58-71 UCU Canons
A1 challenge 74-62 JKL Lady Dolphins
Charging Rhinos 59- 87 Falcons
Destiny Phenoms 85-95 Power
Ndejje 52-58 Our Saviour

Uganda Premier League
KCCA vs The Saints
Phillip Omondi stadium 4:30pm

Defending champions KCCA Football Club will be seeking for redemption as they host the Saints on Tuesday at Phillip Omondi stadium.

KCCA come into this encounter on the back of a 2-1 loss against newly promoted side Onduparaka in Arua but assistant coach Morley Byekwaso believes they have put the loss at the back of their mind and ready to move on.

“Of course, we lost vital points against Onduparaka but the league is a marathon when you fall, you get up and move on,” said Byekwaso.

“Saints are a good team and under a very knowledgeable coach. I was with most of their players at Simba so I know their abilities,” he added.

About new recruit Robert Ssentongo featuring in today’s clash, Byekwaso said it will depend on how fast the paper work from Fufa will be finalised.

“We would have wanted to have him play today but he is yet to get clearance from Fufa. We don’t know whether by game time, the paper work would be finalised,” explained Byekwaso.

The kasasiro boys will be without defenders Mathias Mpuuga and Lawrence Kasadha who are sidelined with injuries. They join Jackson Nunda and Hassan Wasswa Dazo who have been out since the start of the season.

Saints under the tutorship of Moses Basena lost their last game in the league against Express.

Head to head
The two sides have met on two occasions in the league with either side winning once. KCCA won the first league meeting 3-0 but the Saints earned a 2-1 victory in the reverse fixture last season.

The last loss at home in the league for KCCA came against the Saints on 18th April this year. Saints scored through Ivan Kiweewa and Alex Kitata who has since joined SC Villa. KCCA got the consolation through Nigerian midfielder Sulaimon Akinyemi.

Uganda Premier League
SC Villa vs Proline
Mandela National Stadium 4pm
Live on Azam TV

After a 10 days’ break, Uganda Premier League returns with thrilling fixtures and one of those is the game between SC Villa and Proline at Mandela national stadium on Tuesday.

The Jogoos, the only team yet to concede this season (in four games) host new Premier League side Proline who are still seeking for their first win this season.

But Deo Sserwadda, the SC Villa coach still has concerns about his attacking line scoring just three goals in four games.

“I don’t think we are struggling to score goals as many claim. Most of the players are new and just trying to jell together so goals will start flowing very soon,” he explained.

Congolese born Sina Jerome who scored the solitary goal as SC Villa won the Eid cup received clearance from his former side Rayon Sports and he is expected to earn his league debut against Proline.

Sina is one of the many foreign players that Villa has recruited this transfer window. Others include Brazilian Tiago Franca and Faudi Ndayisenga from Burundi.

SC Villa will be without defender Bernard Muwanga who picked up an injury against Lweza while goalkeeper Yasin Mugabi who has fully recovered is also expected to replace Bugembe Ashadu in goal.

On the other hand, the visitors will be without sharp shooter Edrisa Lubega who is sidelined with an injury but head coach Mujib Kasule says he has good replacements.

“Edrisa is still nursing an ankle injury he sustained against Bright stars but I believe the other players available will feel the void,” he stated.

Kasule is also expected to hand midfielder Saidi Kyeyune his debut since joining them last week from URA.

The last league meeting between SC Villa and Proline came on 17/04/2014, SC Villa won 1-0

SC Villa have won four of the last five league encounters against Proline.

The Jogoos are third on the table with eight points just one point behind leaders KCCA while Proline are 10th on 4 points.

Last five meetings
Proline 0-1 SC Villa
SC Villa 1-0 Proline
Proline 1-2 SC villa
SC Villa 2-1 Proline
Proline 1-0 SC Villa

Probable starting lineups

SC Villa
Yasin Mugabi, Joseph Nsubuga, Yesseri Waibi, Ibrahim Kiyemba, Patrick Mbowa, Lwanga Tadeo, Martin Kiiza, Mike Sserumagga, Sina Jerome, Ambrose Kiirya, Abdumalik Vitalis Tabu

Proline
Saidi Keni, Ssaka Mpiima, Farouk Musisi Kizito, Yusuf Mukisa, Savio Kabugo, David Kamista, Saidi Kyeyune, Simon Mbaziira, Nelson Ssenkatuka, Gift Ali, Emmanuel Magembe

Crested Cranes have one final chance to impress the supportive home fans who turned up in numbers to rally behind the team in the ongoing Cecafa women’s tournament when they meet wounded Ethiopian team on Tuesday in the third place playoffs.

Both teams suffered embarrassing humiliations in the semifinals stage a against Tanzania’s Kilimanjaro queens and Kenya’s Harambee starlets respectively.

Ethiopia threw away a two goal lead to lose 3-2 to the Kenyans in a thrilling game of two halves with each side taking a share in each. The Ethiopian coach Manni promised to make amends when she faces Majidah’s team.

“We made our mistakes and can’t overturn the result. It’s hard because we aimed at the championship but now the focus is on getting our last victory to end the tournament in a better way,” she said.

Crested Cranes boss Majidah Nantanda refused to take blame for fielding two players who were deemed unfit; Keeper Ruth Arturo and defender Stella Kaliba. Ruth was sick and her lack of concentration led to quick first half goals that put the team on the back foot thought the game.

“The team did their best and we lost as a team. Everyone in camp was fit to play and I still want to give other more chances to feature because what I am doing now is to build their confidence. Ethiopia will have a different approach because I have watched several of their games,” Majidah said.

Uganda has registered only two wins out of four games while Ethiopia have lost only one in the three.

No player is suspended nor reportedly injured from both camps and the coaches are unlikely to change their squads that played in the semi finals.

Hasifa Nassuna and Loss Abera will be looking to better their goal tally in the race for the golden boot. Hasifa is joint top scorer with five goals while the Ethiopian is one adrift.

Coach Alex Isabirye has seven injuries to deal with as his side Kirinya Jinja SS FC entertain Arua based Onduparaka FC in a highly billed encounter on Tuesday afternoon at the Bugembe stadium in a Uganda Premier League match.

Both sides faced off about three months ago in the Fufa big league finals with the Jinja side picking a 2-0 win to earn promotion as the champions.

Kirinya have not won a game nor scored a goal after four match days drawing blanks with URA FC, JMC Hippos and Sadolin before losing 1-0 away to Soana at Kavumba last time out.

Onduparaka are on cloud nine at the moment following two good performances that saw them hold Express FC at Wankulukuku and a 2-0 win over champions KCCA FC in Arua with Shaban Mohammed on target twice.

The school boys will have to await the late fitness test of seven key players including Johnson Wakalita, David Kiiza, Issa Baraza, Kigozzi Fredrick, Ceazer Sapeo, Ngobi Kowa and Magumba Musa.

“They have not been ruled out completely so we’ll have to await their late tests to determine if they will be fielded otherwise the rest of the squad is ready for the game and expect our first win,” Isabirye said.

Onduparaka have a clean bill of health with all the twenty players who travelled fit for selection but assistant coach Livingston Mbabazi warns of complacency.

“This game is harder than the KCCA game because they (Kirinya) have not won a game and will come out fighting for the three points,” he told ChimpSport adding that “I have told my boys to up their game, we equally need the points. No one wants to travel for 500km to lose points.”

Team captain Mohammed Shaban puts his hopes high and is ready to avenge the big league finals loss in this game. “We have to remain calm and focus on our game tomorrow. They beat us in big league but this is a different chapter with so many changes, specifically in our side.”

The match will kick off at 4:30 pm

Uganda Premier League
JMC Hippos vs Vipers
Kakindu stadium 4:30pm

Vipers make a trip to Jinja to play against boggy side Jinja Municipal Council (JMC) Hippos on Tuesday at Kakindu stadium.

The Hippos have started the league with dismal performances, yet to win a game this season and sit rock bottom of the 16- league table with just two points in four games.

The departure of play marker and skipper Richard Wandyaka and striker Ivan Lubaale to URA and Sadolin Paints respectively has left the club with a gaping hole in the attacking area.

Besides, assistant coach James Odoch has also switched allegiance joining the tax collectors in Lugazi.

Vipers come into this game on the back of a hard fought win over Bul, another Jinja based and bear in mind that a win will keep them in the title contention.

The last time the two sides met in the league, the game ended in a barren draw.

Abdallah Mubiru, the Vipers head coach will be without forward Tony Odur who is out injured but he receives boost with the return of Brian Kakaire, Musa Esenu and William Wadri.

On the other hand, JMC Hippos head coach Vincent Lukyamuzi will try make amends from the 3-1 defeat against URA that sees lie in the drop zone.

Vipers are second on the table with eight points while JMC Hippos occupy 16th spot with just a single point.

She Cranes coach Majidah Nantanda has made four changes from the squad that lost 4-1 to Tanzania in her quest to claim the bronze medal in the CECAFA women championship climaxing at Njeru in Tuesday.

The She Cranes face off with Ethiopia in the third place playoffs some minutes to 2pm

The squad.
Fatuma Matovu starts in goal ahead of Ruth Aturo who has been setting in the previous games. Aturo’s fate could have been decided by her dismal performance where she gave in two quick goals in the early minutes.

Ritah Nabosa has also been given a starting berth replacing Joan Nakirya who was rushed to hospital after collision. Joan has been sidelined completely from the game.

Other changes are Tracy Akiror who takes Name Nagadya’s role in the midfield and Christine Nambirige returning after missing out in the last game.

Matovu Fatuma (GK), Christine Wanyana, Ritah Nabosa, Gladys Nakito, Yudaya Nakayenze, Jean Sseninde, Stella Kaliba, Christine Nambirige, Hasifa Nassuna, Zaina Namuleme, Fazirah Ikwaput.

Namuddu Ruth Arturo, Tracy Akiror, Shakira Nalwooga, Name Nagadya, Sandra Nantumbwe, Viola Namuddu

Ethiopia XI: Martha Bekele, Birtukan Gebrekirstos, Tirunchi Mengesha, Tsion Estifanos, Atekelte Ashenafi, Etsegenet Bizuneh, Emebet Addisu, Berktawit Girma, Losa Abera, Erehima Zekegaw, Shetaya Sisaya.

Uganda Crested Cranes are trailing Ethiopia 2-1 at halftime despite taking an early lead in the third place playoff match at the Fufa technical centre in Njeru.

Hassifa Nassuna extended her overall goal tally in the tournament early in the fourth minute after getting at the end of a mid-long clearance to loop over Ethiopia’s custodian Martha Bekele who was off her line.

Erhima Zeregaw pulled the Ethiopians level a dozen minutes later heading in Shetaya Sisaya’s cross from the left wing after dummying par two defenders.

Erhima nearly added another seconds after restart pouncing on wanyana’s failed clearance then slotted past Matovu but the ball hit the post.

Coach Majidah was forced to make an early substitution after Tracy Akiror failed to return after a collision with Emedit. Shakira Nalwooga replaced.

Erhima added the second goal minutes later to put the visitors ahead into the break.

Lineups:

Uganda: Matovu Fatuma (GK), Christine Wanyana, Ritah Nabosa, Gladys Nakito, Yudaya Nakayenze, Jean Sseninde, Stella Kaliba, Christine Nambirige, Hasifa Nassuna, Zaina Namuleme, Fazirah Ikwaput.

Namuddu Ruth Arturo, Tracy Akiror, Shakira Nalwooga, Name Nagadya, Sandra Nantumbwe, Viola Namuddu

Ethiopia XI: Martha Bekele, Birtukan Gebrekirstos, Tirunchi Mengesha, Tsion Estifanos, Atekelte Ashenafi, Etsegenet Bizuneh, Emebet Addisu, Berktawit Girma, Losa Abera, Erehima Zekegaw, Shetaya Sisaya.

Officials;
CR: Carolyne Wanjala
1st Asst: Mary Njoroge
2nd asst: Speciose Nyinawabari
4th: Mukansanga Salma

Women’s CECAFA championship
Third place playoff
Uganda 1-4 Ethiopia

Uganda crested cranes settled for fourth spot after succumbing to Ethiopia in the third place playoff final on Tuesday at Njeru technical centre.

The Ethiopian came back from a goal down to win 4-1 and finish the third team at the 2016 Women’s CECAFA championship.

Hasifa Nassuna gave the hosts an early lead after settling to a mid long range clearance to lobe the ball past onrushing Ethiopia’s goalkeeper Martha Bekele who had moved off her line.

The Ethiopians responded quickly with Erhime Zeregaw slotting home 12 minutes later after a poor clearance from goalkeeper Fatuma Matovu.

Crested cranes were forced to make an early substitution 20 minutes into the game when combative midfielder Tracy Akiror was stretched  off and replaced by Shakira Nalwogga.

The visitors then took the lead at the stoke of halftime wlth Zerergaw netting her second of the day to give Ethiopia an halftime lead.

The Lucky remained dominant dominant even after recess and Zerergaw completed her hat trick in the 69th minute finishing into an empty net after the hosts lost possession.

Losa Abera completed the rout with 10 minutes to time also firing into an empty net to take her goal tally to five the entire campaign.

Cranes starting XI
Fatuma Matovu, Kaliba Nassuna Stella, Gladys Nakitto, Christine Wanyana,Jean Peace Sseninde,Tracy Akiror,Nabossa Rita,Fazirah Ikwaput, Hasifa Nassuna, Christine Nambirigge

Ethiopia starting XI
Martha Bekele,Birtuken Gebrekirstos,Tirunchi Mengesha,Tshion Estifanos,Emebet Addisu,Berktawt Girma,Losa Abera,Erehima Zekegaw,Shetaya Sisaya