Uganda Cranes coach Milutin ‘Micho’ Sredojevic has moved to calm fears that may arise amongst the fans after the 1-0 loss to Togo on Tuesday in Lome.

“This game today (Togo) and that of Ghana on Friday have no connections,” Micho said. “We are totally different team when we play friendly and competitive game.”

The Sparrow Hawks netted the sole goal in the match at the half hour mark through Lalawele Atakora. Togo was using the match as part of their preparations for the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations while Uganda was setting up for World cup qualifiers against Ghana on Friday in Tamale.

“We are happy to have played one very good match which was competitive. It enabled us to evaluate our players. We have also hidden something which we shall put on Friday (against Ghana).

Lineups

Uganda XI: Salim Jamal, Nicholas Wadada, Godfrey Walusimbi, Isaac Isinde, Murshid Jjuuko, Hassan Wasswa, Luwagga Kizito, Dennis Iguma, Geoffrey Massa, Khalid Aucho, Farouk Miya.

Uganda Cranes Starting eleven

Togo XI: Kossi Agassa, Djene Dakonam, Alaixys Romao, Sadate Ouro-Akoriko, Maklibè Kouloun, Ihlas Bebou, Lalawele Atakora, Henritsè Eninful, Matthieu Dossevi, Razak Boukari, Emmanuel Adebayor

Reigning league champions City Oilers booked a berth in the semifinals of the ongoing Zone V basketball club championship in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania after winning their third game.

City Oilers defeated home side ABC 81-49 to make it three wins in three games and secure a slot in the semifinals.

The Mande Juruni’s charges swept through the four quarters starting explosively taking the first quarter 21-7 before widening the gap to 18 points with Oilers leading 38-20 at halftime.

After recess, last year’s finalists Oilers combined for 43 points in the final two quarters to win 81-49.

Stanley Ociti led the scores with a game high 15 points while Kami Kabange and Ben Komakech fetched 11 points apiece.

City Oilers take on Rwanda outfit Espoir on Wednesday to determine who tops group B with both sides still unbeaten.

Uganda’s other representative UCU Canons finally got their first win after losing to Rwanda’s Patriots and USIU from Kenya in the opening games.

The Canons defeated Savio 77-63 on Tuesday with skipper Jonathan Egau fetching a game high 22 points. They play Nat Engineers from South Sudan on Wednesday in their final group A game.

In the women’s category UCU lady Canons maintained their perfect record edging past Kenya’s KPA 64-60 while KCCA Leopards who lost their first game after arriving late, played two games on Tuesday and won both of them.

Leopards defeated JKT 77-58 before easing past Don Bosco 69-35.

Tuesday results
Women: UCU lady Canons 64-60 KPA
Women: KCCA Leopards 77-58 JKT
Women: KCCA Leopards 69-35 Don Bosco

Men: UCU Canons 77-63 Savio
Men: City Oilers 81-49 ABC

She Cranes will have to compete for the third place against South Africa’s second string side the President’s XII after suffering third loss against Zimbabwe on Tuesday in the ongoing diamond challenge.

Zimbabwe, ranked 21st in the globe, actualized their plan and finished off the game in the first half of the game against the Ugandans who started on a slow pace.

The Southern Africans carried the first quarter with a narrow 11-10 before a spectacular second quarter which saw them pull away to open a six point gap ending 23-17 at halftime.

Coach Rashid Mubiru’s halftime pep talk nearly yielded results but the Ugandans were pegged by their lacklustre start to the game. The She Cranes win both the last two quarters 11-9 and 11-10 which was not enough to overturn the six point gap with the Zimbabweans claiming 42-39 at the final whistle.

Pauline Jani from Zimbabwe was voted the  winning Player of the Match.

In the other game, SPAR Proteas beat their compatriots President XII 56-36 to maintain a perfect run.

Uganda Team: C: Meeme, GA:Nanyonga.F, WD:Nanyonga.R, GD:Nanteza, WA:Nakacwa, GS:Oyella, GK: Soigi,

Reserves:  Akello, Eyaru, Nambi, Nakiwa, Namirembe
Coach: Rashid Mubiru

Zimbabwe Team: C: Hlonwane, GA: Tinoza, WD: Mauladi, GD: Kwangwa, GK: Dziva, WA: Siyachitema, GS: Jani,

Reserves: Karume, Madzikangava, Matura, Mukwadi, Nkosana
Coach: Ledwin Dondo

New She Makerere football team head coach Hadijah Namuyanja is confident her team is preparing well ahead of the start of the third edition of the Fufa Women Elite league.

Namuyanja popularly known as Lady Mourihno is optimistic the university side will improve their performances in the forthcoming season in comparison to the previous campaigns.

“I have been here for a few days but we have improved a lot, the girls have been working hard and have showed commitment. Therefore I believe this will boost us in the coming season,” she said after training on Tuesday.

Namuyanja who has been at the club now for the third week is not worried about the challenge of guiding the team in a competitive league.

“Of course I am aware of the challenge ahead of me but as a professional coach, i have pressure in my work. All I need to do is to make sure that we keep improving and am sure She Makerere will be a better team this time round,” she explained.

About boosting the squad with new players ahead of the new season, Namuyanja said she will first have to study which areas need to address.

” At the moment, we are not thinking about new faces but we need to first focus on what we have at hand and maybe add two or three players in departments that need to be beefed up,” said Namuyanja.

The soft spoken lady replaced Douglas Bamweyana who was at the team for the previous two seasons.

She Makerere finished in sixth position in the Victoria group of the Fufa women elite league last season surviving relegation by a whisker.

Maroons FC and Masavu FC travel away from home to Northern and western to face Moroto united and Suncity in Kasese for their fourth games in the Fufa big league games lined up on Thursday.

The Prisons side are fourth but have a chance to move top of the chart with a win against the Moroto side that has not won a single game in the division with only one draw and three losses.

Ndejje University and Paidha Black Angels lead the Elgon table but have played two and three games more than Busia Fisheries and Maroons.

Busia Make a daunting trip to the dreaded Bariffa stadium to play a wounded Dove All Stars who lost 3-0 to Paidha in a West Nile derby last week.

Masavu who lead Rwenzori group with seven after three games have to travel to Sun city who have not lost a game yet.

Still in Rwenzori, Artland Katale/Kamuli park will look to get their first point in the league when they host a tricky Kira United in their second game at home. They recently lost to Paidha 1-0, the same margin registered when they homed Ndejje University in their first game in Kamuli

Fixture

Elgon
Dove All Stars vs Busia Fisheries
Artland Katale vs Kira United
Moroto vs Maroons

Rwenzori
Water vs Boma Young
Suncity vs Masavu
Entebbe vs Kataka FC

Uganda’s representatives at the ongoing Zone V club basketball Championship City Oilers and Uganda Christian University (UCU) Lady Canons will be seeking for more success as they resume action on Thursday.

National basketball league defending champions City Oilers take on Kenya’s United States International University (USIU) on Thursday evening in the second semifinal in the men’s category.

Mande Juruni’s coached finished top of group B with maximum points winning all the four games in the group. They take on USIU who claimed the second spot in group B behind Rwanda’s Patriots.

City Oilers defeated Espoir from Rwanda 78-54 on Wednesday to ensure they take top spot with Samuel Ociti getting a game high 18 points.

The NBL champions will be aiming to make it to the final for the second time in a row after a narrow defeat (73-75) to Egypt’s Gezira in the finals last year in Rwanda.

A win for City Oilers in the semifinal clash will ensure the 3 time league champions will book a place in the FIBA-Africa club championship slated for December in Cairo, Egypt.

The other semifinal will see debutants Patriots of Rwanda take on Kenya’s Ulinzi at 7pm(local time).

In the women’s category, UCU lady canons who are still unbeaten winning all the four games they have played take on Rwanda’s Ubumwe with an aim of securing one of the two slots for the women’s FIBA Africa club championship in Mozambique in December.

With two games left in the round robin format, the Nicholas Natuhereza coached side need to overcome Ubumwe on Thursday before playing KPA in the final game on Friday.

Gezira are the defending champions in the men’s category after defeating City Oilers 75-73 last year.

Rachael Nanyonga produced a memorable show as Uganda fought hard to pick a 54 all draw against President’s XII in their last match of the 2016 Diamond league played at the University of Durban-Westville on Wednesday night.

The She Cranes were unfortunate not to return home with a single victory despite controlling three quarters of the game.

The Rashid Mubiru’s ladies hit a dozen opening a four point gap into the second quarter but later slipped to allow the South Africans to pull 16-15 win.

Rachael Nanyonga was voted player of the match

They returned energized from the halftime breather to extend their lead to 42 goals to President XII’s 37.

Hosts pulled a comeback in the last quarter to level 54-54.

South Africa’s main team SPAR Proteas thumped Zimbabwe 68-34 to maintain 100% record and claim their second consecutive title.

President’s XII Team: C: Dreyer, GA: Lombard, WD: Phuza, GD: Sithebe, GK: Steyn, WA: Uys, GS: Du Plessis,

Reserves: De Bruin, Mdau, Nhleko, Puren, Venter
Coach: Dorette Badenhorst

Uganda Team: C: Meeme, GA:Nanyonga.R, WD:Namirembe, GD:Nanteza, WA:Nambi, GS:Soigi, GK:Nanyonga.F,

Reserves:  Akello, Eyaru, Nakiwu, Nakachwa, Oyella
Coach: Rashid Mubiru

Uganda Cranes duo Geoffrey Massa and midfielder Khalid Aucho are on course for their debut at newly promoted Premier Soccer League club Baroka FC.

The news was confirmed by the club’s Chief executive officer Mr. Morgan Mammila.

“They (Massa and Aucho) are both ready to play for the team now as they both received their papers last week,” Morgan told Kick Off.

Massa joined the Ga-Mphahlele club from Bloemfontein Celtic  on a one year deal while Aucho moved crossed over from Kenya’s Gor Mahia FC after an unsuccessful trials in Scotland.

According to Baroka, the duo’s clearance delayed because of international assignment against Comoros.

“We applied late for their work permits because they were both in their national team last month,” he added.

The club is currently twelfth with four points from one win and a draw. The duo is expected to feature in the next game against Cape Town City FC on Saturday 15th October.

Fufa Big League
Water 3-0 Boma Young

Water football club registered their first win in the Fufa Big League this season after a comprehensive win against Boma Young on Tuesday.

After dismal performances in their opening fixtures that saw them lose 1-0 to Hope Doves, a 2-2 draw at home to Bazaar Holdings and a 1-1 against Kireka United, Water got off the mark winning their first game this season.

A brace from forward Isaac Kisujju and midfielder Dennis Latek ensured Water won 3-0 in a game played at Kibuli SS playground.

The home side started explosively with Kisujju getting on the score sheet as early as the 15th minute when he beat Boma Young’s offside trap to strike from Dennis Latek’s free kick.

Two minutes later, Kisujju had a chance to double the lead but was denied by the visitor’s goalkeeper Jamil Kiyimba who parried away the ball for a corner.

Water FC and Boma Young in Action

The home side continued to dominate the proceedings and veteran striker Yusuf Kinene came close to find the target five minutes after recess but an acrobatic save from Kiyimba had his effort ricochet off the crossbar.

Kisujju doubled the lead for Water a minute after the hour mark when he met Fred Kalanzi’s cross to fire into the bottom left corner of the net.

Former Jinja Municipal Council (JMC) Hippos midfielder Latek put the game beyond reach with a thunderous shot just outside the area.

Water players join Latek to celebrate third goal

Water coach Bainomugisha Vialli said the win will give them momentum ahead of their next fixtures.

“I am happy that we got our first win today. The performance was excellent and I believe the result today will give us a big boost in out next games,” he said after the game.

The result means Water move to five points after four games while Boma Young are yet to pick a point losing all their three games this season.

Kisujju in action against Boma Young

Water starting XI: Mathias Sseruyange,Mubarak Tenywa(60′ Edson Kahebwa),Sunday Ariaraka,Denis Mugerwa,Edrisa Kiyemba,Denis Okello,,Mustapha Lubobo(54′ Rashid Kyambadde), Isaac Kisujju,Fred Kalanzi,Yusuf Kinene ( 54′ Bright Haguma)

Boma Young starting XI: Jamil Kiyimba, Adora Moses, Patrick Mugume, Mutumwa Rogers, Maxwell Ocuwung, Kirungi Mukh-Taar, Parlo Dennis ( 53″ Abiriga Patrick), Collins Swadig (66′ Adriko Ham), Godfrey Abigaba (65′ Edson Tumwesige), Saip Maliyamungu, Dan Ometum

Thursday FBL Results:
Moroto 1-3 Maroons
Water 3-0 Boma Young
Suncity SC 1-0 Masavu fc
Entebbe 2-0 Kataka
Artland K 1-1 Kira UTD
Dove All Stars 1-1 Busia Fisheries

After a successful 2017 Afcon qualification campaign, Uganda now takes on another laborious task to see the country go for the first ever Fifa world cup.

The Cranes have already arrived in Tamale after a 1-0 loss in a buildup friendly in Lome against Togo. Nevertheless, we shall not focus a lot on that going by Cranes past three friendlies where they failed the buildup and excelled in the qualifiers.

The hosts don’t hold any better past as they too lost with the same margin against Russia in a friendly last month.

The last time both teams met in a qualifier was in the road to the 2015 Afcon; Uganda picked a draw away and a win at home from the Stars. Both countries were pooled in group two of the 2006 World Cup qualifiers; Ghana picked a late draw through Asamoah Gyan at Namboole after David Obua had put the Cranes ahead. Amoah and Essien ensured a return leg win.

Overall, Cranes have faced Ghana twelve times, winning and drawing three apiece.

Tonny Mawejje scored Uganda’s first half goal in Tamale the last time at the stadium which was later cancelled by Andrew Ayew’s later controversial penalty.

Ghana are ranked fifth in Africa according to the latest Fifa rankings and sit 43rd globally. The Cranes are fifteenth and sit on the 65th place in the world.

FORM GUIDE
Ghana-LDWDWWD
Uganda- LWDWLDL

Strong points
For the Cranes, it’s hard to pick one man to rely on but goalie Dennis Onyango has a key role to play to stop Ghana’s attack that has seen them score eight goals in the last four competitive games

Ghana’s man to watch
Asamoah Gyan is one of the men to pick out in the Black stars camp, 48 goals in his ninety appearances is no mean feat. He last scored at Tamale against Guinea last year in a 3-1 victory. He is also Africa’s record leading scorer in the world cup.

“It will be good to score again but the most important thing is to help my team to victory. The people of Tamale have always been supportive and we bank on them,” Gyan said.

Coach Avram Grant summoned a very strong 23-man squad composed largely European based players. The coach complained a lot on the status of the playground at Tamale but still promised to work out a win.

“The pitch is in dire state but that’s not an excuse. Our target is the same to win and do everything to be in Russia. It’s a tough group every team has a chance of qualifying,” said Avram

Micho is expected to maintain his winning squad with Dennis Onyango and Joseph Ochaya returning to the first team after missing in the starting team that lost to Togo. The Serbian has however played down the hype that the team could make a surprise and qualify for the first time.

“We play one match at a time and therefore can’t speak whether we will qualify because our part is to play and win games. The match against Togo has nothing connected to Ghana’s game, we play a different when it’s a competitive match,” Micho said.

Possible Lineup:

Uganda: D. Onyango, J. Ochaya, M. Jjuuko, I. Isinde, D. Iguma, K. Aucho, T. Mawejje, F. Miya, L. Kizito, M. Oloya, G. Massa

Zone V championship Semifinals
City Oilers 76-34 USIU

City Oilers reached the 2016 Zone V club basketball championship in fantastic style after outwitting Kenya’s United States International University (USIU) in the semifinals played on Thursday in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.

The Uganda representatives overcame USIU 76-34 to reach this year’s final unbeaten in four games.

City Oilers just like they have done the entire campaign, started explosively winning the first quarter 20-05  before stretching the gap to 15 points taking a 35-15 lead at halftime.

It was even worse for the Kenyan side when last year’s finalists took the third quarter 58-29. The gap was further stretched to 42 points in the final quarter with the game ending 76-34.

Mande Jurini, the oilers coach started with a strong team with Jimmy Enabu,Stanley Ociiti,Landry Ndikumana,Kami Kabange and Ben Komakech making the starting five.

Jimmy Enabu had a game high 15 points while Landry Ndikumana also added 12 points to help City Oilers reach their second final in a row. The result means the 3 time league champions earned a slot at this year’s FIBA Africa club championship in Cairo, Egypt in December.

Oilers take on Kenya’s Ulinzi in the finals on Friday after the latter defeated Patriots from Rwanda in the other semifinal. The two teams were in Group B and City Oilers won 93-55 on Saturday last week.

In the Ladies category, Uganda Christian University (UCU) Lady Canons’ hopes of sealing a slot to the FIBA Africa club championship were dented after falling to Rwanda’s Ubomwe 87-85 throwing away a 17 point lead but have a chance to seal the final slot if they can get past Kenya’s USIU on Friday in the final game.

Last season, Proline’s Edrisa ‘Torres’ Lubega entered history books by becoming the first player to score eleven goals in his first eleven Fufa big league games. He went on to scoop the golden boot with a total of 21 goals, with two coming in the playoffs finals.

This season has just entered match day four for most of the teams and Busia fisheries’ Malango Ndjidu already has six from four appearances.

The youngster hit the sixth to help his side to pick a one all away draw at the Barifa stadium against Dove All Stars. He scored a hattrick in his debut against Simba and a brace against Ndejje University.

The draw pushed the Joseph Mutyaba side to third place with eight points though have two games at hand.

In the other matches, Entebbe grabbed first win following a 2-0 result over Kataka FC while Artland Katale failed to overcome a stubborn Kira United who held to 1-1.

Maroons FC moved top of the Elgon group after pounding new boys Moroto FC 3-1 away. Suncity defeated Masavu 1-0 in Kasese.

The games continue on Saturday.

Other Results.

Fufa Big League
Moroto 1-3 Maroons

Water 3-0 Boma Young

Suncity SC 1-0 Masavu fc

Entebbe 2-0 Kataka

Artland K 1-1 Kira UTD

Dove All Stars 1-1 Busia Fisheries

Arua based topflight club Onduparaka FC have started internal investigations to verify rumors circulating that their Club Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Mr. Anthony Affeti falsified documents which he presented to Fufa.

According to the information making rounds, Offeti presented his brother’s (Marvin Offeti’s) documents for the Fufa administration course.

Fufa spokesman Ahmed Hussein confirmed to this website that there were some irregularities but could not disclose further because the case was under investigations.

“True there is a matter we are following that has signs of irregularities in football administration. However we are handling internally hand in hand with the Fufa competitions committee and club licensing committee,” said Hussein.

Onduparaka confirmed on their official social platforms that they have launched investigations and will act accordingly after the findings.

“We have received allegations from a section of people on social media regarding the qualifications of the club Chief Executive Officer Mr. Anthony Afeti,” The statement partly reads.

“We would like to assure our fans and sponsors that the club is treating these allegations with the seriousness it deserves. We have started internal investigations and appropriate action shall be taken based on the findings. We would like to assure our fans that as a club, we subscribe to very high standards of professionalism and expect the same of all our staff, players and all stakeholders.

The club called for patience from the fans and support during Tuesday’s game away to URA.

Black Stars coach Avram Grant has named his starting team to face Uganda in the 2018 World cup qualifier group E opener in Tamale on Friday evening.

The squad comprises only European and Asia based players led by leading scorer Asamoah Gyan.

Gyan has scored 48 goals in 90 appearances for Ghana and he will be partnering with Aston Villa striker Jordan Ayew in the attack.

Razak Braimah who plies his trade in Spain for Cordoba FC has been handed the gloves and will be shielded by Daniel Amartey and Jonathan Boye who will sit in the heart of defense.

Schalke 04 defender, Baba Rahman, Harrison Afful operate the respective left and right wing backs.

The midfield will be controlled by Chelsea FC’s Christian Atsu, Afriyie Acquah (Torino, Italy), Mubarak Wakaso (Panathinaikos, Greece) and Frank Acheampong (Anderlecht, Belgium)

Ghana squad: Razak Braimah -GK (Cordoba, Spain), Daniel Amartey (Leicester),  Harrison Afful (Columbus Crew, USA), Baba Rahman (Schalke, Germany), John Boye (Sivasspor, Turkey). Christian Atsu (Chelsea, England), Afriyie Acquah (Torino, Italy), Mubarak Wakaso (Panathinaikos, Greece), Frank Acheampong (Anderlecht, Belgium), Asamoah Gyan (Al Ahli, UAE), Jordan Ayew (Aston Villa, England),

2018 World Cup Qualifier
Friday 7 October 2015
Ghana vs Uganda
Tamale stadium, Ghana
Time: 6:30pm local time

Coach Milutin Sredojevic has released a strong team that will start the world cup group E tie against Ghana’s Black startle in Tamale.

Team captain Geoffrey Massa has been dropped to the bench while dependable goalie Dennis Onyango reclaims his position in between the sticks after sitting out during Tuesday’s 1-0 loss to Togo in an international friendly in Lome.

Murshid Jjuko and Isaac Isinde continue their parntership in the two center back positions while Joseph Ochaya also returns to the first team in the left back.

Nicholas Wadada who was impressive against Comoros continues his duty in the right back position while Dennis Iguma is pushed to a more advanced role to provide more cover for the back line.

Mid maestro Tonny Mawejje and Khalid Aucho’s formidable partnership has been deployed to man the midfield zone as Farouk Miya, Moses Oloya and William Luwagga Kizito’s main task is to create chances.

The game kicks of at exactly 4:30 pm in Ghana about 6:30 pm local time in Uganda.

Lineup:
Denis Onyango (GK), Wadada Nicholas, Joseph Ochaya, Murushid Juuko, Isaac Isinde, Khalid Aucho, Denis Iguma, Tony Mawejje, Moses Oloya, Kizito Luwagga and Farouk Miya.

Subs: Salim Jamal (GK), Benjamin Ochan (GK), Hassan Wasswa, Geoffrey Massa, Yunus Sentamu, Hamis Kizza, Geoffrey Kizito, Godfrey Walusimbi

2018 world cup qualifier
Friday 7 October 2015
HalfTime: Ghana vs Uganda
Tamale stadium, Ghana
Time: 6:30 local time

Uganda started pressing their hosts from the first whistle with the first attempt on goal presenting in the second minute but Iguma’s final product flew away after some good build up.

Wadada was back with another try two minutes later with a long run down his right flank and into the box but Braimah was called into action intercepting the short pass intended for Oloya.

The right back made another chance in the 19th minute which went begging across the six yard. Wadada was later booked for a poor challenge on Frank Achiempong just minutes after.

Jjuuko was also booked for a high open boot towards Ayew and handling the ball.

Ghana’s chances.
The Black stars shook the Cranes back line with two half chances in the 33rd and 38th minute. The former saw Harrison Afful taking advantage of a miscommunication in the Cranes left wing and paced to the corner before releasing a long cross which Ayew blasted wide on his first touch. Onyango was also forced to make a goal mouth save from Achiiempong’s low shot.

Ayew, Atsu and Gyan also had their attempts drift wide during the last ten minutes.

How they lined up:
Grant was forced to make a late change to his squad after Jonathan Mensah picked an injury during warm up bringing in Leicester City’s Daniel Amartey.

Ghana: Razak Braimah -GK, Harrison Afful, Daniel Amartey, Baba Rahman, John Boye, Christian Atsu, Afriyie Acquah, Mubarak Wakaso, Frank Acheampong, Asamoah Gyan, Jordan Ayew.

Adam Kwarasey, Richard Ofori, Jeffery Schlupp, Edwin Gyimah, Gilbert Koomson, Thomas Partey, Enock Adu Kofi, Samuel Tetteh, Emmanuel Agyemang-Badu, Abdul Majeed Waris, David Accam

Uganda: Denis Onyango (GK), Wadada Nicholas, Joseph Ochaya, Murushid Juuko, Isaac Isinde, Khalid Aucho, Denis Iguma, Tony Mawejje, Moses Oloya, Kizito Luwagga and Faruku Miya.

Subs: Salim Jamal (GK), Benjamin Ochan (GK), Hassan Wasswa, Geoffrey Massa, Yunus Sentamu, Hamis Kizza, Geoffrey Kizito, Godfrey Walusimbi

The Cranes made a relatively decent start with Dennis Iguma making the first attempt at the second minute though went wide.

Vipers Captain Nicholas Wadada made good runs in the first period though they bore no fruits. His first was in the fourth minute run down the right wing but his low angular cut in cross was firmly hugged by Braimah in Ghana goal. His other to be assist just wandered inside the box and was picked up again.

Both sides kept on the toes with sequential attacks which failed to yield to the break.

Team captains Gyan and Onyango pose with the match officials

Second half changes.
Grant was forced to make the first change of the game bringing on Emmanuel Abdu for Afriyie Acquah who was stretched off after failing to recover from a tackle.

The coach also introduced Leicester star Jeffrey Schulpp for Acheampong and then Majeed Waris in Christian Atsu’s place.

Micho introduced team captain Geoffrey Massa just a minute to the interval pulling out Mawejje. The gangly forward was shockingly relegated to the bench at the start.

The coach was also compelled to introduce a more experienced Hassan Waswa to cover up Nicholas Wadada who had just received a caution. The right back appeared to have received his first card in the 22nd minute for a sliding tackle on Achiempong but was lucky not to be sent off. The final substitution saw Oloya paving way for Godfrey Walusimbi

Uganda will host Congo in the second qualifiers on November 12th at Namboole while Ghana travel Egypt a day after.

The other group E clash will see Congo hosting Egypt on Sunday 9th in Kitente.

cranes lineup

Lineups:
Ghana: Razak Braimah -GK, Harrison Afful, Daniel Amartey, Baba Rahman, John Boye, Christian Atsu(80′ Majeed War is), Afriyie Acquah(57′ Emmanuel Abdu),  Mubarak Wakaso, Frank Acheampong(77′ Jeffery Schlupp), Asamoah Gyan, Jordan Ayew.

Adam Kwarasey, Richard Ofori, Edwin Gyimah, Gilbert Koomson, Thomas Partey, Enock Adu Kofi, Samuel Tetteh, Emmanuel Agyemang-Badu, Abdul Majeed Waris, David Accam

Uganda: Denis Onyango (GK), Wadada Nicholas(60’Hassan Waswa), Joseph Ochaya, Murushid Juuko, Isaac Isinde, Khalid Aucho, Denis Iguma, Tony Mawejje (58′ Geoffrey Massa), Moses Oloya(77′ Godfrey Walusimbi),  Kizito Luwagga and Faruku Miya.

Subs: Salim Jamal (GK), Benjamin Ochan (GK),Yunus Sentamu, Hamis Kizza, Geoffrey Kizito,

National Basketball League (NBL) defending champions finally made a statement in regional basketball after defeating Ulinzi on Friday to win the Zone V basketball championship.

After two unsuccessful tries, City Oilers got it right on the third attempt defeating Kenya’s Ulinzi 72-49 in Dar es Salaam,Tanzania.

The Mande Juruni coached side who finished the tournament unbeaten in six games led  through all the quarters taking the opening quarter 18-9 before stretching the lead in the second period to  30-21 and have a nine point gap heading into halftime.

The Kenyan side attempted a comeback after recess but City Oilers combined for 42 points to ease past Ulinzi who managed 28 points in the final two sets.

Jimmy Enabu who was voted the tournament’s MVP scored 17 points a game high only shared by teammate Kami Kabange.

City Oilers and Ulinzi will represent Zone V at the FIBA Africa club basketball championship slated for December in Cairo,Egypt.

Uganda’s other representative Uganda Christian University (UCU) Canons finished sixth winning just one point.

In the Lady’s category, last year’s finalists KCCA Leopards succumbed to a heavy 72-27 defeat to KPA to end the tournament 3-3.

UCU Lady Canons also missed out on the chance to play at the Africa club championship after a 53-57 loss to USIU to end the championship in third position.

Coach Joseph Mutyaba’s Busia Fisheries make a daunting trip in their second and last game in the West Nile region on Saturday as they cross from Arua to Paidha to face the black Angels in their sixth game of the season.

Busia Fisheries forced a one all draw at Dove All Stars through Malango Ndjidu’s strike and are expecting to make a better presentation at the Barokoro stadium.

The hosts, Paidha have not lost a league game at their stadium since last season and expect to build on the 1-0 win registered last week against Artland Katale from Kamuli.

In the other match to be played in the Elgon group, Nyamityobora FC will be seeking their maiden victory when they host Baza Holdings in Mbarara.

Synergy FC host Kireka united in Masaka while Entebbe FC play Hope Doves in the two games lined up in the Rwenzori group.

Fixtures
Elgon:.
Paidha Black Angels vs Busia Fisheries -Zombo
Nyamityobora vs Baza Holdings – Nyamityobora

Rwenzori:
Synergy Fc vs Kireka UTD- Masaka
Entebbe vs Hope Doves – Bugonga

She Cranes skipper Peace Proscovia has rejoined Loughborough Lightning in a new two seasons deal that will keep her at the varsity till 2018.

Proscovia joined the college in 2015 and made his debut for the team in the British Universities and Colleges Sport (BUCS) in a 57-34 victory over University of Manchester.

“I’m so thankful to the management of Loughborough Lightning for giving me the opportunity to come and play overseas as I never thought I’d have that chance – the 2015 and 2016 seasons fulfilled my dream,” Proscovia noted.

She will be tasked to balance the game with education after enrolling for a Masters of Science Marketing at the University’s School of Business and Economics.

“It’s a privilege to be able to do a Master’s of Science in Marketing at Loughborough University and every single day I’m thanking god, as if it wasn’t for Loughborough I couldn’t do my studies overseas.”

Lightning Head Coach Karen Atkinson expressed her excitement in roping back the 2015 world netball star in her team.

“We are super excited to have Peace back for the third successive season with Loughborough Lightning,” Coach Karen Atkinson said adding that “It is even more special that she is able to start her Masters course, which she has been excited about for a long time. It is also fantastic for our University Performance Squad that she can represent Loughborough University in the BUCS League.”

“As a coach, it gives me four and a half months to work with Peace in advance of the Super League season which we have never had before. I am excited about the progress we can make during that time and how much we can strengthen and add to her game.”

Proscovia will be unveiled officially in a fortnight together with other new signings.