Kirinya Jinja SS junior team lead striker Fred Massa salvaged a point for his team against The Saints as the two squared to a one all draw on Sunday in Jinja. Aaron Stuart Mutebi scored to the visitors.

The school boys move to seventeen points but drop to fourth place after Soana JT and SC Villa registered huge wins.

Soana thumped JMC Hippos 3-0 at their home in Bishop Stuart School in Mukono. Hakim Damulira, Ivan Ssekidde and Sulaiman Kimbungwe were all on target.

At Villa Park, Hosts SC Villa Jogoo edged their rivals Express FC 3-1 through Charles Lwanga’s double and Aloysius Wasswa. Captain Billy Nkata consoled the eaglets.

Jinja sides BUL JT and Sadolin Paints JT both suffered identical 1-0 home defeats against Proline and KCCA Soccer Academies.

Sadat Anaku’s goal ensured KCCA SA maintained their ten point lead in the Treble group. Lweza Orange Brigade lead the Hattrick group.

Summary results

BUL JT 0-1 Proline SA – Kakindu
Sadolin Paints JT 0-1 KCCA SA – Bugembe
SC Villa Jogoo JT 3-1 Express JT – Villa
Kirinya Jinja JT 1-1 The Saints JT -Jinja SS
Soana SA 3-0 JMC Hippos – Bishop SS, Mukono

Reports coming from Dubai indicate that one of the Uganda Cranes’ fans who attended the match against Slovakia has died.

The unidentified lady fell from one of the stands at the Armed Forces stadium which was the venue of the match.

ChimpSport has also learnt that the deceased was intoxicated before the unfortunate incident occurred.

“It is sad that one of our (Uganda Cranes) fans dropped from the stands and crushed her head,” one of the fans who attended the game, Mr. Silo Methro told ChimpSport.

“The accident happened just when we were entering the stadium. She was badly injured and immediately rushed out of the stadium by an ambulance but there was little hope.”

Dubai medical officers reportedly refused to attend to her because “she was drunk”

The accident had initially forced the authorities to close the gates but the situation was later sorted after the intervention of Fufa president Eng. Moses Magogo who was present at the game.

“We have been informed that the lady passed away this morning after the medics refused to work on her because she was drunk,” he added

The details of the deceased have not yet been revealed.

The match

Cranes registered the second win in the build up to the 2017 Afcon finals following the 3-1 triumph on Sunday.

Moses Oloya put the Cranes ahead in the fifth minute just before Farouk Miya and Shaban combined for the second goal nine minutes later.

Massa replaced Oloya after the break and went in to break his year long spell for the third in the 77th.

Several teams took part in international build up friendlies over the weekend as the preparations for the 2017 AFCON near climax.

Group D members, Uganda, Mali and Egypt all featured on Sunday.

Uganda defeated Slovakia 3-1, Mali lost 2-1 to Burkina Faso while Marwan Mohsen’s lone strike ensured Egypt picked a positive result from Tunisia.

Group B favorites, Senegal, overcame Libya 2-1 through Moussa Sow and Ismail Sarr’s goals. Algeria also lived up to the billing by thrashing Mauritania 3-1.
Soufiane Hanni, Baghdad Bounedjah, Nabil Ben Taleb were all on target for the Desert Foxes.

In the other match played, defending champions Ivory Coast overpowered Sweden 2-1 in Dubai. Serge Nguessan and Sio Giovani scored for The Elephants.

Ivory Coast and the Uganda Cranes will face off in the last friendly on Wednesday 11th in Dubai before the two head to Gabon for the finals.

International friendly results.

Saturday 7th January
Algeria 3-1 Mauritania
Mali 1-2 Burkina Faso

Sunday 8th January
Egypt 1-0 Tunisia
Uganda 3-1 Slovakia
Senegal 2-1 Libya
Sweden 1-2 Ivory Coast

Uganda Sports Press Association (USPA) have Monday voted and named the best sports personalities in different sports disciplines for the year 2016.

In monthly meeting convened at Lugogo Tennis Court club, sports scribes voted for the best personalities from over 25 categories.

Among the notable winners, include Uganda cranes and Mamelodi Sundowns goalkeeper Dennis Masinde Onyango who was named the Male footballer of the year.

Recently crowned the 2016 CAF Footballer of the year based in Africa has now won the USPA gong for the second year running.

The other winners include Rugby ace, Phillip Wokorach who has just sealed a move from Heathens to Kabras Sugar in the Kenyan Rugby league.

David Emong who won a silver medal at the 2016 Paralympic games in Brazil becoming the first Ugandan to win a medal in the history of the games has been named the Best Male Athlete of the year 2016.

The above trio of Dennis Onyango, Phillip Wokorach and David Emong have also been shortlisted for the top crown USPA Sports personality of the year

The Sports team of the year award will be competed for among Uganda cranes, City Oilers (basketball) and Rugby cranes while the best organized sports event of the year will be between the National Pool open championship and Uganda golf Open.

However, the association agreed that sports disciplines that had no events on their calendar or were marred with wrangles be eliminated.

These included cycling, Volleyball and Lawn tennis.

The winners in the different sports disciplines will be awarded at the annual USPA sports gala at a date yet to be communicated.

Golfer Ronald Otile won the Sports personality accolade for 2015.

USPA Sports Personalities Of 2016

Nominees for Sports Personality of the year

Denis Onyango (Football)

David Emong (Paralympics)

Phillip Wokorach (Rugby)

Nominees for Team of the year

Uganda Cranes

Rugby Cranes

City Oilers

Nominees for Sports Event of the year

National Open Pool Championship

Uganda Golf Open

The legendary and best run federation awards are decided by the USPA top executive.

Winners in respective sports disciplines

Athletics

Male: David Emong

Female: Juliet Chekwel

Boxing

Shadir Musa

Football

Denis Onyango

Women’s Football

Hasifa Nassuna

Motorsport (Rallying)

The crew of Jas Mangat and Joseph Kamya

Golf

Male: Ronald Otile

Female: Flavia Namakula

Cricket

Male: Henry Ssenyondo

Female: Stephanie Nampina

Pool

Male: Sula Matovu

Female: Vicky Namuyanja

Body building

Andrew Ssenoga

Badminton

Male: Brian Kasirye

Female: Shamim Bangi

Table Tennis

Male: Gilton Chelibe

Female: Halima Nambozo

Woodball

Male: Onesmus Atamba

Female: Lillian Zawedde

Weightlifting

Khalid Batuusa

Rugby

Male: Phillip Wokorach

Female: Grace Auma

Basketball

Male: Jimmy Enabu

Female: Judith Nansobya

Motocross

Aviv Orland

Chess

Male: Harold Wanyama

Female: Joyce Kabengano

Netball

Joan Nampungu

Darts

Male: Jacob Okidi

Female: Dinah Amoding

Kickboxing

Patricia Apolot

Ludo

Sarah Namubiru

Handball

Male: Felix Mukunzi

Female:Muhaimuna Namuwaya

Swimming

Male: Nicholas Malani

Female: Kirabo Namutebi

Hockey

Male: Innocent Mbabali

Female: Doreen Asiimwe

Squash

Ian Rukunya

Sports scribes under their Umbrella body Uganda Sports Press Association (USPA) have Monday voted Ndejje University as the Sports personality of the month of December, 2016.

In a monthly award put in place to recognise and reward excelling athletes or teams, sports journalists voted Ndejje University team during the monthly meeting at Tennis Court club in Lugogo.

Ndejje University successfully defended the East Africa University games championship in Eldoret Kenya collecting a total of 94 medals.

The Luweero based institute had won the same crown in 2015 at UCU grounds in Mukono.

Ndejje University won 36 gold medals, 28 silver 30 bronze to attain a total of 94 medals and claim the overall championship.

In the voting process Ndejje earned 595 points, 70 points ahead of the Bombers team (boxing) who got 525 while golfer Charles Mubiru who won the Entebbe open finished third with 370 points.

Ndejje University -595

Bombers – 525

Charles Mubiru -370

Real Madrid and Portugal marksman Christiano Ronaldo was named the best player of the world on Monday 9 January.

The 31 year old scored 34.54 percent of the total votes cast by national team coaches, Captains and selected media personalities.

His achievements include the European championship, UEFA champions’ league and the Club world cup.

Argentina and Barcelona forward Lionel Messi finished second with 26.42 percent and France’s Antoine Griezmann collected 7.53 to seal a podium place.

Best XI

The most interesting fact is that Griezmann, the world third best player, according to Fifa’s revelations, has failed to make the best team of the year 2016 that is dominated by Spanish giants Barcelona and Real Madrid.

Bayern Munich keeper, Manuel Neuer is the only player outside the two clubs.

Also, No African player made the best XI that has Dani Alves, Sergio Ramos and Luis Suarez.

Uganda selection.

Uganda Cranes head coach Milutin Sredojevic and captain Massa voted Ronaldo and Messi as their first and second choices in that order. Micho opted for Suarez in the third place while Massa went for Manuel Neuer.

Journalist Fred Kaweesi casted for Ronaldo, Griezmann and N’Golo Kante.

Award winners in full:

Best Fifa Male Player- Christiano Ronaldo

Best Fifa women’s player – Carli Lloyd (USA)

Best men’s coach – Claudio Ranieri (Leicester City)

Best women’s coach – Silvia Neid (Germany)

Puskas award (best goal) – Mohd Faiz Subri (Penang)

Fan award – Liverpool and Borussia Dortmund fans.

Fair play award – Atletico Nacional (Colombia)

World XI: (4-3-3) Manuel Neuer (Germany, Bayern Munich)- Dani Alves (Brazil, Barcelona/Juventus), Sergio Ramos (Spain, Real Madrid), Gerard Pique (Spain, Barcelona), Marcelo (Brazil, Real Madrid)-Toni Kroos (Germany, Real Madrid), Andres Iniesta (Spain, Barcelona), Luka Modric (Croatia, Real Madrid) – Messi, Luis Suarez (Uruguay, Barcelona), Ronaldo.

The Speaker of Parliament, Rebecca Kadaga has directed the Clerk of Parliament to deduct a sum of UShs 500, 000 from the emoluments of each Member of Parliament as a contribution to support the Uganda Cranes’ Afcon 2017 quest.

While paying tribute to the Cranes team last year for making it to the African Cup of Nations (Afcon) after a period of close to 40 years, Parliament resolved to among others contribute Sh500, 000 by each member in appreciation of their services.

This pledge has been hanging since then until today, Tuesday when the Speaker addressed the matter in appreciation of the team’s excellent performance after being ranked the best team in Africa.

The Speaker as well appreciated the Cranes goal keeper, Denis Onyango for being the best African Footballer of the year and the 10th best goal keeper in the world.

“When we qualified for the finals, we had agreed that we contribute. I will be going to the board and I would like to go with the cheque. If members don’t mind can we agree that the funds be deducted immediately,” Kadaga said.

This was seconded by the house and the Speaker directed the Clerk to immediately conduct the transaction so as to prepare a cheque to be delivered next week.

Female basketball player Claire Lamunu has continued to dominate the limelight in the USA with her stellar performances this season.

On Tuesday, Lamunu was named the Golden State Athletic Conference (GSAC) player of the week.

The Ugandan basketball player who formerly played with KCCA Leopards has been in sublime performance helping her team, Vanguard University to put up a 10 game winning streak.

Lamunu who played three games last week averaged 26.5 points, 12 rebounds and 3 assists yet just playing an average of 29 minutes.

With such incredible statistics, Lamunu was named the player of the week, the first in 2017 and she is also a big contender for the player of the season.

In the previous game, Vanguard University( Lions) defeated Menlo College 68-50 with Lamunu scoring a game high 32 points.

She also had 11 rebounds and 5 assists in the same game.

The 2014 USPA Female basketball player returns to action today (Wednesday) against Saint Katherine College.

Lamunu moved to Vanguard University of South California in 2015 after earning a four year basketball scholarship as she pursues a bachelors degree in Bio Chemistry.

With just four days to the kickoff of the 2017 African cup of Nations and six days to Uganda cranes first game at the tournament, finals touches are being done to make sure no stone is left unturned in remaining days.

Uganda cranes have been in intensive preparations for the last two weeks including playing several build up games to make sure the players are in the right shape for the tournament.

After impressive performances against Slovenia and Slovakia where Uganda won 1-0 and 3-1 respectively, left back Joseph Ochaya believes the results have shaped the players mentally.

“When we defeated Slovakia, we were happy to get a positive result against such a team,” he said.

“This gives us the mentality that we can take on any team that comes our way,”

Uganda takes on African Cup of Nations defending champions, Ivory Coast on Wednesday in an international friendly game in Abu Dhabi, the final preparation game before going to Gabon.

Ochaya thinks if they carry-on with the mentality they have had in the previous games, the cranes can match Ivory Coast.

“We are prepared and every player is focused. I believe we  can have a good game against Ivory Coast if we keep the strong mentality we are currently having,” Ochaya stressed.

Midfield maestro Tonny Mawejje believes the game against Ivory Coast is a good test and will give the team a true reflection of what to expect at the African cup of Nations tournament.

“I believe it is a good test for us, they (Ivory Coast) are a big team and will play at Nations cup so this gives us a feel of what will exactly happen in Gabon,” Mawejje indicated.

Uganda Cranes who are in group D will start the campaign with a game against Ghana on 17th January.

Fifa’s ruling council has unanimously approved to expand the World cup to 48 teams in the 2026 edition.

The bloated system will have sixteen groups of three teams where the top two advance to the subsequent knockout rounds.

“The FIFA Council unanimously decided on a 48-team #WorldCup as of 2026:
16 groups of 3 teams. Details to follow after the meeting.”

The expansion affects the number of games which increase from 64 to 80 but the 32-day tournament duration remains unchanged.

The finalists will play only seven players like it is with the current 32 team system that ends with the Qatar 2022 world cup.

FIFA president Gianni Infantino has been campaigning for the change in the name of a more inclusive worldcup.

The allocation system of the extra sixteen places has not been agreed but Africa and Asia are expected to benefit from the move.

Africa currently has only five slots for the 54 countries to compete for. The hosts for the 2026 finals will be decided in 2020.

Two second half goals from skipper Asamoah Gyan and Frank Acheampong was all that Ghana’s Black Stars needed to overcome Uzbekistan club Bunyodkor FC in a buildup match played at the Sevens Stadium in Dubai on Tuesday.

Gyan came off the bench to replace Jordan Ayew in the 69th minute and went on to score minutes later.

Schalke forward Frank’s Acheampong doubled the lead for the Black Stars with just fifteen minutes left connecting in a rebound result of Bernard Tekpetey’s shot that hit the post

Uganda Cranes coach Milutin Sredojevic, assistant Moses Basena and Goalkeeping coach Fred Kajoba watched the game.

Lineup
Coach Avram Grant started Enyimba FC goalie Fatau Dauda in post ahead of Razak Braimah who started on bench.

US-based Harrison Afful partnered in defense with Baba Rahman, John Boye and Jonathan Mensah as Mubarak Wakaso and Emmanuel Badu manned the midfield.

Bernard Tekpertey and the Ayew brothers led the attack in the first half.

Starting lineup:
Fatau Dauda, Harrison Afful, John Boye, Jonathan Mensah, Mubarak Wakaso, Christian Atsu, Emmanuel Agyemang Badu, Bernard Tekpertey, Jordan Ayew, Andre Ayew

Former Sports Club Villa skipper Mike Sserumaga is reportedly close to sealing  a move to join Vipers SC during the January mid-season transfer period.

Reliable sources indicate the experienced midfielder is in line to agree terms with the Kitende based side to join them on a one year deal.

Sserumaga who was let go by SC Villa after his contract expired in December last year is a free agent and Vipers want to acquire his services as they try to make amends ahead of the second round of the Azam Uganda Premier League and the CAF Confederation cup.

Sserumaga was deemed surplus to requirement at Villa park failing to command a start slot on the team and falling behind Ambrose Kirya, Dennis Kamanzi and Abel Etrude in pecking order.

With the departure of utility player Hassan Wasswa who joined Al Akhaa Al Ahli FC in Lebanon, Sserumaga is looked at as a player who brings experience and maturity to the team.

The two time league winners have already signed midfielders Milton Kaliisa from BUL FC in Jinja and Moses Waiswa from Swedish third tier side Voxyo.

If the deal goes through, Sserumaga will be playing for Vipers for the second time. His first stint at the club (then called Bunnamwaya) was in 2010 when he joined them on a six month deal.

Sserumaga has featured for several clubs including Jinja Police, Helsingborg (Sweden), Rayon Sport (Rwanda), St.George (Ethiopia),URA, Proline, Victoria University, Lweza and SC Villa among others.

Reports also indicate, Vipers are weighing up on signing cranes defender Isaac Isinde who is currently club less after leaving St.George.

Hamis “Diego” Kiiza who plays with Free state stars in South Africa and Godfrey Walusimbi (Gor Mahia, Kenya) have also  been linked with a possible to Vipers.

The Kitende based side ended the first round of the league in fourth position on 24 points.

Tanzania Premier League giants Simba Sports Club and Azam FC have booked a date in the 2017 Mapinduzi cup final to be played Friday 13th at the Amaan stadium in Zanzibar.

Simba eliminated their bitter arch-rivals Young Africans 4-2 through the post-match penalty shoot outs that followed a barren 90 minutes of play.

Jonas Mkude, Janvier Bokungu, Muzamil Yassin and keeper Daniel Agyei converted for the reds from Msimbazi while the latter saved Munishi and Mwinyi Hajji’s kicks. Simon Msuva and Kamuthoko Thabani scored for Yanga.

In the other semifinal, Azam FC dumped out hosts Taifa ya Jangombe FC through Frank Domayo’s 33rd minute stunning shot from outside the 18-yard box. Domayo was later named the man of the match.

This Azam FC’s third final in the tournament following their appearances in 2012 and 2013. They are also the only team that has not conceded a goal in the tournament so far.

Semi final results
Azam 1-0 Taifa ya Jangombe
Simba SC 4(0)-2(0) Yanga

Finals
Azam FC vs. Simba SC

Fufa competitions department has released the draws for the 2016/17 Uganda cup round of 64.

The draws were held on Wednesday morning at the Fufa headquarters in Mengo.

Defending champions Vipers SC open their campaign away to Premio FC in Koboko.

Premio is one of the two regional teams from West Nile alongside Koboko Rising stars who will be facing KCCA FC.

2016 finalists Onduparaka FC are visitors to Football for Good from Northern region.

All the 16 Uganda premier league and 25 Fufa big league clubs join the competition at this stage that comprises 23 who went through the respective regional knockouts. Dates for the fixtures will be announced later.

The finals of this year’s tourney will be staged at the Green light stadium in Arua in June.

The champions of the 2017 Uganda cup will earn a ticket to represent the country in the 2018 Caf confederations cup.

Full Draws:
UCU Mbale vs. Airtel Kitara
Create Peace (Masindi) vs. Boma Young FC
KCCA FC vs. Koboko Rising Stars
Entebbe FC vs. Igombe Fc
Kira UTD vs. Azam FC
Water FC vs. Luwero UTD
Kiboga FC vs. SC Villa
Mbarara Red Army vs. Ndejje University
Hope Doves vs. Paidha Black Angels
KCCA corporate vs. Sadolin Paints
The Saints vs. Proline Fc
Masavu FC vs. Mbarara city
Police FC vs. Maroons fc
URA FC VS Lweza FC
BUL FC vs. Kireka UTD
Kataka FC vs. Ngorra UTD
Express vs. Kirinya Jinja
Lunguja galaxy vs. Morto UTD
Football for Good vs. Onduparaka Fc
Synergy Fc  vs. Kyambogo
Fort Portal Boda vs. Simba FC
Sporting UTD vs. Suncity FC
Bright Light vs. Suncity
JMC Hippos vs. Nyamityobora
Kyetume FC vs. Bukedea TC
Future Stars vs. Bright Stars
Agape SC vs. Ntoda FC
Premio Fc vs. Vipers SC
Dove All Stars vs. Artland Katale
Soana FC vs. Lira UTD
Mbarara FC vs. Busia Fisheries.

Vipers Sports Club have acquired the services of left footed winger Mike Sserumaga on a two year deal.

Sserumaga was released from SC Villa Jogoo in December after failing to command a starting berth in a wealthy but youthful midfield that also has Ambrose Kirya, Lwesibawa and Vitalis Tabu.

He is returning to Vipers SC after a five year nomardic spell that has seen him play for four different teams.

“Despite being a prodigal son at Vipers, it’s totally a new challenge and I vow to give it my best to reciprocate the club’s faith in me,” Serumaga told club media.

Sserumaga’s role is well spelt in the air with the recent departure of Hassan Waswa who was a key figure for the team in the midfield.

Coach Richard Waswa believes the midfielder can rediscover his old self at Vipers and inspire the team as they head into a congested second round with the league, Uganda Cup and Caf confederations all lined up.

“I know at SC Villa, he was not doing as well as he did in the past but his talent is not disputable and wants to impress at Vipers,” Wasswa said.

Vipers have also been linked with BUL FC striker Milutin Kalisa.

National Basketball League
City Oilers vs Betway Power
MTN Arena, Lugogo 7:30pm

Not so many people gave Betway Power a chance against defending champions City Oilers when the two sides made the finals.

Majority of the basketball enthusiasts expected a sweep or an easy ride for City Oilers against Power.

However, the first two games in the best of seven series have proved Betway Power have what it takes to challenge City Oilers for the 2016 title.

After a 78-76 loss in the first game, Arnold Lando’s side seemed to have rectified on the mistakes and went ahead to claim the second game 62-54.

The two sides clash in game three on Wednesday at MTN Arena, Lugogo seemingly on the same footing.

Oiler’s Ben Komakech drives past Brian Oduor in game two

Mande Juruni’s charges have struggled in the opening two games including game one which they won.

Kami Kabungu, Landry Ndikumana and Jimmy Enabu have not played to their best ability and will be expected to rise to the occasion in game three.

Power on the other hand have played as a unit with most of the players raising to the occasion.

Joseph Ikong the backbone of the team was sublime in game one despite losing while Paul “McaGayver” Odong was in high spirits in game two scoring 15 points.

Isaac Afidra, Brian Odur, Mike Makiadi and Michael Kojjo have also played an integral role.

Second round of the 2016/17 Fufa Big League begins on Saturday 28th after a one and a half month midseason break.

Maroons FC and Masavu from Entebbe currently lead the Elgon and Rwenzori tables respectively.

The Prison warders have agglomerated 25 points from the eleven teams, three ahead of Ndejje University who follow closely.

Kira United currently occupy the second playoff spot at a distance with 17 points.

Maroons, under Coach Asaph Tumwebaze will be looking for their third Big league cup since the current system was introduced.

They open the year with a home duel with fellow promotion contenders Paidha Black Angels.
Ndejje University FC will host   Artland Katale.

In the Rwenzori fixture, Masavu FC hit the road to Masaka to play fourth placed Synergy FC who are trailing by ten points as Nyamityobora FC welcome relegation threatened Kataka from Mbale.

Saturday 28th January

Elgon group
Maroons FC    vs.   Paidha Black Angels Prisons-Luzira
Simba FC    vs.   Busia Fisheries – Mashariki Grd Entebbe Rd
Moroto United   vs.   Sporting United – Moroto
Ndejje University FC   vs.   Artland Katale – Luweero
Kyambogo FC vs.   Doves All Stars – Kyambogo West End

Rwenzori group
Boma Young FC vs.   Kireka United FC – Booma Grd, Hoima
Entebbe FC   vs.   Mbarara City FC – Bugonga, Entebbe
Nyamityobora FC vs.   Kataka FC – Nyamityobora
Synergy FC   vs.   Masavu FC – Masaka
Sunday 29th January
Airtel Kitara FC   vs. Baza Holdings FC – Booma Grd, Hoima

Uganda Cranes ended their preparations for the upcoming Africa cup of nations with a 3-0 defeat to west African side Ivory coast in a friendly build up played on Thursday at the New York University stadium in Sadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi.

Cranes held the Afcon champions for the first 45 minutes but let loose in the second after influential goalie Dennis Onyango was pulled out for an injury.

Jonathan Kodjia got the Elephants first six minutes after recess after beating five five red shirts to head in Serge Auriers in swinger which Ochaya initially failed to block.

Kodjia rose up and headed in past Odonkara who did less to contain the situation in his goal area.
former Manchester United and England forward Wilfred Zaha doubled the lead seven minutes later picking up a splitting pass that emanated from the Ivorians circle and paced to Cranes box before rifling a low shot past a helpless Odongkara.

Coach Micho quickly introduced teenager Shaban Muhammad for Geoffrey Massa. Isaac Isinde and Nicholas Wadada also substituted Awany and Iguma.

The change was only enough to shift the possession as Cranes pressed into the other half with Shaban coming close with a glancing header that dropped just inches away.

Defender Serge Aurier sealed the game with a 62nd minute header off a corner kick that flew just above Odongkara and into the net.

Cranes now head to Gabon ahead of the finals.

Uganda starting lineup: Onyango, Iguma, Ochaya, Awany, Hassan, Kizito, Azira, Mawejje , Massa,  Miya , Luwaga

Ivory Coast Lineup: Gbohouo, Aurier, Bailly, Kanon, Traoré; Seri, Dié, Kessie; Kalou, Kodjia, Zaha

National Basketball League

City Oilers 75-71 Betway Power

Defending champions City Oilers staged a stunning comeback to edge past a resilient Betway Power side in game three of the best of seven series played on Wednesday at the MTN Arena, Lugogo.

After a dismal start to the game, the three time champions surged up in the fourth and  final quarter to claim victory (75-71) and take a 2-1 lead in the series. Power began the better side building an early 6 point lead through Mike Makiadi and Isaac Afidra inside the opening two minutes.

The gap even grew further as Power cruised to a 26-09 lead at the end of the first quarter.

City Oiler’s coach Mande Juruni received marching orders after earning a double technical at the start of the second period.

However, the three time champions returned better in the second quarter combining for 20 points to Power’s 11 and the gap reduced to just eight points (37-29) by halftime.

Even after recess, City Oilers kept surging and within two minutes into the third period the gap had narrowed to just one point with Power leading 37-36.

Arnold Lando’s charges however regained their lead and the third quarter ended 54-47 with Power taking a seven point gap cushion into the final 10 minutes.

Two successive jump shots from Jimmy Enabu midway through the fourth quarter ensured City Oilers levelled the scores at 55 all before a free throw by Landry Ndikumana put Oilers ahead for the first time.

The lead kept oscillating from either side in the final minutes but Oilers eventually went ahead to win the game 75-71.

Kami Kabangu had a game high 21 points plus 11 rebounds for City Oilers. His teammates Jimmy Enabu and Ben Komakech managed 15 and 13 points respectively. Michael Kojjo had a team high 16 points for Power.

Game four will be played this Friday at the MTN Arena, Lugogo.

Federation of International Football Associations, FIFA, has released the nations ranking for the month of December/January.

AFCON-bound Uganda Cranes have dropped one place to 73rd worldwide and 18 in Africa. The team accumulated 476 points, shedding off fourteen from the previous.

The rankings will be used to grade the countries ahead of the 2019 Africa cup of nation’s qualifier draws.

AFCON 2017 Group D opponents

Senegal and Ivory Coast go to the finals in Gabon as the top most ranked teams while Zimbabwe is the only country in Gabon below the 100 mark. Uganda’s group D opponents Egypt, third in Africa, are ranked 35th in the world after climbing one place.

Ghana have slid one place down to 54 and 9 in the continent while Mali are 64.

Nigeria, 50, and South Africa (60) are the highest ranked teams not taking part in the Gabon Finals
Globally, Argentina, Brazil, Germany, Chile and Belgium maintain the top five positions respectively.

How the other Afcon bound teams stand.
Group A; Gabon (, Burkina Faso (53/8), Cameroon (62/12), Guinea Bissau (68/15)
Group B; – Algeria (39/5), Tunisia (36/4), Senegal (33/1), Zimbabwe (103/30)
Group C; Ivory Coast (34/2), D.R. Congo (49/6), Morocco (57/10), Togo (90/23)