South Africa’s Premier Soccer League club Baroka FC has released Uganda Cranes duo of Khalid Aucho and Captain Geoffrey Massa.

Aucho and Massa signed for the promoted side in August last year but have struggled to maintain a starting spot in the team since then.

The midfielder signed after an unsuccessful trial in Scotland while opting not to renew contract with Gormahia. Massa had crossed over from Bloemfontein Celtics.

The club media officer Jimmy Ngobeni confirmed the developments to Soccer Laduma on Thursday morning.

“We have also released midfielder, Khalid Aucho as well as two strikers, Victor Letsoalo and Geofrey Massa,” he said. Tshepo Matete has also been shown the exit door.

Baroka recently announced an agreement with coach Jacob Sakala and new technical director, Mark Harrison while demoting Kgoloko Thobejane to the deputising role.

The duo are currently with Uganda Cranes heading for the African cup of nations.

The Katikiro of Buganda, Owekitibwa Charles Peter Mayiga has Thursday confirmed an eleven man committee to organize this year’s Buganda Royal regatta.

While unveiling the committee, Mayiga indicated that in a bid to revive the glory of Buganda Kingdom, Sports is one of the key channels that can be used.

“As you are aware, we are on the course to rebuilding Buganda and sports is one way we can achieve that,” said Mayiga.

“Regatta is a great sport. The key point here is not about winning but reviving a sport that reflects our culture,” he added.

Most of the members who were on the organising committee last year have been retained including the chairperson, Eng. Ben Immanuel Misagga.

Hilda Bahati comes in as the assistant chairperson, replacing  Solomon Muwonge but has been retained on the organising committee as a technical member.

The other members appointed include Mukedi Nsubuga (Treasurer), Deo Lukyamuzi (Secretary) and Henry Kasakya (publicity) among others.

The Buganda Royal regatta which was revived last year after over a decade in limbo will take place on 4th February at Mulungu landing site in Munyonyo,Kampala with fans expected to pay UGX 10,000.

With this year’s theme “Reclaiming Buganda’s heritage through water sport,” the competition is expected to attract participants from all the 18 counties of Buganda.

The competition will be in different categories including traditional group sprints, modern canoe sprints, rowing races and long distance swimming among others.

Misagga thanked the Katikiro for entrusting him and the entire committee with the mandate and promised to perform to their best ability.

“I’m honoured for another opportunity given to me to head the committee. I know we had itches last year but I promise we shall be better this time round,” Misagga promised.

“This is a sport that will not only promote and reserve our culture but can also be a big financial boost to the kingdom.” He added.

His Royal Highness, Kabaka, Ronald Muwenda II is expected to grace the event on 4th February at Mulungu landing site,Munyonyo.

Bugerere won last year’s event with 195 points, five above neighbours Kyaggwe who finished second.

Organizing committee

Eng.Ben Immanuel Misagga – chairperson

Hilda Bahati – Assistant chairperson

Mukedi Nsubuga -Treasurer

Deo Lukyamuzi -Secretary

Henry Kasakya – Publicity

Solomon Muwonge – Technical

Adam Ssematiko -Ex Official

Lubega Matovu – Majestic brands

Abbas Tebandeke- Member

Hajji Musa Ssemambo  Musoke -Member

Kikomeko -Member

Uganda Broadcasting Corporation (UBC) have issued a statement indicating they will not air the forthcoming 2017 African Cup of Nations after failure to meet the financial costs involved.

In a January 11^th letter by UBC Managing Director, Winston Agaba David addressed to the Minister of Education and Sports, Janet Kataha Museveni the national broadcaster indicates that it has failed to meet the required costs to relay live the tournament from Gabon.

“It is with great sadness that we officially inform our esteemed viewers and the country at large that UBC will not telecast live the African cup of Nations 2017,”

“Following our letter dated 14th December 2016 addressing to your office, we regret to inform you that due to lack of financing to cover the fees involved, we shall not be able to telecast the African cup of Nations 2017 (AFCON ) games which kickoff on 14th January 2017,’ reads the statement.

According to Agaba, UBC were required to meet a fee of € 550,000 ( about UGX 2.3billion) as a subsidised fee but still they have failed to find the money in time.

“The fee in question total to $113,500 but the discounted AFCON fees we negotiated as a member of the African Union of broadcasters is € 550,000 with non-members paying € 120,000,” the letter further reads.

“These fees as highlighted in our previous letter were out of outreach,” Agaba indicates.

According to the letter, UBC also tried out reaching out to the Ministry that monitors them, Ministry of Information, Communication Technology and National guidance but all in vain.

UBC as a national broadcaster was expected to telecast live the games for free to air to Ugandans who cannot meet the PAY TV costs.

Uganda cranes who are in group D start their campaign with an encounter against Ghana’s Black stars on 17th January.

Uganda Cranes will have to maneuver through a group containing Cape Verde, Tanzania, Lesotho if they’re to qualify for the 2019 Africa cup of Nations in Cameroon.

The Cranes were pooled in group L alongside the trio after qualification draws held on Thursday in Gabon.

Initially, the country was ranked 23 in a CAF system with 12 points accumulated from the World Cup 2014 qualifiers up to the Gabon qualifiers. Uganda was placed in the second pot.

Cecafa members Ethiopia and Kenya are pitted in group alongside Ghana and Sierra Leone. Former champions Tunisia and Egypt have just one spot to fight for in group J, same fate to South Africa and Nigeria in group E.

Uganda’s schedule.
5-13 June 2017 – vs Cape Verde (A)
19-27 March 2018- vs Tanzania (H)
3-11 Sep 2018 – vs Lesotho (H)
3-11 Sep 2018 – vs Lesotho (A)
8-16 Oct 2018 – vs Cape Verde (H)
5-13 Nov 2018 – vs Tanzania (A)

Group draws in full.
A: Senegal, Equatorial Guinea, Sudan, Sao Tome/Madagascar
B: Cameroon, Morocco, Malawi, Comoros/Mauritius
C: Mali, Gabon, Burundi, Djibouti/South Sudan
D: Algeria, Togo, Benin, The Gambia
E: Nigeria, South Africa, Libya, Seychelles
F: Ghana, Ethiopia, Sierra Leone, Kenya
G: DR Congo, Congo, Zimbabwe, Liberia
H: Ivory Coast, Guinea, Central African Republic, Rwanda
I: Burkina Faso, Angola, Botswana, Mauritania
J: Tunisia, Egypt, Niger, Swaziland
K: Zambia, Mozambique, Guinea-Bissau, Namibia
L: Cape Verde, Uganda, Tanzania, Lesotho

Midfielder Hakim Ssenkumba has expressed his sadness at leaving KCCA FC blaming his departure on head coach Mike Mutebi.

The robust holding midfielder took to social media to spill the beans on how a misunderstanding between him and head coach Mike Mutebi could have led to his exit.

“It is a strange feeling for me to think that I will not be a KCCA FC player in the next round of the league,” wrote Ssenkumba.

“I wanted to do more for the club but it did not happen due to some misunderstanding with the coach,” he added.

Ssenkumba is one of the several players that KCCA FC sent out on loan to relegation threatened Police FC at the start of the January mid-season transfer window.

The other players include Paul Willa, Martin Mpuuga, Brian Ochwo and Ssaka Mpiima among others.

The misunderstanding stems right from last season when Ssenkumba went against the coach’s wish to join The Saints FC on loan and opted to stay at Phillip Omondi stadium.

Since then, the combative midfielder has failed to command a starting slot on the team and even the few games he played in the first round, he was played out of position in most cases used as a makeshift defender.

A reliable source revealed that Ssenkumba signed a new contract at the start of the season but against the Mutebi’s wish.

“He renewed his contract for two years but against the coach’s wish who wanted him out,” intimated the source who preferred anonymity.

Ssenkumba joined KCCA FC in 2013 helping the club win two league titles in the three years he has been at the club.

In our continued series to analyse/preview the groups and teams heading to the 2017 Afcon finals in Gabon, focus shifts to group C that has defending champions Ivory Coast, DR Congo, Morocco and Togo.

Morocco were the first team to book a ticket as early as March last year, Togo went through one of the two second best runners ticket.

Ivory Coast

Ivory Coast look odd on favourite not only to top the group but reach the finals, however their qualifications path bridles the punters rush to stake. The Elephants won only one of their four games in a group that had Sierra Leone and Sudan.

The champions have featured in a record 21 and heading for the 22nd but boast of only two trophies, in 1992 and 2015. Ghana’s Black stars were the casualties in both finals.

Head coach Michel Dussuyer.

Michel Dussuyer was born May 28th 1959 in Cannes , France. He started his professional career at Cannes in 1978 to 81 before moving to Nice then Ales and back to his former team.

The 57 year old boasts of vast experience on the African continent. He led Guinea to their maiden quarter final appearance in Tunisia 2004 finals and repeated same fete last edition in Equatorial Guinea.

The former goalkeeper took over from fellow compatriot Herve Renard who led the nation to glory.

The Elephants have played two successful international friendlies so far against Sweden and Uganda. The team will miss services of Gervinho who is injured, former skipper Yaya Toure (retired after 2015 finals) but are boosted by Wilfred Zaha who switched allegiance from England.

Coach Dussuyer has a star studded pack able to cause havoc in Gabon including Solomon Kalou, Wilfred Zaha and Manchester united defender Eric Baily

Ivory Coast fixture

January 16
Ivory Coast vs Togo

January 20
Ivory Coast vs  DR Congo

January 24
Morocco vs  Ivory Coast

All games at the Stade d’Oyem, Oyem

National Basketball League
Betway Power vs City Oilers 7:30pm

Betway Power will seek to level the series against City Oilers as the National basketball league finals enter game four on Friday at the MTN Arena, Lugogo.

City Oilers lead the series 2-1 after claiming a resuscitated victory in game three (75-71) on Wednesday.

Betway Power have proved they can march the defending champions in the opening three games and coach Arnold Lando believes they can overturn the result in game three and level the series after Friday’s game.

“I believe we have played extremely well even in the games we have lost and we only need to become better,” said Lando.

“We are confident we can win game four and level the series and even go ahead to claim the title,” added a confident Lando.

Despite leading the series, City Oilers have failed to play to their lofty ability especially in the first two games and required an extra push to win game three after trailing the first 3 quarters.

Game 5 of the best of seven series will be played on Sunday at the MTN Arena, Lugogo.

In a bid to revive the game that has been marred with several wrangles over the past two years, the Uganda Cycling Association interim executive committee has on Friday released a calendar that will be followed this year.

The committee headed by Fred Maiso who is the acting president of Uganda Cycling Association unveiled the 2017 calendar in a press briefing held at Diamond Guest House in Kibuli on Friday.

According to the calendar released, the association will have 32 events that will climax with the Annual General assembly in December.

Events roll off as early as 26th January with the national trials in both the men’s and women’s category.

Maiso is confident that at least sanity has been restored and the events will go on as planned.

“I’m happy that we have put the wrangles aside and decided to push cycling forward,” he said.

“Last year was an embarrassment to most of us but I’m glad we have drawn the calendar in time and I believe it will be followed to the dot,” added Maiso.

Maiso was elected the interim chairman of the association in November last year after delegates convened an extra ordinary and unanimously decided to dissolve Muwonge Mahaba’s executive.

The interim committee was supposed to make amendments in the constitution and also head the association up to when a new executive assembly would be elected.

Maiso revealed that the new amendments have been done and the draft constitution is already out waiting approval while  the elections will be held in February.

2017 Calendar

Jan 26th – National trials men/women

Feb 13th-19th – Intercontinental championships

Feb 26th -Juniors/Women’s race

Mar 8th – Women’s day race

March 19th -26th -Tour de Equator

April 9th – Enduro Men/Women

April 13th -Amazalibwa Men/Women

Jun 5th -Environmental race Men/Women

Jun11-18th -Tour de Korea

Jun 30th – Amattikira Men/Women

Jul 9th -Individual time trials Men/Women/Juniors

Jul 16th -Mountain Bike challenge Men/Women

Jul 20th – Road race Men/Women

Jul 29th – Meeting with Riders

Aug 6th – Enduro Men/Women

Aug 13th – Cycle cross Men/Women

Aug 19th -U17 championship Men/Women

Aug 26th -National team qualifiers Men/Women/Juniors

Aug 28th -Tour de Meles

Sept 9th -Road race Men/Women

Sept 17th – Individual time trials Men/Women/Juniors

Sept 24th – Road race circuit Men/Women

Oct 8-9th -Independence Men/Women

Oct 15th -Mountain Bike Men/Women

Oct 28th -Team time trials Men/Women

Nov 11th – All team training Men/Women

Nov 12th – Muky Tour race

Nov 19th – Cycle cross Men/Women

Nov 26th -Mountain Bike Men/Women

Dec 3rd – Enduro Men/Women

Dec 18th- Awards Ceremony

Dec 27th – Annual General assembly

National Basketball League
Betway Power 68-77 City Oilers

City Oilers are just a game away from clinching the National basketball league for the forth consecutive time after defeating Power in game four.

Defending champions, Oilers out muscled Power to win game four 77-68 in the game played at the MTN, Arena in Lugogo on Friday.

Like it has been the case in the previous games where Power have given Oilers a run for their money, the performance was quite similar however a poor display in the final quarter let the five time champions down.

Arnold Lando’s charges had a stellar start to the game claiming the opening quarter 26-17.

The intensity grew further in the second period but Power managed to combine for 16 points one more than Oilers and took a 10 point gap lead(42-32) heading into halftime.

However, because Power lack quality beyond the starting five, they run out of steam after recess giving chance to Mande Juruni’s side to make a comeback.

The starting five of Joseph Ikong,Isaac Afidra, Michael Kojjo,Brian Odong and Mike Makiadi played an average of about 28 points hence bottled down when it mattered most.

City Oilers scored 22 points in the third quarter while limiting Power to just 15 and hence the gap had narrowed to 3 points heading the final period.

Two minutes into the fourth period, Oilers had levelled to the scores at 58 all. Inspired by Jimmy Enabu who scored 12 points in the final period, City Oilers went ahead to win the game 77-68.

Ben Komakech(Oilers) and Joseph Ikong (Power) had a joint game high 21 points. Jimmy Enabu and Kami Kabangu added 18 and 16 points respectively for Oilers.

The zone V champions now lead the series 3-1 and can claim the championship on Sunday if they win game 5.

“AFCON CAMEROON 2019 draw with CAPE VERDE,TANZANIA and LESOTHO gives confidence that UGANDA will qualify 2nd consecutive time with team we have,” Micho tweeted.

And majority of soccer loving Ugandans received the news of the 2019 African cup of Nations qualifier draws in a similar spirit after Uganda was pitted against Cape Verde, Lesotho and neighbors Tanzania in group L.

ChimpSport‘s Joel Muyita looks at how Uganda rates her opponents.

Fifa rankings

On paper, Uganda seems to have an upper hand at the moment first on Fifa rankings.

According to the January Fifa rankings, Uganda is rated at 73rd position ahead of Cape Verde who occupy 79th slot.

Lesotho and Tanzania lie a distant 145th and 156th position respectively.

Qualification to 2017 AFCON

Of the four teams in group L of the 2019 African cup of Nations qualifiers, only Uganda will play in Gabon.

Uganda collected 13 points in Group D that had Burkina Faso, Botswana and Comoros finishing second but qualified as one of the best runners up.

Cape Verde were in group F but could only finish second on 9 points behind Morocco. The group also had Libya and Sao Tome and Principle.

Neighbours Tanzania picked just one point in group G that had Egypt and Nigeria. Chad withdrew after two games.

Lesotho like Tanzania also managed just a point in group J that had Algeria, Ethiopia and Seychelles.

Performance at AFCON

Despite failing to qualify for the final tournament for the last 39 years, Uganda still has better performance  on the occasions they qualified including reaching the finals in 1978.

Uganda has qualified for 6 final tournaments since her maiden participation in Ethiopia in 1962. The other appearances include 1968,1874,1976,1978 and 2017

Cape Verde have managed just two under their belt making their appearance in 2013 in South Africa and 2015 edition.

Tanzania have only qualified once in 1980 while Lesotho are yet to qualify for the coveted tournament.

Previous meetings in AFCON qualifiers

Cranes vs Tanzania

The two sides last met in the African cup of Nations qualifiers in 1996. Uganda defeated Tanzania 2-0 at Nakivubo stadium goals scored by Joseph Mutyaba and Phillip Obwiny. However Tanzania won the reverse fixture 4-0 in Dar es Salaam

However, Uganda is unbeaten against Tanzania in the previous 10 engagements in all competitions.

Uganda vs Cape Verde

The two sides were in the same group during the 2006 African cup of Nations qualifiers which also doubled as 2006 FIFA world cup qualifiers.

Uganda won 1-0 in Kampala courtesy of Geoffrey Sserunkuma’s goal but lost with a similar score in Priori. Ghana eventually topped the group

Uganda vs Lesotho

This was during the 2008 qualifying campaign. After defeating Nigeria 2-1 in Namboole, Uganda had to win against Lesotho and Niger to book a slot in Angola. The cranes had defeated Lesotho 3-0 at Namboole with Geoffrey Massa scoring a brace while David Obua scored the other.

However Uganda failed to register victory in Maseru with the game ending goalless.

Confederations of African Football has released a list of match officials who will be running the first match day games in the 2017 Africa cup of nations in Gabon.

Botswana referee Joshua Bondo will be at the centre of action on Tuesday 17th when the Uganda Cranes take on Ghana’s Black Stars in a group D opener.

Algeria’s Abdelhak Etchiali and Oliivier Safari Kabene (DR Congo) have been assigned the first and second assistant roles respectively.

Daniel Frazer Bennett (South Africa) will be in charge of Egypt versus Mali later in the last group game. He with be aided by Zakhele Thusi Siwela and Marius Donatien Tan.

Full match day one list of referees

Group A : January 14
Gabon vs Guinea-Bissau
Referee: Gehad Zaglol Grisha (Egypt)
Assistant1: Redouane Achik (Morocco)
Assistant2: Waleed Ahmed Ali (Sudan)

Burkina Faso vs Cameroon
Referee: Janny Sikazwe (Zambia)
Assistant1: Jerson Emilio Dos Santos (Angola)
Assistant2: Marwa Range (Kenya)

Group B: January 15
Algeria vs Zimbabwe
Referee: Bamlak Tessama Weyesa (Ethiopia)
Assistant1: Jean Claude Birumushahu (Burundi)
Assistant2: Aboubacar Doumbouya (Guinea)

Tunisia vs Senegal
Referee: Néant Alioum (Cameroon)
Assistant1: Evarist Mekouande (Cameroon)
Assistant2: Elvis Guy Noupue Nguegoue (Cameroon)

Group C: January 16
Ivory Coast vs Togo
Referee: Eric Arnuad Otogo Castane (Gabon)
Assistant1: Theophile Vinga (Gabon)
Assistant2: Tahssen Abo El Sadat Bedyer (Egypt)

DR Congo vs Morocco
Referee: Hamada el Moussa Nampiandraza (Madagascar)
Assistant1: Arsénio Chadreque Marengula (Mozambique)
Assistant2: Yahaya Mahamadou (Niger)

Group D: January 17
Ghana vs Uganda
Referee: Joshua Bondo (Botswana)
Assistant1: Abdelhak Etchiali (Algeria)
Assistant2: Olivier Safari Kabene (DR Congo)

Mali vs Egypt
Referee: Daniel Frazer Bennett (South Africa)
Assistant1: Zakhele Thusi Siwela (South Africa)
Assistant2: Marius Donatien Tan (Ivory Coast)

Five new teams will be taking part in the 2017 Premier Classic Futsal Cup on Saturday according to the fixture confirmed by the Futsal Association of Uganda.

The eight-team knockout tournament will take place on Saturday at the Champions Futsal Stadium, Busega.

The five include Express FC fans – the Red Army, Durban Motel, SK13, Elephants and Gal Sports Betting.

Seeta Galacticos, Sona Sports Home and Futsal Revamped Boxing Day defending champions Brotherhood Futsal Club are the only three teams that have preciously taken part.

The FAU Premier Classic Futsal Cup is the third highest Competition after the FAU Futsal Elite League (FFEL) and the FAU Futsal Uganda Cup (FFUC). The tournament takes place in the second week of January every year.

“The Competition is aimed at promoting competitiveness in the Sport and to further prepare the Clubs participating in the FFEL for the upcoming season,” Futsal CEO Hamza Junju noted.

“We seek to help players advance their skills as well as build a competitive edge upon which players can scouted and improved upon to participate in the FFEL, and National teams that will be formulated.”

Fixtures
M1- SK13 vs Sona Sports Home
M2 – Express Red Army vs Gal Sports Betting
M3 – Seeta Galacticos vs Durban Motel
M4 – Brotherhood Futsal Club vs Elephants

Semi finals
Winner M1 vs Winner M2
Winner M3 vs Winner M4

Group A
Cameroon vs Burkina Faso
Stade de L’Amitie 10pm

The 2017 African cup of Nations gets underway this Saturday with two games in group A at Stade de L’Amitie in Libreville, Gabon.

Hosts Gabon take on Guinea Bissau who are playing at AFCON for the for first time in the opening game while Indomitable Lions of Cameroon face off with Burkina Faso.

Cameroon Team News

The world will wait to see how Cameroon performs following a massive spate of withdrawals by players.

Seven players on the initial 35-man provisional squad pulled out citing different reasons.

Liverpool defender Joel Matip, WestBrom’s Allan Nyom, Ajax Amsterdam goalkeeper Andre Onana, Andre Zambo Anguissa from Olympique Marseille, Guy Roland NdyAssembe of Nancy, Maxime Poundje of Bordeaux and Ibrahim Amadou from Lille all withdrew from the team.

It got worse when Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting retired from international football. Hugo Bross, the Cameroon head coach comes to the tournament with a seemingly depleted side.

Burkina Faso News

Head coach Paul Duarte has maintained the core of the squad that reached the finals in 2013 and this great cohesion could help the Stallions at the tournament.

Defender Bakary Kone, skipper and influential midfielder Charles Kabore, Jonathan Pitroipa and the Traore brothers (Bertrand and Alain) form the core of the team.

Into their 11th appearance, Burkina Faso will hope the current crop of players can achieve better than their previous appearance when they chocked and failed to progress past the group stage.

Key battles

Bakary Kone (Burkina Faso) vs Vicent Aboubaker (Cameroon)

One of the best defenders on the continent, Kone is good at game reading and superior aerial presence. He will be tasked to stop a fast Aboubaker Vicent who has 14 goals in the 48 appearances for the national team

Nicolas Nkoulou (Cameroon) vs Jonathan Pitroipa (Burkina Faso)

Nkoulou forms the fulcrum of Cameroon’s defence. Good at commanding and his physique helps to tame strikers.

At the age of 26, Nkoulou has garnered enough experience on the national team with 71 appearances under his belt.

He will have the responsibility of taming diminutive forward Jonathan Pitroipa.

With support from Alain and Bertrand Traore, Pitroipa who usually falls deep becomes tricky to stop.

Charles Kabore (Burkina Faso) vs Sebastian Siani (Cameroon)

Kabore plays a pivotal role in the Burkina Faso midfield. The 31 year old midfielder is robust and hard working.

He has a good game reading, good at interceptions and a good ball distributor.

He will have a battle against Cameroon’s Sebastian Siani who similarly possesses the same characters.

Meetings at AFCON

The two sides last met at the 1998 African Cup of Nations where Burkina Faso were hosts.

In the opening game of the tournament, Cameroon defeated Burkina Faso 1-0 courtesy of Alphonse Tchami solitary strike.

The 31st edition of the Africa Cup of Nations kicks off on Saturday 14th with a match between the hosts Gabon and debutants Guinea Bissau at the Stade de l’Amitié, Libreville.

Sixteen teams will be competing for the ultimate prize that will be handed over on Sunday 5th February at the same venue.

The tournament started in 1957 with three nations; Egypt, Sudan and Ethiopia. The trio played the first two tournaments in odd years before it increased to four, six, eight, 12 and then the current 16 team format in 1998.

Egypt have won the championship seven times from the maiden edition in 1957, 1959, 1986, 1998, 2006, 2008 and 2010. Ghana and Cameroon have four titles while Nigeria boast of three. The Pharaohs have played (90) and won the most number of games at the tournament (51) and scored the most goals (154).

Former Cameroon captain Samuel Eto’o is the all-time top scorer with eighteen goals scored in six finals between 2000 to 2010. Laurent Pokou (14) from Ivory Coast and Nigeria’s Rashidi Yekini (13) follow in that order. Fifteen hattricks have been scored so far.

Cameroon and Egypt legends Rigobert Song and Ahmed Hassan boast most tournament appearances, eight. Both played from 1996 to 2010. In fact Rigobert Song record 36 matches still stands.

Ghana and Egypt have hosted the most tournaments (4). Egypt hosted in 1959, 1974, 1986 and 2006 while Ghana organized in 1963, 1978, 2000 and in 2008.

Ethiopia and Tunisia have each held thrice. Gabon will be holding for the second timed after co-hosting with Equatorial Guinea in 2012.

The hosts have won the tournament ten times. They include Ethiopia (1962), Ghana (1963), Sudan (1970), Ghana (1978), Nigeria (1980), Egypt (1986, 2006), Algeria (1990), South Africa (1996) and Tunisia (2004).

Ghana’s Charles Gyamfi and Hassan Shehata of Egypt are the only coaches that claimed the title three times. Morocco coach Herve Renard is aiming to become the third. Renard has won twice with Zambia in 2012 and Ivory Coast last year. No other coach has the same record.

Previous winners:
Egypt – 7(1957, 1959, 1986, 1998, 2006, 2008, 2010)
Ghana – 4(1963, 1965, 1978, 1982)
Cameroon – 4(1984, 1988, 2000, 2002)
Nigeria – 3(1980, 1994, 2013)
Ivory Coast – 2(1992, 2015)
DR Congo – 2(1968, 1974)

Others – Zambia  (2012), Tunisia (2004), Sudan (1970), Algeria ( 1990), Morocco (1976), Ethiopia (1962), South Africa  (1996)and Congo (1972)

Group A
Cameroon 1-1 Burkina Faso

The 2017 African cup of Nations kicked off in high spirits with two thrilling fixtures in group A.

Like it was the case in the opening game between Gabon and debutants Guinea Bissau, Cameroon also played to one all draw on Saturday at Stade de L’Amitie in Libreville, Gabon.

Skipper Benjamin Moukandjo  gave the indomitable lions the lead in the first half but Issoufou Dayo levelled matters 13 minutes to time.

The Burkinabes started the better side enjoying majority of possession. Jonathan Pitroipa tested the back of the net as early as the 6th minute but his goal was ruled for offside.

However, Cameroon remained composed and calm at the back opting to attack on the break.

Captain Benjamin Moukandjo converted from a direct free kick five minutes after the half hour mark to give the four time winners a first half lead.

Burkina Faso kept surging forward even after recess and the pressure paid off dividends in the 77th minute.

Issoufou capitalised on a poor clearance from Cameroon goalkeeper Fabian Ondoa to nod home the leveller.

The result means all the four teams in group A are on equal footing. Burkina Faso are top of the group while Cameroon follow closely both with a point apiece.

Group A games resume on Wednesday with hosts Gabon playing against Burkina Faso while Cameroon play Guinea Bissau.

Line ups:

Burkina Faso XI: Herve Koffi Kouakou (G.K), Bakary Kone, Patrcik B. Arnaud Malo, Niguimbe

Prejuce Nakoulma, Razack Traore Abdou, Alain Traore Sibiri, Yann Pitropia Benninwende, Issoufou Dayo, Charles Kabore, Bertrand Traore, Yacouba Coulibaly

Cameroon XI: Joseph Ondoa (G.K), Ernest Olivier Mabouka Massoussi, Adolphe

Teiku Kamgang, Michael Ngadjui Ngadeu, Ambrose Oyongo Bitolo, Clinton Njie, Benjamin

Moukandjo , Jacques Daogari Zoua, Christian Mougang Bassogog, Georges Constant

Mandjeck, Sebastien Clovis Siani

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

Betway Power’s life in the 2016 National Basketball League series hugely depends on game five.

Power trail 3-1 in the best of seven series and Sunday’s game against City Oilers is a do or die affair.

A win for the five time champions will resuscitate their title chances. However the game is equally a championship decider. Oilers need victory in today’s game to claim their fourth successive title.

Despite trailing 3-1, the numbers don’t paint the exact picture about the series. Power have given Oilers a run for their money.

Power’s only undoing has been lack of depth in squad which has seen them do limited rotation.

The starting five of Joseph Ikong, Brian Odong, Isaac Afidra, Mike Makiadi and Michael Kojjo hardly rest out of the games.

In all the games that Power have lost, they have always had a perfect start but break down in the fourth quarter after running out of steam.

City Oilers have not played to their lofty abilities the entire series but seem to get it perfect especially at crucial moments.

Jimmy Enabu arguably won Oilers game four after scoring 12 points in the fourth quarter as Mande Juruni’s charges put up an incredible comeback.

Burkina Faso Head coach Paulo Duarte has said that his players failed to follow his instructions as they came from behind to hold Cameroon in a match day one fixture.

The Portuguese coach also admitted that the Indomitable Lions were tactically better and deployed a different formation to what he had anticipated.

“Cameroon surprised us with their 4-3-3 plan while we were expecting a 4-4-2 formation,” Duarte said adding that “Too bad my strategy in the first half did not work. My attackers did not quite understand the strategy I wanted.”

Cameroon Captain Benjamin Mounkandjo fired the team into an early 35 minute lead after connecting a freekick but Issoufou Dayo levelled with eighteen minutes left on the clock.

“The first period was not controlled, but we corrected at half-time. We are in a process of building our team. I think we can play better in the next match in four days.”

The stallions’ next assignment is on Wednesday 18^th against the hosts Gabon.

Coach Hugo Broos has blamed Cameroon’s inept striking force for the draw in their opening 2017 Afcon group A clash against Burkina Faso.

Though the coach is optimistic the team’s tactical display can lift the team past group stages, he understands well that the goals count to win games.

“I think I saw a Cameroon team that played well and had qualities,” Hugo Broos said.

“We will need this level to qualify for the quarterfinals. We dominated the opponent, we created opportunities. The only thing we need is someone who puts the chances in.”

Captain Mounkandjo floated in a freekick in the 35th minute but laxity in attack especially Clinton Njie made it impossible for the former champions to consolidate their lead. Dayo Issoufou equalized midway through the second period.

“If you do not know how to score with such chances, it’s hard to win matches. I pulled out the two wide players (Njie and Bassogog) because they were tired. Salli, the substitute, did not give what I expected of him in the last 20 minutes.”

The indomitable lions face debutants Guinea Bissau at the same venue on Wednesday in the second group game.

The IAAF world cross country championship is slated for 26th March with over 700 athletes expected.

With the 2017 IAAF world cross country championships drawing closer, preparations for the event are in high gear especially for hosts Uganda.

Kampala city will host the 42nd edition of the world cross championships at Kololo ceremonial grounds expected to start on 26th March.

Unlike the previous national cross championships that were held upcountry especially in Jinja, this time round Uganda Athletic Federation hosted the event in Kololo, Kampala on Saturday to serve both as qualifiers and test event for the world cross country championships.

Youngster Joshua Cheptegei emerged winner in the men’s (senior) category beating off stiff competition from Prison’s and defending champion Phillip Kipyeko who finished second ,22 seconds behind Cheptegei while Mande Abdallah settled for third.

Cheptegei spent most of the time in the first lap in the middle of the park but surged up in the second lap to join the leading group.

The 2014 world U20 10,000m champion however broke away from the field to eventually win the race clocking 29:02 minutes. Kipyeko came 2nd at 29:24 whilst Mande Abdallah posted 29:40 in third. 2012 Marathon winner Stephen Kiprotich finished fourth.

In the ladies senior category, Police’s Mercyline Chelangant emerged winner clocking 34:41 minutes ahead of Rachael Chebet and Dorcus Ajok who finished second and third respectively.

Jacob Kiplimo from Arua won the men’s junior 8km race clocking 23:25:23 while Abel Cheney and Victor Kiplagat finished second and third posting 23:53:23 and 23:54:23 respectively.

Police dominated the women’s 6km junior category taking all the podium finishes. Peruth Chemutai , Janet Chemusto and Esther Chekomoi finished in that order.

Senior men (10km)

1 Joshua Cheptegei 29:02

2 Phillip Kipyeko 29:24

3 Abdallah Kibet Mande 29:40

4 Timothy Toroitich 29:42

5 Stephen Kiprotich 29:46

6 Stephen Kiisa 29:53

7 Fred Musobo 29:55

8 Mande Bushendich 30:04

9 Peter Kibet 30:13

10 Filex Chemonges 30:18

Senior women (10km)

1 Mercyline Chelangat 34:41

2 Rachael Chebet 35:16

3 Dorcus Ajok 35:46

4 Doreen Chesang 35:54

5 Doreen Chemutai 35:56

6 Annet Chebet 36:16

7 Juliet Chekwel 36:38

8 Stella Chesang 36:46

9 Prim Twikirize 37:00

10 Sarah Akiror 37:03

U20 men

1 Jacob Kiplimo 23:25

2 Titus Kwemoi 23:53

3 Victor Kiplangat 23:54

4 Elisha Chemutai 24:03

5 Kevin Kibet 24:04

U20 women

1 Peruth Chemutai 20:20

2 Janat Chemusto 20:39

3 Esther Chekwemoi 21:08

4 Sarah Chelangat 21:20

5 Scarlett Chemos 22:0

2017 African cup of Nations

Group B
Senegal vs Tunisia 7pm
Algeria vs Zimbabwe 10pm
Stade de Franceville

Action at the 2017 African cup of Nations enters day 2 on Sunday with two thrilling games in group B after stalemates in the opening games between Gabon and Guinea Bissau plus Burkina Faso and Cameroon.

Pre-tournament favorites Algeria begin their campaign with a tricky tie against unpredictable Zimbabwe who return to the tournament for the first time since 2006 while Senegal take on Tunisia.

SENEGAL vs TUNISIA 10PM

Just like Algeria, Senegal   come into the tournament as favorites with virtually one of the best and star studded squads. Sadio Mane, BaldeKeita, Mame Biram Diouf and Cheick Kouyate among others will headline Aliou Cisse’s squad in Gabon.

Senegal despite being a great football nation, the lions of Teranga  have failed to clinch the coveted prize only coming close in 2002 when they lost to Cameroon in the finals.

Head coach Aliou Cisse now carries the lofty ambitions of winning the nations cup and the daunting task stars on Sunday against Tunisia.

Senegal were the only side that finished the qualification campaign with maximum points (18) scoring and as many as 13 goals.

Tunisia under Polish tactician Henryk Kasperczak do not seem to have the supposedly big names as Senegal besides defender Aymen Abdunnour but have always thrived on team work.

The Carthage eagles have over the years failed to replicate the performance they put up in 2004 en route to winning their first and only title.

Head to Head at Afcon

The two sides have met on four occasions at the final tournament with Tunisia winning once whilst the other three engagements have ended in stalemates.

Tunisia 0-0 Senegal (1965)
Senegal 0-0 Tunisia (2002)
Tunisia 1-0 Senegal(2004)
Senegal 2-2 Tunisia (2008)

ALGRERIA vs ZIMBABWE  7PM

Zimbabwe’s Warriors take on tournament favorites Algeria in yet another thrilling fixture in group B.

Algeria who shocked the world at  the 2014 World cup in Brazil reaching the round of 16 including holding eventual winners Germany until extra time take on Zimbabwe who have also assembled a great side over the years.

George Leekens, the head coach of Algeria comes with a star studded side that includes the likes of Leicester City’s duo of Riyad Mahrez and Islam Slimani, Yacine Brahimi and Fauzi Ghoulam among others

However, Zimbabwe under coach Callisto Pasuwa have been widely regarded as the dark horses at the tournament.

Like Algeria look at their current squad as the golden generation, equally Zimbabwe regard the current crop of players as a side than can deliver success to the nation.

Williard Kasande, Khama Billiat, Knowledge Musona, Cuthbert Malgia and Evans Rusike formthe core of the Warriors squad.

The only meeting between the two sides at African cup of Nations came in 2004 and Zimbabwe won the game 2-1.