African cup of Nations
Group B
Algeria 2-2 Zimbabwe

Algeria played to 2 all draw in a thrilling group B game on Sunday at Stade de Franceville.

In a game where possession fluctuated from one side to another, Zimbabwe played better in the first half but were on the back foot in the second period as Algeria pushed forward to level matters.

A brace from CAF player of the year Riyad Mahrez wasn’t enough to fire Algeria past a resilient Zimbabwe who scored through Kudakwashe Mahachi and Nyasha Mushekwi.

Khama Billiat got the game’s first chance at the 10th minute mark but his effort from half volley after a clearance from a corner was denied by the woodwork.

Zimbabwe received an early blow when Knowledge Musonda limped off in the 11th minute and was replaced by Evans Rusike.

Two minutes later, Algeria took the lead on the other end through Riyad Mahrez whose curled effort glanced off the post before finding its way to the back of the net.

However, the lead was short lived as the Warriors leveled the scores in the 17th minute through Kudakwashe Mahicha whose low shot inside the box went past goalkeeper Rais M’boli.

Nyasha Mushekwi put the warriors ahead a minute to the half hour mark converting from a penalty to  give Callisto Pasuwa’s charges a deserved lead.

Zimbabwe had a chance to stretch the lead 8 minutes after recess but goalkeeper M’boli pulled an acrobatic save to deny Khama Billiat who had ripped through Algeria’s defence.

From then onwards,Algeria pilled pressure on Zimbabwe who opted to drop deep and defend their lead.

Ramy Bensabani came close to leveling matters but his effort ricocheted off the crossbar.

It was Riyad Mahrez who salvaged a point for the North Africans scoring with eight minutes on the clock.

ALGERIA – Rais M ’Bolhi,Aissa Mandi,Faouzi Ghoulam,Riyad Mahrez, Nabil Bentaleb, Yacine Brahimi, Islam Slimani, El- Arbi Hilal Soudani, Adlene Guedioura, Mokhtar Belkhiter, Ramy Bensebaini

Zimbabwe starting XI Tatenda Mkuruva, Costa Nhamoinesu, Danny Phiri, Hardlife Zvirekwi, Elisha Muroiwa, Onismor Bhasera, Nyasha Mushekwi, Kudakwashe Mahachi, Willard Katsande, Knowledge Musona, Khama Billiat .

National Basketball League
City Oilers 78-46 Betway Power

City Oilers successfully retained the National basketball league title after defeating Betway Power 4-1 in the 2016 best of seven series.

The Zone V champions put up an incredible performance in game five to outwash Power 78-46 at Lugogo indoor stadium on Sunday.

Unlike the first four games where Oiler’s always struggled in the opening quarters, Mande Juruni’s charges  were perfect right from the start.

City Oilers took a commanding lead in the first quarter combining for 24 points while limiting Power to just 10 points.

The gap was maintained throughout the second period with Oilers scoring 14 points to Power’s 12 and led 38-22 heading into halftime.

Oilers were even more ruthless after recess combining for 40 points in the final two quarters.

Power had an attempted comeback at the start of the third quarter narrowing the lead to within 9 points (41-32) in the first two minutes.

However, Oilers surged up and put the game beyond reach claiming the third period 27-18 and lead 65-40 at the end of the third quarter.

Mande Juruni’s side capped the fourth quarter with 13 points while limiting Power to just 6 points.

Jimmy Enabu and Otim Jonah had a joint game both having 15 points apiece for Oilers. Kami Kabangu ended with 14 points.

Joseph Ikong had 13 points, a team high for the losing Power.

Oilers have now won four successive titles since winning their first in 2013.

African cup of Nations 2017
Group B
Senegal 2-0 Tunisia

Liverpool’s striker Sadio Mane played an integral role as Senegal became the first side to win a game at the 2017 African cup of Nations.

Senegal defeated Tunisia 2-0 in a group B game played on Sunday at Stade de Franceville in Gabon.

First half goals from Sadio Mane and defender Kara Mbodji were enough for the Lions of Teranga to claim all three points against a wasteful Tunisia.

Mane put Senegal ahead 10 minutes after kickoff converting from a penalty after Tunisia’s defender Aymen Abdennour brought Cheickhou Kouyate down inside the forbidden area.

Tunisia had a chance to level matters through Ahmed Akaiki but failed to put the ball past Senegal’s goalkeeper Abdoulaye Diallo.

Aliou Cisse’s charges went ahead to double the lead through centre back Mbodji Kara whose powerful header off Diao’s corner went into the net at the half hour mark.

Tunisia will have themselves to blame after wasting several chances in the second half where they dominated play.

Ahmed Akaiki, Youssef Msakni and Wahbi Khazri all came close but failed to find the back of the net.

Senegal now lead group B on 3 points ahead of Zimbabwe and Algeria who settled for a 2 all draw.

The Lions of Teranga return to action on Thursday against Zimbabwe while Tunisia will play Algeria at Stade de Franceville.

SK13 are the champions of the 2017 Premier Classic Futsal Cup. The team overcame stiff competition from Elephants to emerge 3-2 winners in a tightly contested finals played at the Busega Futsal Arena.

The newly formed side crashed Sona FC 4-1 in the quarter finals through a hat trick by Bashir and one from Sempiija and further drubbed Gal Sports Betting 5-1 in the semis to set up a mouthwatering final with the Elephants.

Elephants road to the final include a 2-0 victory over Boxing Day champs, Brother Hood Futsal club and 3-1 against Seeta Galacticos. Henry Mwaromu grabbed a brace in the first and a goal against Seeta but his double in the final wasn’t enough to gift his team trophy.

Seven teams were involved in the three rounds knock out phase that kicked off from the quarter finals. Durban Futsal club failed to turn up thus Seeta Galacticos earned free points.

2017 Premier Classic Futsal Cup full results

Quarter finals
Sk13 4-1 Sona
Express Red Army 0-2 Gap Sports Betting
Seeta Galaticos 3-0 Durban (W.O)
Elephants 2-0 Brotherhood

Semi Finals
Sk13 5-1 Gal Sports Betting
Seeta Galaticos 1-3 Elephants

Finals: SK13 3-2 Elephants

African Cup of Nations 2017
Group C
DR Congo vs Morocco
Stade de Oyem, 10pm

Democratic Republic of Congo start to the 2017 African cup of Nations has been marred by the news of players striking over unpaid bonuses.

The players on Friday agreed in unison not to train until their wages are paid which prompted Minister for Sports Wily Bakonga to fly to Gabon and meet the team.

The Leopards will now try to put their disarray aside as they kickoff the campaign against Morocco in a group C fixture on Monday at Stade de Oyem.

Florent Ibenge, the Congo head coach has built a strong side over the years since taking the role in 2014.

DR Congo will aim at bettering their performance at the last AFCON edition in 2015 where they finished third and the objective this time around is to win the coveted prize they last won in 1974.

The triumph at last year’s Championship of African Nations (CHAN) in Rwanda could be a factor to spur Congo in Gabon.

Despite missing Yannick Bolaise through injury and Bennick Adobe who turned down the call, Congo still has a star studded side across all the departments.

TP Mazembe’s shot stopper Vuni Ley Matampi, Norwich midfielder Youssuf Mulumbu, Jonathan Bolingi, Mobele Ndombe and Cedric Bakambu are some of the key players that will play for Congo.

Morocco on the other hand do not have as many stars as DR Congo but have the motivational factor in head coach Havre Renard.

The French tactician comes to Gabon with the lofty ambition of guiding a third different nation to winning the title.

Renard helped Zambia win in 2012 before guiding defending champions Ivory Coast in 2015.

Morocco come into the tournament with a seemingly depleted side after midfielder Younes Belhanda was ruled out with an injury.

Soufian Boufal and Nordin Amrabat who plays with Southampton and Watford respectively also declined national team calls.

Head to head

The two sides have met 12 times with the last coming on 09th January in a friendly game. Morocco won 3-0 in Rabat.

Played- 12 games

Congo – 2 wins

Morocco- 4 wins

Draws – 6

Key players

Cedric Bakambu (DR Congo)
The 25-year old striker who plies his trade with Spanish LA liga side Villarreal will lead Congo’s line of attack.

Bakambu was influential as Congo picked 5 wins in the qualifying campaign scoring 3 goals in the process.

Youseff El Arabi (Morocco)
Without midfielder Younes Belhanda, El Arabi will carry the task of leading Morocco in the forward positions.

El Arabi netted four goals during the qualifying campaign.

Hurriken group leaders YMCA resumed their quest to crown the 2017 Pepsi national beach soccer champions by defeating MUBS 9-6 in a thrilling and explosive encounter on Sunday.

Ashadu Bugembe fired five times as Muwawu Faizal, Allan Zirimenya and Hamim Semakula added their names on the score sheet.

Still in Hurriken group, Roch Somoka was twice on target as defending champions Nkumba Select roved past Muteesa 1 Royal University Jessy Lukoki and Rica Byaruhanga also scored in the 4-1 win.

St. Lawrence extended their unbeaten streak to seven games with a 8-3 win over Real Galacticos.
The scholars went into the midseason break on top of the Monsoon table leading with 18 points, five ahead of KIU.

In the other game played, Stomers pilled more pressure on MS Sand Lions with a 3-1 result. The lions have won only one game since their promotion at the start of the season.

Hurriken group
MUBS 6-9 YMCA
Muteesa 1 Royal Univ 1-4 Nkumba Select
Dalumba International 4-3 Talented

Monsoon Group
Stomers 3-1 Ms Sand Lions
Real Galacticos 3-8 St Lawrence

Odds were very high for Algeria’s desert foxes to reign over Zimbabwe’s Warriors in their opening group B game in the Africa cup of nations.

Surprisingly to many, the Warriors put up a sublime show and were on course to pick maximum points only to be disappointed by poor defending that allowed Riyad Mahrez to run through and shoot the equalizer with only eight minutes left.

The Foxes coach George Leekens acknowledges that the mistakes made in the first half cost his team dearly.

“This is just the first match and first matches are always difficult in any major competition,” Leekens said. “We had a bad first half and it affected our game plan.”

Zimbabwe came from behind and took a 2-1 lead through Nyasha Mushekwi and Kudakwashe Mahachi’s goals.

“There are no small teams here. We made mistakes in the first half that allowed Zimbabwe to play. The penalty was also a huge mistake.”

Leekens made only two changes in the second half pulling off Mokhtar Belkhiter for Mohamed Rabie Meftah just after the breather and later on El-Arbi Hilal Soudani for Rachid Ghezzal in the 78th.

“We resumed stronger in the second half and managed to equalize. Zimbabwe was always going to be difficult. We have one point and we will hope to have the three points in the next matches.”

The Algerians play Tunisia on Thursday 19th as Zimbabwe lock horns with Senegal

African Cup of Nations

Group C

DR Congo 1-0 Morocco

Democratic Republic of Congo became only the second team to win a game at the 2017 African cup of Nations after edging past Morocco.

DR Congo who finished the game with a man less after Joyce Lomalisa Mutambala was sent off held on to win 1-0 in a game played on Monday at stade d’Oyem.

Junior Kabananga struck the game’s only goal in the second half to fire Florent Ibenge’s charges to a perfect start.

Congo who came to the game on the back of a players’ bonus strike put the disarray at their back to see off a resilient and hard fighting Morocco.

Hevre Renard’s side started a better side and almost took the lead as early as the 2nd minute through M’bark Boussoufa but his effort ricocheted off the crossbar.

Either side kept searching for the opener but could only settle for a barren score in the opening 45 minutes.

The decisive moment came 10 minutes after the break when Congo took the lead through Kabananga. Morocco’s goalkeeper Monir El- Kajoui failed to deal with Firmin Mobele Ndombe’s low cross and only fumbled the clearance towards Kabananga to fire the Leopards ahead.

Congo were reduced to 10 men in the 80th minute after a double booking on substitute Joyce Lomalisa Mutambala who was on the pitch for only 16 minutes.

There was another blow for the Congolese with the day’s captain Gabriel Zakuani limping off with 7 minutes to play yet all the substitutions had been made.

Zakuani later returned in added time as Congo held on to earn all three points. Congo now lead group C on 3 points after Togo and Ivory Coast played to a goalless draw.

Defending champions Ivory Coast and Togo played out to an uninspiring draw in their first group C game in the ongoing Africa cup of nations at Oyem stadium.

The result means that a third of the games so far played, have ended up in stalemates.

The Elephants had the first real chance of the game after ten minutes of play when Solomon Kalou weaved through three players to set up Jonathan Kodija at the edge of the box but his run was destabilized by Gakpe’s tackle and ended up stabbing the ball on an advancing Agassa in Togo’s goal.

Togo’s better chance to break the deadlock presented in the 23rd after Adebayor flicked a ball through for Ayite but his effort span wide.

Adebayor initiated another just a minute later with a good move and final pass to Ayite but the Aston Villa striker collide with his teammate Laba and wasted the chance.

The Sparrow Hawks constructed another one close to the half hour through Adebayor and Bebou which snaked to Dossevi inside the box for a first time shot which was eventually tamed by Gbohouo who had exploded off his line.

Zaha, who was probably the most industrious in the Elephants shirt, had his last chance in the 68 minute bursting into space to to meet a mid range clearance, twisted Dene in the box and propelled a low left shot which found Gakpe on the right place. He was later pulled off for Wilfred Bony whose efforts yielded nothing tangible.

Lineups: Ivory Coast: Gbohouo (GK), Serge Aurier, Eric Bailly, Kanon, Traore, Serey Die, Seri (Doukoure 65′), Kessie, Wilfred Zaha (Bony 70′), Jonathan Kodjia (Max Gradel 83′), Solomon Kalou.

Togo: Agassa; Gakpe, Romao, Ouro-Akoriko, Djene, Mathieu Dossevi (Agbegniadan 87′), Floyd Ayite, Atakora, Bebou, Laba (Akakpo 82′), Adebayor (Boukari 89′).

Photo: Togolese goalkeeper Agassa mounts a sliding challenge on Ivory Coast Striker Jonathan Kodija in the ninth minute.

Opposition Democratic Party (DP) in support of the Uganda Cranes Team has pledged to pay half a million shillings to the team for every goal that shall be scored in AFCON.

“The party continues to congratulate the Uganda Cranes upon making it to the African Cup of Nations (AFCON) after a period of over 30 years,” said the party spokesperson, Kenneth Paul Kakande on Tuesday.

Kakande said that the party will continue to support the Cranes, pledging that they will do more than the pledged Sh500, 000 for each goal scored as the game continues.

“We have finalized with the cheque, we are only left with filling in the figures according to the goals that will be scored.”

Kakande however, condemned the failure by government through Uganda Broadcasting Cooperation to relay the tournament which was a great disappointment to the sports fraternity in the country.

Uganda Cranes kick off the the Afcon Campaign today in Gabonian city of Port Gentil where they face Ghana.

African Cup of Nations 2017 Group D Egypt vs Mali Stade de Port Gentil 10pm African cup of Nations record champions

Egypt return to the tournament after 7 years in the wilderness failing to qualify for the previous three editions.

The Pharaohs have won a record 7 titles including three consecutive triumphs in 2006,2008 and 2010.

The breakout of a political turmoil that led to the ouster of President Hosni Mubarak eventually affected the performance of the national team.

The Egyptian national team hugely depended on locally based players from clubs like Zamalek and Al Ahly but the league crumbled due to political instability and thus the effect transformed to the national team.

However, after going back to the drawing board, Egypt return a composed side and looked at as one of the favorites to lift the title in Gabon.

The 7 time winners open their campaign against a tricky Mali side that has proved a great team in the previous editions including finishing third in 2012 and 2013.

Under Alain Grease, the Eagles of Mali will pose a great threat against Egypt as the two lock horns in group D on Tuesday at Stade de Port Gentil.

Mali have built a strong team with players like Sambou Yatabare,Bakary Sako,Yacouba Sylla among others.

Grease will have concerns about influential player Adama Traore who is a major doubt for the game against Egypt due to an injury.

Traore has not fully trained with the rest of the team but will be subjected to a late fitness test to confirm whether he will play.

On the other hand, Hector Cupper already set the championship as his target before the tournament and would want to get underway on a perfect note.

Mohammad Salah who plies his trade at AS Roma in Italy is looked at as the player that will shoulder the team’s burdens especially going forward.

Other notable stars on the team include Arsenal’s Mohammad Elneny, Omar Gabar,Ahmed Fathy and Ahmed Elmohamady among others.

The two sides have only met once at African cup of Nations and Mali won the game 1-0(quarterfinal) in 1994 courtesy of Soumaila Traore.

The last time Uganda Cranes were in the African cup of nations, they lost 2-0 to Ghana in final on March 18th 1978.

The Cranes return after a 39 year absence and it is the same opponent to usher back in a group D opener in Gabon.

The two have gone on to meet nine times since then with Cranes claiming three and four ending goalless.

Uganda comes into the match with a better head to head statistics with a win and two draws in the last three meetings.

“We are playing against a difficult side that has given us trouble sometimes and it’s not going to be easy but with what is at stake and the quality in the team, we hope for the best,” Ghana captain Asamoah Gyan said in the pre-match press conference.

The Black Stars are ranked 9th on the continent and 54^th in the world while Uganda are 19 places below on 73 and 18 in the Africa.

In total, Ghana has played 89 games in Afcon with 50 wins and 17 draws in 20 appearances with four titles to boost of and five silver medals.

Form guide in competitive games
Ghana- LDDWDW
Uganda – WDWWDL

Coaches:
Micho and Grant will be making their debut on Wednesday though the Serbian has traversed the continent at club level.

Micho – “Uganda has no experience that Ghana has especially that we are returning after missing 19 tournaments since 1978. Coming back is not very easy.  We shall play Tomorrow’s match like it’s the final and throw everything to the game.”

Grant – “Our players are in high moral and in good spirits to kick off the tournament. We came here to better the last performance but that means we have to be on top of our game in every match we play.”

Players to Watch

Uganda (Miya, Shaban & Onyango)
The Standard Liege forward has been on top form for the country despite his club woes. He has scored two crucial goals in the last three Cranes qualifiers (world cup and Afcon) which include the final goal that sent Uganda to Gabon.

Onduparaka sensational teenage striker Shaban Muhammad enjoyed a stellar year that saw him crowned Fufa best player with over 30 goals to his name. He scored and assisted in the last three Cranes international build ups against Slovenia and Slovakia.

Onyango’s records can only be described in superlatives. Though his fitness level has been a subject of discussion, he is undoubtedly the key pillar in the team spine.

Ghana (Asamoah Gyan)

The evergreen Ghana captain boasts of seven goals in seven tournament appearances.

Cranes Possible lineups

Influential midfielder Khalid Aucho and center back Murshid Jjuko are suspended for the game and coach Micho is likely to use Hassan Waswa and Isaac Isinde as cover for Onyango while Ochaya and Wadada man the wings. Shaban is expected to come in second half.

Onyango- Wadada, Isinde, Waswa, Ochaya- Mawejje, Iguma- Miya, Luwagga, Oloya, Massa

Fast growing Uganda Premier league club Onduparaka FC are scheduled to take on record Kenya premier league chamoions, Gormahia FC in an international friendly match on Saturday 4 February at the Mandela stadium.

The news was confirmed by the club media officer Mr. Otelul Vegas immediately after the final arrangements and agreement.

“We are happy to announce our first ever international friendly game against Gor Mahia Fc from Kenya,” Otelul revealed.

“The international  friendly game will be played on 4th February 2017 as a build up for the second leg of the season at Namboole National stadium.

“We are so honored to host a team we have looked up to for a long time. Our admiration for Gor Mahia Fc is not just because of their success on the pitch but also the massive following of the team
that has kept the Club growing from glory to glory over the years.”

Gormahia surrendered their league title to Tusker FC after a successful three years. They’re currently in Sudan for another build up.

“Onduparaka FC looks at this international friendly as an honorary and emotional gesture that will convey the development of our regional clubs and local teams.”

The caterpillars finished second in the league after the first round behind giants KCCA FC and SC Villa.

Vipers captain Nicholas Wadada has been dropped from the Cranes starting team to face Ghana’s Black Stars in the opening group D game of the Africa Cup of nations.

The match will kick off at 7 pm Ugandan time in Port Gentile, Gabon.

Head Coach Milutin ‘Micho’ Sredojevic has opted to deploy Dennis Guma in the right lane and Joseph Ochaya in the opposite side.

With the suspension of Simba SC center back Murshid Jjuko, Hassan Waswa takes up the role and will partner Isiinde to shield Onyango.

Geoffrey ‘Baba’ Kizito returns to the team and will sit in front of the centre backs as Mawejje and Azira ensure swift transition of the ball to Ghana’s territory.

Farouk Miya and Luwagga Kizito have been tasked to create and execute chances in the attack line led by Captain Geoffrey Massa.

Lineup: Onyango Denis (GK)- Iguma Dennis , Joseph Ochaya, Isaac Isinde, Wasswa Hassan Mawanda, Tonny Mawejje, Geoffrey ‘Baba’ Kizito, Azira mike, Miya Farouk , Luwaga Kizito, Geoffrey Massa.

African Cup of Nations 2017

Group D: Uganda vs Ghana

Stade Port Gentil

7pm

Ghana’s head coach Avram Grant has named the team that will start against Uganda as the two sides lock horns on Tuesday at Stade Port Gentil in Gabon.

The Black stars begin their campaign with a group D fixture against boggy side Uganda.

Grant has opted for an all attacking starting lineup with three forwards in Asamoah Gyan and the Ayew brothers, Jordan and Andre Dede.

Goalkeeper Braimah Razak starts ahead of experienced Fatau Dauda who was a late inclusion into the squad.

Diminute defender Harrison Afful starts at the right back position while Abdu Baba Rahman completes the fullback positions occupying the left side.

Leicester City’s Daniel Armattey starts ahead of Jonathan Mensah in defence and he will partner John Boye to try tame Cranes captain Geoffrey Massa and Miya Farouk.

Mubarak Wakaso is joined by fast winger Christian Atsu in the midfield while Atletico Madrid’s Thomas Partey also gets a slot in the starting lineup in a 4-3-3 system.

Asamoah Gyan will lead the line of attack while Jordan Ayew and Andre Dede Ayew will play behind him as the supporting cast.

African Cup of Nations 2017
Uganda 0-1 Ghana

Andre Dede Ayew has given Ghana the lead against Uganda in a group D game played at Stade Port Gentil.

Ayew scored from a penalty after a clumsy challenge on Ghana captain Asamoah Gyan in the forbidden area.

Uganda had the first shot on target as early as the fourth minute when Mawejje disposed Arrison Afful but his feeble shot was easy for Razak Braimah to collect.

Two minutes later, the black stars too had a chance but Thomas Party failed to find the target firing wide.

A poor clearance by goalkeeper Dennis Onyango almost cost Uganda in the 13th minute but Hassan Wasswa was quick to clear out of danger.

From then onwards, Ghana became dominant enjoying majority of the possession.

Asamaoh Gyan had two successive headers but failed to hit the target.

Christian Atsu who was lively throughout the first 45 minutes kept troubling Ochaya and had a shot on goal but Onyango was in the right position to collect it.

Isaac Isinde gave away a penalty after losing possession to Gyan and Andre Ayew converted from the spot kick to give Ghana the lead.

Uganda had two chances towards the end of first half with Miya hitting the woodwork while Isinde had a chance to head home at the death of the clock.

Andre Ayew’s first half penalty was just enough to gift Ghana an important victory over Uganda Cranes in a tightly contested group D opener in the 2017 Africa cup of Nations played in Port Gentil, Gabon.

The Cranes missed the services of influential midfielder Khalid Aucho and regular center back Murshid Jjuko who were both out due to suspension.

Makeshift center back Hassan Waswa just did the best to keep the team rolling but a clumsy mistake from his twin partner turned costly to the Cranes hopes.

First half action.

Midfielder Tonny Mawejje registered Cranes first attempt in the third minute after robbing off Harisson Afful before speeding to the box but his angled shot was easily tamed by Razak.

The Black Stars came closer to unlock the code twelve minutes later. Christian Atsu collected a floating ball and split a pass to Jordan Ayew but the recipient’s end result from a tight angle flew high with several white shirts left grumbling.

At the half hour, Gyan dispossessed Isinde following a flimsy and failed clearance but the defender, without weighing his decision, turned around and pulled him down for a penalty.

Andre Ayew converted from the spot, sent Onyango to the left and planted it in the middle.

Grant was forced to pull of injured Baba Rahman for Frank Acheampong in the 38th.

Micho pulled out Michael Azira and introduced tricky winger Moses Oloya immediately after the breather. The Serbian later on added Shaban Muhammad and Geoffrey Sserunkuma for Mike Azira and William Oloya.

Uganda improved in attack but the final delivery for Shaban, Massa and Sserunkuma was still poor.

Ghana lead the group with three points at least until Egypt face off Mali later in the night.

Uganda return to action on Saturday 21 against Egypt as Ghana take on Mali.

Uganda Cranes Lineup: Dennis Onyango, Dennis Iguma, Joseph Ochaya, Isaac Isinde  (70′ Geofrey Sserunkuma), Hassan Wasswa Mawanda, Tonny Mawejje, Geofrey ‘Baba’ Kizito, Michael Azira (46′ Muhammed Shaban), Faruku Miya, William Luwaga Kizito (46′ Moses Oloya), Geoffrey Massa (Captain)

Unused Subs: Robert Odongkara (G.K), Yunus Junior Sentamu, Nico Wadada Wakiro, Godfrey Walusimbi, Salim Omar Magoola (G.K), Timothy Dennis Awany, Shafiq Batambuze

Ghana lineup: Razak Braimah, Harrison Afful, Baba Rahman, Jonathan Mensah, Daniel Armatey, Mubarak Wakaso, Emmanuel Badu, Thomas Partey, Asamoah Gyan, Andrew Ayew, Jordan Ayew.

Referee: Joshua Bondo (Botswana)
Assistant1: Abdelhak Etchiali (Algeria)
Assistant2: Olivier Safari Kabene (DR Congo)

Uganda Cranes played at African cup of Nations for the first time after a 39year drought but returned on a losing note.

The cranes suffered a narrow 1-0 defeat to the Black stars in a group D game played at Port de Gentil on Tuesday.

Andre Dede Ayew’s first half goal from a penalty was enough for Avram Grant’s side to earn victory.

ChimpSports’ Joel Muyita rates how each of the Uganda Cranes player performed against Ghana.

Dennis Onyango (GK) – 7.5

Without a doubt, Onyango was team’s man of the match. The giant goalkeeper kept Uganda in the game several times with great saves especially against Andrew Ayew and Christian Atsu and also commanded his defence line well.

Dennis Iguma – 5

Iguma was solid in the right back position closing out spaces on Jordan Ayew but he offered less in terms of going forward especially when Uganda was on the attack.

Joseph Ochaya – 5.5

A poor start for the lanky fullback always facing a threat from Christan Atsu in the first half. Ochaya became more composed in the second period and offered a lot of support in the offensive areas.

Isaac Isinde – 5

He was unfortunate that he gave away a cheap penalty after failing to control the ball and instead pulled down Gyan Asamoah in the forbidden area.

This haunted him throughout the time he was on pitch and failed to play to his best ability.

Hassan Wasswa – 7

Besides goalkeeper Onyango, Hassan Wasswa was the best outfield player for the Cranes. He marked out Asamoah Gyan, had timely interceptions and had a good reading.

Geoffrey Kizito Baba – 6

He provided good cover to the centre backs and worked tirelessly in the midfield. Even when he was drafted to defence after Isinde went off, Kizito still remained effective.

Mike Azira – 4

One of the games that Azira would want to easily forget. A poor display from the midfielder failing to deliver and losing possession quite easily.

Tonny Mawejje – 5

Got Uganda’s first shot on target in the 4th minute but became a bit nervous and was easily absorbed by Ghana’s Thomas Partey. He only resurrected towards the end as Uganda surged up for equaliser.

Geoffrey Massa – 4.5

The skipper failed to go past John Boye and Daniel Armatey. But became a bit productive when he fell deep after the introduction of Mohammad Shaban.

Miya Farouk – 5.5

He did not play to his best ability because of the limited service from the midfield but got Uganda’s realistic chance at goal though was denied by the post with his effort ricocheting off.

Luwagga Kizito – 4

Another player who failed to calm his nerves and got absorbed by the pressure of the game. He always lost possession easily.

Substitutes

Mohammad Shaban – 6

The teenage striker had an instant impact when he came on. He had the sheer will to run at Ghana’s defence and gave Uganda options going forward.

Moses Oloya – 5

He came on for Azira after recess and provided Uganda with more dimensions especially on the flanks and kept Harrison Afful busy throughout.

Geoffrey Sserunkuma – 4.5

Head coach Milutin Sredojevic introduced Sserunkuma as Uganda kept searching for an equaliser. But he didn’t get enough service to hurt Ghana.

African Cup of Nations 2017
Mali 0-0 Egypt

Egypt’s return to the African cup of Nations for the time in seven years yielded no positive results as the Pharaohs were held to a goalless draw against Mali.

In a group D game played on Tuesday at the stade de Port Gentil, Mali seemed the better side getting more scoring chances than Egypt.

Mali troubled Egypt for the better part of the game especially through Lassana Coulibaly and Moussa Marega.

Hector Cupper, the head coach of Egypt was forced to an early change with goalkeeper Ahmed El-Sharawy getting injured.

Sharawy scrambled to claw Lasanna Coulibaly’s glancing header but ended up injuring himself in the process and was replaced by veteran shot stopper Essam El-Hadary in the 24th minute.

Hadary who was making his 148th appearance for the Pharaohs made a record as the oldest player to play at the tournament at the age of 44.

The two sides settled for a barren first half and it was the same scenario after recess with either side failing to find the cutting edge.

Roma forward Mohamed Salah broke down the right before cutting the ball back to the edge of the penalty area where Arsenal midfielder Mohamed Elneny sent a side-footed effort just over the goal area.

Mali also suffered an injury blow with Sambou Yatabare limping off and was replaced by Yves Bissouma midway through the second half.

Veteran goalkeeper Hadary pulled off a fine save closing down Moussa Marega who had got his way through the Egypt defence.

On the other hand, Marwan Mohsen almost snatched a winner for the 7 time champions with a powerful header but Mali’s goalkeeper Oumar Ssisoko pulled off an acrobatic save to deny the forward.

The result means Egypt occupy second place in group D on one point behind Ghana who edged past Uganda while Mali are third also on one point.

Egypt will play Uganda in their second game while Mali take on Ghana in a West African affair.

Uganda Cranes received a rude welcome back to the Africa Cup of Nations following a 1-0 defeat at the hands of Ghana’s Black Stars on Tuesday.

Head Coach Milutin ‘Micho’ Sredojevic rues some mistakes for the loss but acknowledges the fact that the players are ingenuous at this stage.

“We had what I call stage fright in the first half,” Micho said.

“We committed a mistake that I cannot explain and Ayew scored. I have learnt that this level of competition does not accept silly mistakes like we have done.”

West Ham United striker Andre Ayew buried from the spot just after the half hour. Isaac Isinde had unnecessarily pulled Asamoah Gyan who didn’t hesitate to fall on the ground.

“My team has shown that we have the technical and physical ability but we still have to work more. We came with a mission to prove that we didn’t qualify by accident, and I believe we showed that.”

Tactical changes

Micho employed a defensive system with five sitting at the back, Mawejje and Azira protecting the midfielder as Miya, Luwagga and Massa provided attacking options.
He was forced to withdraw Luwagga for Shaban.

Later on, Sserunkuma and Oloya joined to make five strikers up front but the changes were fruitless.

“At halftime, we needed to awaken the players so that they believe we can play in tournaments like this. We made a risk at the latter stages playing 3-2-5 but it didn’t work. I am not satisfied with our finishing.”

The Cranes return to action on Saturday against Egypt with Khalid Aucho and Murshid Jjuko, who were on suspension, expected back in action.