The Uganda national football team (Uganda Cranes) has continued preparations ahead of the African Cup of Nations qualifier game against Cape Verde which comes barely a fortnight from now.

After a comfortable 3-1 victory against the Kitara region on Sunday, head coach Milutin Sredojevic “Micho” has not taken anything for granted with preparations continuing.

On Tuesday, several foreign based players including Farouk Miya attended training at Mandela national stadium. The drills will shift to two sessions on Wednesday both in the morning and evening.

The other notable players who attended Tuesday training include Nicholas Wadada, Dennis Iguma, Murushid Jjuko, Joseph Ochaya among others.

The team departs the country on Thursday evening to Ethiopia where they will play a buildup game against the Ethiopian national team on Saturday 3rd June at Hawassa city stadium.

From Ethiopia, the cranes will head to Dakar, Senegal where they are expected to play another international friendly game against the Lions of Teranga on 6th June.

Uganda is in group L in the 2019 African Cup of Nations qualifiers alongside Cape Verde, Lesotho and Tanzania.

The Cranes who are the only side in this group that featured at the just concluded AFCON tournament in Gabon will kick start the campaign against Cape Verde on 10th June at Estadio da Varzea in Praia.

Players in Camp

Goalkeepers: Ismail Watenga (Vipers), Tom Ikara (Kirinya Jinja SS), Emmanuel Rubangakene (Paidha Black Angels), Saidi Keni (Proline)

Defenders: Nicholas Wadada (Vipers), Benerd Muwanga (SC Villa), Savio Kabugo (Proline), Jjuko Murushid (Simba), Godfrey Walusimbi (Gor Mahia), Joseph Ochaya (Lusaka Dynamos), Shafik Batambuze (Singida United), Douglas Odagui (Paidha Black Angels), Hassan Wasswa (Nijehm)

Midfielders: Tadeo Lwanga (SC Villa), Deus Bukenya (SC Vipers), Nicholas Kasozi (Synergy), Shafik Kagimu (URA), Martin Kiiza (SC Villa), Ronald Kakeeto (Aalborg)

Forwards: Emmanuel Okwi (SC Villa), Nelson Ssenkatuka (Proline), Shaban Muhammad (Onduparaka), Milton Kariisa (SC Vipers), Farouk Miya (Standard Liege)

Kawempe Muslim and Uganda Christian University (UCU) Lady Cardinals have made it into this year ‘ final.

In the playoff games played at Philip Omondi stadium on Wednesday, Kawempe Muslim and UCU Lady Cardinals edged past Olila Women FC and Uganda Martyrs respective to reach the finals.

UCU Lady Cardinals edged past League debutants Uganda Martyrs High school Rubaga 2-1 in the first semifinal.

Skipper Maureen Kinavudori and an own goal from defender ensured UCU led 2-0 but Uganda Martyrs came recharged in the second period with Resty Nanziri pulling one back.

However, UCU Lady Cardinals held on to eventually win the game and reach their first ever final.

In the second game of the day, reigning best female footballer, Hasifa Nassuna scored a brace to help Kawempe reach their third consecutive final.

The brace meant Hasifa Nassuna has so far scored 26 goals this season with a game to play.

Kawempe will now take on UCU Lady Cardinals in the finals on Sunday. The two teams played in the same group (Elizabeth group) in regular season.

Olila Women FC and Uganda Martyrs High school Rubaga will battle for the 3rd place playoff.

The Uganda national football team has proved by one place in the latest rankings released by world football governing body, Federation of International Football Associations.

The monthly rankings that indicate progress of national teams released on Thursday, June 1 shows that Uganda has improved from 72nd position held in April to 71st the May rankings.

The cranes enter into a period of several activities that includes African Cup of Nations qualifiers, Championship of African Nations qualifiers (CHAN) and 2018 World Cup qualifiers among others.

Seeking to return to Africa’s biggest football showpiece (AFCON), Uganda pooled in group L will take on Ethiopia and Senegal in friendly games ahead of the group opener against Cape Verde Islands next week.

Uganda ranks highest in group L at 71st position and 16th in Africa. Cape Verde are 84th while Tanzania and Lesotho lie a distant 139th and 140th respectively.

Like it has been the norm, Uganda still tops the ranking charts in the CECAFA region with only Kenya who are 74th coming close improving by 4 positions.

Ethiopia are 125th while Rwanda have dropped by 10 places to 128th. Tanzania are 139th, South Sudan occupy 147th place whereas Burundi are 148th.

Egypt is the best ranked nation in Africa at 20th position; Senegal follows in 27th while African reigning champions, Cameroon are 32nd. Nigeria and Congo DR complete the top 5 in Africa at 38th and 39th respectively.

The top 5 ranked nations have pretty not changed from last month’s rankings with Brazil, Argentina, Germany, Chile and Colombia leading  the way in that order.

Defender Joseph Ochaya has been ruled out of the travelling squad to Ethiopia after sustaining an injury on Wednesday evening.

Ochaya who features for Zambia’s outfit, Lusaka Dynamos did not make the trip to Ethiopia where Uganda will play a buildup game on Saturday after picking up an injury in training.

The roving fullback did not even feature in the friendly game against his former side KCCA FC that the cranes won 1-0 courtesy of Farouk Miya.

However this did not stop head coach Milutin Sredojevic from naming a squad of 17 players that will play against Ethiopia on Saturday.

There are several new names on the team including Proline goalkeeper Saidi Keni, Vipers’ forward Milton Kariisa and Danish based midfielder Robert Kakeeto who plies his trade at Aalborg BK.

Crizysestom Ntambi who plays professional football in Ethiopia will join the team in Adis Ababa before connecting to Hawassa where the game will be played.

Several key players have been left out due to several reasons. These include Mike Azira, Tonny Mawejje, Goefrrey Kizito, William Luwagga, Shafik Bbatambuze among others.

Uganda will play an international friendly game against Ethiopia on 3rd June before taking on Senegal in Dakar, three days later. The games will be used as preparations for the African Cup of National qualifier game against Cape Verde in Praia City on 10th June.

Captain Dennis Onyango and Salim Jamal are expected to join the team later on. Uganda is in group L alongside Cape Verde, Tanzania and Lesotho.

Travelling squad

Goalkeepers

Ismail Watenga (Vipers), Saidi Keni (Proline)

Defenders

Nicholas Wadada (Vipers),Godfrey Walusimbi (Gor Mahia), Jjuko Murushid (Simba),Hassan Wasswa (Nijehm), Savio Kabugo (Proline)

Midfielders

Bernard Muwanga (SC Villa), Khalid Aucho (Red Star Belgrade), Deus Bukenya (Vipers),Robert Kakeeto (Aalborg),Martin Kiiza (SC Villa)

Forwards

Emma Okwi (SC Villa), Mohammad Shaban (Onduparaka), Nelson Ssenkatuka (Proline),Milton Kariisa (Vipers), Crysestom Ntambi (Jimma Aba Bunna)

Federation of Uganda Football Association [FUFA] has finally set a new date for the 2017 Uganda cup final. This follows a series of changes in the dates over the last days.

The changes have mainly come up due to KCCA FC tight schedule where they still have games in the Total CAF Confederation and FUFA had to keep changing the date for the final.

Initially, the final was scheduled to take place on 27th May but by that time, KCCA had not even played in the semifinals.

The next date communicated was 10th June but due to national team engagements, where Uganda Cranes will play against Cape Verde on the same date, this was automatically found undeserving.

On Thursday evening, FUFA Competitions director, Ali Mweebe came up with the communication indicating the new date will be 15th June.

“We have tried to look for a day that is convenient enough for both teams. And in the meeting with both teams, we agreed that 15th June will be a suitable date,” he told ChimpSport.

KCCA FC will take on Paidha Black Angels in the finals at Betway Greenlight stadium in Arua.

To reach the finals, KCCA FC eliminated Express 3-2 in the semifinals while Paidha Black Angels edged past Sadolin Paints with a similar score.

National Basketball League

Women’s game
UCU Lady Canons vs Lioness 6pm

Men’s game
UCU Canons vs Pemba Warriors 8pm

All Games at Lugogo indoor stadium

Uganda Christian University [UCU] Canons return to action this Friday at Lugogo indoor stadium against Pemba Warriors in a repeat of last season’s quarterfinal fixture.

The two sides come into this game on a seemingly divergent term after their opening fixtures to the 2017 National basketball league campaign.

After winning their first game against Sharing Youth 64-56, UCU Canons suffered defeat at the death of the clock to Betway Power 81-80 in a nail battling game last week.

On the other hand, Pemba Warriors began the campaign on an impressive note edging past Our Savior 57-44.

Ahead of the game on Friday, UCU come with the target of seeking to make quick amends against a Warriors side they have been beating in the previous occasions.

The last meeting between the two sides was during the UCU Invitational tournament before the tip off of the season and still UCU got better of Warriors.

Fadhil Chuma and Mike Madol who missed the opening two games for the Canons are expected to feature for Nicholas Natuhereza’s coached side on Friday.

In the women’s game, defending champions UCU Lady Canons take on league debutants Lionesses.

UCU Lady Canons began their title defense with a 59-42 win over A1 challenge while Lionesses started their journey in the league with a 58-37 loss to Magic Stormers.

Total CAF Confedration Cup
KCCA FC vs Rivers United
Phillip Omondi Stadium 4pm

After progressing to the finals of Uganda Cup, Kampala Capital City Authority Football Club[KCCA FC] shift focus to the Total CAF Confederation Cup.

KCCA FC host Nigeria’s Rivers United this Saturday at Phillip Omondi stadium in their third game in group A much aware of what is at stake.

After losing to Faith Union Sport [FUS] Rabat in their opening game, KCCA FC earned a resuscitated 2-1 victory against and the target against Rivers United is to earn another win and keep their hopes of progressing to the quarter finals afloat.

Team manager Mike Mutebi is optimistic his team can earn all points against Rivers United come this Saturday.

“It will not be an easy encounter because Rivers United are a very technically organized side but I believe we are prepared and ready to take them on,” he told ChimpSport.

KCCA FC welcome back influential midfielder Muzamir Mutyaba who has been struggling with a shoulder injury but only returned on Tuesday and played for 45 Minutes against Express.

Defender Timothy Dennis Awany is also back after shaking off a groin injury and will be available for selection.

Rivers United head coach, Stanley Eguma on the other hand is also optimistic that they can hurt KCCA FC at home regardless of their decent home record.

“We give KCCA FC respect because they have played their way up to this level. But we have come well prepared for the challenge and I’m confident we can achieve our target,” he noted.

KCCA FC sit bottom of the table on 3 points in group A same as all the other opponents FUS Rabat, Club Africain and Rivers United.

Rivers United head coach Stanley Eguma is confident his team will walk way from Uganda with a positive result.

The Nigerian side take on KCCA FC this Saturday at Phillip Omondi stadium and has indicated his team is in the perfect condition ahead of the game.

“We are prepared, the players are motivated and the spirits in the camp are high. We believe our target of earning a positive result will be achieved,” he asserted.

Eguma however confessed he knows little about KCCA FC but remains unfazed about the scanty information about their opponents.

“All we know is that they are a good team and champions in Uganda. But that doesn’t scare us, because we have faced similar or even better sides,” the coach stressed.

Rivers United are playing on the continent for their first time after finishing second in the Nigerian Premier League last season.

The Nigerian side lost 3-1 to Club Africain in their first group game before recovering with victory against FUS Rabat at home.

KCCA FC on the other hand lost 3-1 to FUS Rabat in their opening game but went ahead to win 2-1 against Club Africain at Phillip Omondi stadium.

Kampala Capital City Authority Football Club (KCCA FC) take on Nigeria’s side Rivers United this Saturday at Phillip Omondi stadium in their third group game of Total CAF Confederation Cup.

After winning against Club Africain a few days ago, KCCA FC will be seeking to win the second successive game in group A to keep on track of qualifying to the quarterfinals.

ChimpSport exclusively brings you how KCCA FC will lineup come Saturday.

Goalkeeper

First choice goalkeeper Benjamin Ochan will maintain his spot between the posts. He has been a key figure for KCCA FC throughout the season especially in terms of organising the defence and ball distribution.

Defence

Three defenders will start the game in what has become a trademark system for KCCA FC this season.

Skipper Dennis Okot who has also been a phenomenal figure will start the game along Paul Musamali and Timothy Awany.

Awany has made a timely recovery from a groin injury that saw him miss the game against Express FC on Tuesday.

Wing backs

Veteran player Vicent Kayizzi will be employed as a makeshift right back. The winger played a similar role against Express at Wankulukuku and head coach Mike Mutebi was impressed with his performance.

On the other hand, in a similar role, Isaac Muleme will be charged with the duty of balancing both defence and offence at the left side of the pitch.

Midfield

With the return of creative midfielder Muzamir Mutyaba from a shoulder injury, there are some changes and will replace Isaac Kirabira in the middle of the back.

Mutyaba will be joined by younster Allan Okello in the creative positions while Tom Masiko who has been in scintillating form will play behind the duo as a holding midfielder.

Forwards

Derrick Nsibambi and Geoffrey Sserunkuma will start upfront in a two man attack with the latter playing behind Nsibambi.

Starting XI

Benjamin Ochan, Dennis Okot, Paul Musamali, Timothy Awany, Isaac Muleme, Vicent Kayizzi, Tom Masiko, Muzamir Mutyaba, Allan Okello, Geoffrey Sserunkuma, Derrick Nsibambi

Substitutes

Kisembo Douglas, Habib Kavuma, Poloto Julius, Ivan Ntege, Isaac Kirabira, Paul Mucureezi, Bukenya Lawrence

Total CAF Confederation Cup
Group A
KCCA FC 2-1 Rivers United

Prolific forward Derrick Nsibambi continued with his scoring spree with yet another brilliant DISPLAY against Rivers United.

Nsibambi netted a brace as KCCA FC edged past resilient Rivers United in the Total CAF Confederation encounter played at the Phillip Omondi stadium on Saturday.

The lanky forward who has enjoyed a rich form in the last couple of games netted a brace in either half for KCCA FC to register their second win in group A.

Rivers United’s Odumegu Egbuonu in action on Saturday

KCCA FC started on a brilliant note creating several chances and the pressure paid off dividends in the 15th minute.

A quick interplay between Kayizzi, Mutyaba and Okello left the Rivers United defence at sixes and sevens before Nsibambi fired home.

KCCA FC however failed to capitalise on the several chances created with Nsibambi, Masiko and Mutyaba all coming close to doubling the lead.

Nsibambi (C) celebrates his second goal

The visitors got an opportunity midway through the first half catching KCCA FC on the break and lanky forward Bolaji Sakin did no mistake to fire into the roof of the net.

KCCA FC returned recharged in the second period and Nsibambi once again rose to the occasion regaining the lead firing home from Tom Masiko’s free kick.

Youngster Allan Okello does magic against Atuloma Emeka at Lugogo

The result means KCCA FC move to second in group A on 6 points same as group leaders FUS Rabat who beat Club Africain 2-1.

Paul Mucureezi tries to beat Ayo Saka

International friendly game
Ethiopia 0-0 Uganda
Hawassa International stadium

Uganda Cranes played out a goalless draw in the buildup game against the Ethiopian national football team in the game played on Saturday at the Hawassa International stadium, Ethiopia.

The game failed to produce any spark with either side failing to find the cutting edge and eventually settled for a barren stalemate.

Cranes coach Milutin Sredojevic employed a rather defensive side with Bernard Muwanga and Khalid Aucho playing as blocking midfielders.

Danish based midfielder Robert Kakeeto was handed his full international debut starting in the creative role with Farouk Miya, Chrysostom Ntambi and returnee Emmanuel Okwi starting as forwards.

In defense it was the usual figures who started with Geoffrey Walusimbi and Nicolas Wadada manning the left and right full back positions respectively. Hassan Wasswa who skippered the team on the day and Jjuko Murushid started at the heart of defense.

Several players later came on including Mohammad Shaban but still the score remained unchanged.

Six Dropped

Even before kickoff, reliable reports already indicated Micho had dropped six players who will not continue with the team to Senegal but rather return to Uganda and pave way for the additions from KCCA FC.

These include Proline’s trio of Savio Kabugo, Nelson Ssenkatuka and goalkeeper Saidi Keni. The others are Milton Karisa (Vipers), Deus Bukenya (Vipers) and Martin Kiiza.

KCCA FC additions

After their emphatic victory against Rivers United on Saturday, 5 players who were part of the team immediately travelled to join the cranes camp on their way to Senegal.

These include goalkeeper Benjamin Ochan, Isaac Muleme, Timothy Awany, Geoffrey Sserunkuma, Derrick Nsibambi.

Team captain Dennis Masinde Onyango will also join the team in Ethiopia before connecting to Dakar, Senegal.

Uganda will play another build up game against Senegal on Tuesday before playing Cape Verde in their opening game of the 2019 African Cup of Nations qualifiers.

The cranes are in group L alongside Cape Verde, Lesotho and neighbors Tanzania.

Fufa Women Elite League

Third place playoff
Olila Women FC vs Uganda Martyrs 1:30pm

Final
Kawempe Muslim vs UCU Lady Cardinals 4pm

Kawempe Muslim will be seeking to win their third straight league title as they take on Uganda Christian University (UCU) Lady Cardinals this Sunday at Muteesa II stadium, Wankulukuku.

Kawempe have won the past two editions and have remained a dominant side in the women’s league but will have an uphill challenge against UCU who are playing in their maiden final.

The two teams were in the same group (Elizabeth) which Kawempe Muslim topped going unbeaten while UCU finished second.

The University side lost all the two encounters against Kawempe in the group 2-1 and 4-1 at home and away respectively but has the realistic chance to avenge this time round in the finals.

UCU Lady Cardinals made light work of Uganda Martyrs 2-1 in the playoffs on Wednesday with influential midfielder Moreen Kinavudori scoring and an own goal from defender Asiimwe Bonita.

On the other hand, Kawempe edged past resilient Olila women 2-0 with reigning Fufa footballer Hasifa Nassuna bagging a brace.

UCU will however have to deal with the fitness levels of goalkeeper Cissy Nakigumba who limped off in the game against Uganda Martyrs and will be subjected to a late fitness test to ascertain whether he can play.

Olila and Uganda Martyrs will battle for the third place before the final.

Fufa Women Elite league Finals
Kawempe Muslim 4-0 UCU Lady Cardinals

Kawempe Muslim extended their dominance in the Fufa Women elite league with yet another brilliant performance easing past Uganda Christian University (UCU) Lady Cardinals.

In the game played on Sunday at Muteesa II stadium Wankulukuku, Kawempe earned an easy victory winning 4-0.

A brace by youngster Juliet Nalukenge and a goal apiece from Sharon Naddunga and Favour Nambatya helped Kawempe to win their third consecutive league title.

UCU Lady Cardinals marched Kawempe for the opening quarter of the game but run out of steam and the latter did not find any difficulty in defending the title.

Nalukenge broke the deadlock three minutes after the half hour mark capitalizing on a lapse in the UCU defence and did no mistake to slot the ball past onrushing goalkeeper Anna Mathias.

Kawempe became even rampant in the second half with Nalukenge Favour doubling the lead before  Naddunga Sharon and second half substitute Favour Nambatya put the game beyond reach.

Kawempe Muslim now have won all the three league titles since inception of the league in 2015.

In the third place playoff, Uganda Martyrs High School Rubaga edged past Olila Women team 3-2 on penalties after normal time had ended in a 1-1 draw.

Fazilah Ikwaput had given Olila the lead but with just afew minutes to the end, diminutive playmarker Lilian Mutuuzo levelled matters.

Individual prizes

Top scorer -Hasifah Nassuna (26 goals)

MVP-Fazilah Ikwaput (Olila)

Best goalkeeper – Ruth Aturo (Kawempe)

Best Referee -Aisha Ssemambo

Best Journalist Print -Stephen Mayamba (New Vision)

Best Journalist Social Media -Hambali Jojo

Best journalist online Joel Muyita (ChimpReports)

International Friendly
Senegal 0-0 Uganda

If there is any department that Uganda cranes head coach, Milutin Sredojevic “Micho” needs to worry about ahead of the crucial game against Cape Verde, it has got to be the attacking force.

After playing out a barren draw against Ethiopia over the weekend, Uganda Cranes were held to another goalless draw on Tuesday against Senegal.

It was evident that the cranes lacked creativity in the final third as the team tested their credentials against the Lions of Teranga at the Stade Leopold Sedar Senghor in Dakar, Senegal.

Despite KCCA FC sensational duo of Derrick Nsibambi and Geoffrey Serunkuuma join the team, there was literally less or no improvement in the search for goals.

Micho three changes from the team that started against Ethiopia with Benjamin Ochan starting in goal ahead of Dennis Onyango and Ismail Watenga.

Isaac Muleme and Derrick Nsibambi also started in place of Robert Kakeeto and Chrizestom Ntambi who was dropped.

Uganda Cranes continue to go through preparations ahead of the opening game of the 2019 African Cup of Nations qualifiers against Cape Verde due this weekend in Praia city.

Uganda is pitted in group L alongside Cape Verde, Lesotho and neighbors Tanzania.

Starting XI vs Sengal

Benjamin Ochan, Nicholas Wadada, Isaac Mmuleme, Jjuko Murushid, Hassan Wasswa, Bernard Muwanga, Geoffrey  Walusimbi, Khalid Aucho, Miya Farouk, Derrick Nsibambi, Emmanuel Okwi

The Federation of Uganda Football Association (FUFA) has joined the rest of the world to mourn the demise of footballer Ismail Cheick Tiote.

The news about the sudden death of the Ivorian footballer shocked the world on Monday evening after the combative midfielder was pronounced dead at the Chinese hospital minutes after he had collapsed in training.

FUFA through President Eng. Moses Magogo joined the football fraternity in sending their condolences to the Football Federation in Ivory Coast, family and friends.

“We all know what he could offer on the pitch. African football has lost a giant of a player who made life difficult for his opponents on the pitch in the midfield. He was always full of commitment, focus and passion whenever given chance to play’ said FUFA President as quoted by the federation website.

“Our Condolences go out to the Ivory Coast Football Federation following the loss of a player who was hugely followed by football fans around the world including Uganda,” added Magogo.

“We pray that the Almighty keeps his family, relatives and friends strong during these trying times. Football will miss Chieck Tiote.’

Reports indicate, Tiote collapsed on pitch in training with his club Beinjing Enterprises and was latter pronounced dead.

The midfielder is best remembered for his remarkable thunderbolt as Newcastle United came from 4 goals down to draw with Arsenal in the English Premier League in 2011.

A squad comprising of 23 players was selected on Tuesday to feature for the rugby cranes as they take on bitter rivals and neighbors Kenya in the Elgon Cup this weekend.

Rugby cranes assistant coach Robert Sseguya announced the squad on Tuesday with several surprises for those summoned and the veteran players dropped.

Several players will have the opportunity to make their debuts for the senior national team having made the grade after rigorous training sessions. These include; Robert Aziku, Adinan Mutebi and Aaron Ofoyrwoth.

However, seasoned players like Ronald Musajjagulanyago, James Ijongat, John Wandicho and Ramathan Govule, were not included on the team failing to impress the technical team.

Winger Justin Kimono returns to the national team fold after a spell of about 2 years that has seen him struggle with injuries, the latest being a knee injury. He is joined by veterans Alex Mubiru and Scot Oluoch who have also been absent for a while.

Uganda takes on Kenya in the first leg of the Elgon cup this Saturday at the Legends Rugby club with the aim of seeking revenge.

Kenya who arrive in the country on Thursday outwitted Uganda 48-10 last year at Legends Rugby Grounds to win the annual title.

Full squad

Asuman Mugerwa, Alex Mubiru, Brian Odongo, Charles Uhuru, Robert Aziku, Brian Asaba, Scot Oluoch, Marvin Odongo, Ivan Kirabo, Ivan Magomu, James Odong, Pius Ogena, Micheal Okorach, Lawrence Sebuliba, Philip Wokorach, Syrus Watum, Collin Kimbowa, Adnan Mutebi, Byron Oketayot, Musa Muwonge, Aaron Ofoyrwoth, Justin Kimono and Eric Mula.

With the 2017 Uganda Cup final scheduled to take place on 15th June at the Green light stadium, ChimpReports brings detailed analysis and a countdown to the highly anticipated clash between Paidha Black Angels and KCCA FC.

In today’s article, we look at some of the key highlights of the 43^rd edition of the knockout tournament.

Goals scored

A total of 133 goals have been scored since the round of 64 that is fully recognized by FUFA (regional and non-league fixtures excluded).

Of the 133 goals, 53 were scored at the round of 64, thirty four goals at the round of 32, twenty nine at the round of 16. Seven were scored at the quarter final stage while 10 goals were registered in the

Semifinals

KCCA FC have scored the highest number of goals this campaign (21 goals in 6 games).

Walkovers

A total of 7 walkovers happened during the course of the 2017 Uganda Cup with 6 coming at the round of 64 while the other came at the round of 32.

They were as follows;

Round of 64

Mbarara FC w/o against Busia Fisheries

Masavu w/o against Mbarara City

Doves All stars w/o against Artland Katale

Lungujja Galaxy w/o against Moroto United

Bright Light w/o against Sun City

Fort Portal Boda Boda w/o against Simba FC

Round of 32

Water FC w/o against Boma Young – Games decided on penalties

Several fixtures ended in stalemates and this being a knockout tournament, the games had to be decided on spot kicks.

In that regard, 15 fixtures were decided on penalties. These include:-

Round of 64

Future stars 0(4)-0(5) Bright stars

Hope Doves 3(2)-3(4) Paidha Black Angels

Water 0(5)-0(4) Luweero United

Premio 1(2)-1(4) Vipers

Thunder FC 2(7)-2(6) Kibuli United

Kiboga Young 0(5)-0(4) SC Villa

Entebbe 1(6)-1(7) Igombe United

Round of 32

Bright Light 0(4)-0 (5) Paidha Black Angels

Bright stars 1(3)-1(5) Baza Holdings

Ndejje University 0(4)-0(5) JMC Hippos

Express FC 0(4)-0(3) Doves All stars

UCU Mbale 1(1)-1(3) Kyetume FC

Round of 16

Kyetume 1(8)-1(9) Police FC

Fort Portal Boda Boda 1(1)-1(2) Paidha Black Angels

Quarterfinals

URA FC 1(5)-1(6) Express FC

Qualifying at home

Of the 60 games played from the round of 64 up to the quarterfinal stage, 33 games were won by teams that were at home.

27 teams managed to win away from home.

Most goals in a game

The game between Football for Good and Onduparaka has so far registered the highest number of goals(8).

Played on January 21 at St. Joseph’s Layibi in Gulu, Onduparaka won the game 6-2.

Stanbic Bank Uganda has boosted the Uganda Rugby Cranes with a Shs 50 million cash sponsorship package.

The sponsorship will primarily be put towards covering the players’ welfare as the rugby team embarks on their national team duties which include the Elgon Cup against Kenya, Gold Cup tournament and World cup qualifiers for Japan 2019.

Handing over the cheque Sonia Karamagi Kasagga, Stanbic Bank’s Senior Marketing Manager said, “Stanbic Bank has been a proud supporter and sponsor of the Rugby Cranes for the past two years now. The Uganda cranes have been able to sustain playing on the top level in the continent. This has been possible because of the hard work put in by the players with excellent support from the Union which is the reason we continue to support this sport.”

She continued, “As a Bank we appreciate the role sports plays in unifying our society and shaping the character of our youth, we therefore look forward to the team performing well and giving us new heroes to cheer for in 2017.”

Thanking Stanbic for their support, Ramsey Olinga the CEO of the Uganda Rugby Union expressed his appreciation for the contribution, “We are very grateful for all the support Stanbic has given Uganda Rugby Cranes over the years which has been an important ingredient to our success. On behalf of the Union I can assure you that given the commitment of the bank and the support of the Union the partnership will continue to yield results and be mutually beneficial for both parties.”

Speaking about the season ahead he noted, “This year the challenge does not get any easier. We need to remain in the Gold Cup, and to do so we have to overcome at least two high class sides. I am confident however that the boys have it in them to succeed and urge all Ugandans to come in big numbers to support the Cranes as they start the Road to Japan 2019.

We continue with the extensive coverage and build up to the 2017 Uganda Cup.

After looking at the past winners and the key statistics of this year’s Uganda Cup, ChimpReports looks at KCCA FC road map to the final.

Round of 64

This was the first game that KCCA FC played in this year’s tournament. And the draw pitted the 8 time winners against West Nile regional side, Koboko Raising Stars.

Playing at home(Philip Omondi stadium), KCCA FC did not find trouble in easing past Koboko Raising stars winning the game 6-1.

Ivan Ntege, one of the rear names on the scoreboard, found time to score in this fixture.

Round of 32

At this stage, KCCA FC was supposed to visit Lungujja Galaxy at their home ground(Kadiba playground in Mengo). However, an agreement between the Twp sides saw the tie played at Phillip Omondi stadium and KCCA FC eventually won the game 6-0

Round of 16

One of the thrilling game of the 2017 Uganda Cup saw KCCA FC the on Mbale based side Kataka FC.

With a mammoth crowd watching the game at Bufumbo playground, KCCA FC put up a late surge to go past a resilient Kataka FC

It required Derrick Nsibambi to come off the bench and score twice in the final stages of the game for KCCA FC to win 5-2

Quarterfinals

Another tough game for KCCA FC.

The game played at Mandela National stadium between Police FC and KCCA FC ended in a goalless draw in normal time but Derrick Nsibambi once again rose to the occasion in extra time to help KCCA FC win 1-0.

Semifinals

Taking on record champions Express FC, KCCA FC did not find it easy but got advantage of playing the first leg at home.

Winning 3-2 at home with Geoffrey Sserunkuma(brace) and Tom Masiko scoring, a goalless draw in the return leg at Wankulukuku was enough to take KCCA FC to their 16th Uganda Cup.

KCCA FC will take on Paidha Black Angels in the finals of the Uganda Cup 2017 on 15th June at Green light stadium in Arua District.

Gafford Ladies became the first team to reach the finals of the inaugural Fufa Women’s Cup after eliminating Muteesa I Royal University.

Despite having a poor run in the league that saw them finish at the bottom of Victoria group, Gafford Ladies have been a different team in the knockout tournament.

In the game played on Thursday at Muteesa II stadium, Wankulukuku, Gafford put up a brilliant performance to win 2-1 and storm into the finals.

A goal apiece from Kenyan forward Veronica Lilian and Monica Namwanje in the second half ensured the Kanyanya based side edged past the University team despite midfielder Habiba Nakayobyo pulling one back for the hosts.

The closely contested game saw either side create chances in the opening 45 minutes but failed to find the cutting edge and the first half ended goalless.

However, Gafford got the lead two minutes after recess with Veronica Lilian sending a low drive past goalkeeper Daizy Nakaziro to break the deadlock.

Monica Namwase doubled the lead for the visitors with a calm finish rounding off goalkeeper Nakaziro before firing into an empty net in the 74th minute.

Five minutes later, Muteesa through enterprising midfielder Habiba Nakayobyo pulled one goal back  to give hopes of a comeback but Gafford held on to win.

Gafford now awaits the winner between UCU Lady Cardinals and Olila Women FC with the final slated for 18th June in Busia District.