Latest news with #JoelMutakubwa
CAF
2 days ago
- Sport
- CAF
Five Cranes Flying High: Uganda's stars leading TotalEnergies CHAN 2024 charge
Uganda's journey at the TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN) PAMOJA 2024 has been a story of resilience, revival, and rising belief. After opening their campaign with a sobering 3–0 defeat to Algeria in Kampala, the Cranes responded like a team on a mission, producing back-to-back wins that have reignited their hopes of a historic run. A 3–0 victory over Guinea was followed by a 2–0 triumph against Niger at the Nelson Mandela National Stadium, lifting them to the top of their group and within touching distance of the quarter-finals. Their success has been built on tactical discipline, high-intensity pressing, and ruthless efficiency in front of goal. While the collective unit has been impressive, certain individuals have emerged as the driving force behind Uganda's turnaround. From commanding leadership in goal to creativity in midfield and composure in defence, these five players have been the heartbeat of a team determined to make their mark on home soil. Joel Mutakubwa – The Commanding Captain As captain and goalkeeper, Mutakubwa has been both the voice and the backbone of this Uganda side. Even in the defeat to Algeria, his key saves prevented the scoreline from being more damaging. Against Guinea, he marshalled the defence superbly, handling aerial threats with authority. His standout display came versus Niger, where decisive interventions – including a crucial save from a close-range header – earned him the TotalEnergies Man of the Match award. Two consecutive clean sheets underline his value as both a leader and a shot-stopper. Allan Okello – The Midfield Orchestrator Okello's influence on the Cranes' resurgence cannot be overstated. Against Guinea, he ran the show from midfield, converting a penalty and dictating the tempo with precision. In the Niger clash, his resilience shone through – bouncing back from a missed penalty to score a fine header and later providing the assist for the second goal. His ability to control games, create chances, and deliver in key moments has made him the team's creative heartbeat. Reagan Mpande – The Relentless Engine Mpande has been the vital link between defence and attack, blending tireless running with intelligent positioning. His powerful header opened the scoring against Guinea, breaking the deadlock in a potentially tense contest. Versus Niger, his aggressive pressing forced mistakes, and it was his determination that won the foul leading to a penalty. Even when not on the scoresheet, his influence is felt in Uganda's control of midfield battles. Joel Sserunjogi – The Wing Menace Dynamic and direct, Sserunjogi has been a constant headache for opposing full-backs. His pace and work rate shone against Guinea, where he set up the opener and worked tirelessly in both attack and defence. Against Niger, he sealed the victory with a thunderous strike after linking up with Okello. Despite being suspended for the next match due to yellow card accumulation, his impact on Uganda's campaign so far has been immense. Hilary Mukundane – The Rock at the Back Mukundane is the Cranes' silent enforcer, excelling in the less glamorous but vital aspects of defending. Positionally disciplined and strong in the air, he has ensured the backline remains organised and difficult to breach. His leadership in defensive situations has allowed the full-backs to join attacks without fear of leaving gaps. Two clean sheets in as many games are a testament to his influence in shutting down opposition threats. Looking Ahead With momentum firmly on their side, Uganda now have the confidence and structure to push for a place among the continent's elite at CHAN 2024. These five standout performers have set the standard – combining experience, energy, and execution – and their continued influence could see the Cranes soar to new heights on home soil.
CAF
7 days ago
- Sport
- CAF
Mutakubwa heroics keep Uganda's CHAN dream alive
On a night when the Mandela National Stadium pulsed with the energy of 34,180 passionate fans, Uganda's Joel Mutakubwa delivered a performance that will be remembered long after the roar of the final whistle faded. The BUL FC goalkeeper was the immovable force behind a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Niger, a result that reignited Uganda's CHAN 2024 campaign. It was a game where the drama unfolded in waves, but through it all, Mutakubwa stood firm — a wall of reflexes, authority, and composure. TotalEnergies Named Man of the Match, he reminded Africa why he is Uganda's undisputed number one. The Wall Between the Posts From the first whistle to the last, Mutakubwa's presence was magnetic. His decisive saves, aerial dominance, and flawless reading of the game blunted Niger's most dangerous attacks. 'We thank God for this moment. It's a moment I've worked hard for and, most importantly, for the three points we've earned,' he said with visible pride after the match. Across his 180 minutes in CHAN 2024 so far, Mutakubwa has been more than a shot-stopper — he has been the tactical anchor in Morley Byekwaso's game plan, dictating play from the back and inspiring calm in the defence. Okello Pulls the Strings While Mutakubwa's heroics kept Niger at bay, Allan Okello provided the spark at the other end. The playmaker opened the scoring with a clinical finish before crafting a sublime assist for Joel Sserunjogi's decisive strike. Okello's creativity drew standing ovations from a crowd that played its role as the 12th man, urging the team forward in every attack. Eyes on South Africa The victory was a welcome response after Uganda's opening defeat to Algeria — a setback that has sharpened their resolve. 'Following the loss to Algeria in the first game, we know that every match we face is like a cup final, and we're going to treat the next one the same way,' Mutakubwa noted. The next challenge is South Africa, and Mutakubwa is already preparing mentally and physically. 'We know the threat South Africa poses, and we're going back to regroup so we can handle that match,' he said. Dream Alive As the final whistle blew, the scoreboard reflected a vital three points, but the story of the night belonged to a goalkeeper who refused to be beaten. If Uganda's CHAN 2024 dream is to continue, Joel Mutakubwa's unbreakable wall will remain its cornerstone.
CAF
11-08-2025
- Sport
- CAF
Mutakubwa shines and shuts the door in Uganda's victory!"
In a fully packed Mandela National Stadium, with 34,180 fans shaking the stands, Uganda claimed a hard-fought and morale-boosting 2-1 victory over Niger, on a night when goalkeeper Joel Mutakubwa shone brightly and was deservedly named man of the match. The experienced BUL FC shot-stopper proved once again why he is Uganda's undisputed number one in the CHAN 2024. With decisive saves, commanding interventions, and flawless reading of the game, Mutakubwa defended his goal 'tooth and nail,' sending the crowd into raptures. Across the 180 minutes played in the tournament so far, he has shown outstanding positioning, lightning-fast reflexes, and unshakable composure under pressure. His presence inspires confidence in the backline and is crucial in aerial duels and distribution — qualities that make him a strategic pillar in Morley Byekwaso's game plan. After the match, the goalkeeper did not hide his emotions: 'We thank God for this moment. It's a moment I've worked hard for and, most importantly, for the three points we've earned.' He was already looking ahead to the next challenge: 'As we prepare for our next game, we know the threat South Africa poses, and we're going back to regroup so we can handle that match.' Mutakubwa also recalled the team's difficult path so far:'Following the loss to Algeria in the first game, we know that every match we face is like a cup final, and we're going to treat the next one the same way.' Uganda's victory also had the sparkle of Allan Okello, who opened the scoring and later delivered a sublime assist for the second goal, netted by Joel Sserunjogi. Okello, a natural playmaker, once again displayed his killer instinct and creative vision, drawing standing ovations from the fans, who acted as the true 12th man, driving the team to triumph. The final whistle crowned not just the victory, but also Joel Mutakubwa's monumental performance — a goalkeeper who stood like an unbreakable wall and continues to keep Uganda's CHAN 2024 dream alive.
CAF
07-08-2025
- Sport
- CAF
MATCH FACTS: Guinea and Uganda meet in Group C clash at CHAN PAMOJA 2024
Published: Thursday, 07 August 2025 Guinea and Uganda will face off for the first time at the TotalEnergies CAF African Nations Championship (CHAN) in this Group C encounter in Kampala on Friday. For Guinea, it marks their 17th CHAN match, with Uganda becoming the 15th different nation they've faced. The West Africans have twice previously played tournament hosts, losing to Morocco in 2018 and defeating Cameroon in the 2020 third-place playoff. This match will also be Guinea's fourth against East African opposition. Their previous results in such fixtures include a 1-0 win over Rwanda in the 2020 quarterfinals, a 2-2 group stage draw with Tanzania in the same year, and a 1-0 loss to Sudan in 2018. Uganda, meanwhile, are facing West African opposition for the seventh time. They have previously recorded victories over Burkina Faso (2014) and Senegal (2022), drawn against Mali and Côte d'Ivoire, and suffered defeats to Togo and Côte d'Ivoire in their most recent appearances. Guinea – Key Stats Began their campaign with a 1-0 win over Niger – also won their opening games in their last two CHAN appearances. Unbeaten in their last eight CHAN matches in open play (W4 D4). Last suffered defeat in open play in their second group match against Morocco in 2018. Have never won two consecutive CHAN matches or their opening two group games. Second group game record: P3 W0 D2 L1. Always both scored and conceded in their second group matches; no clean sheets in those games. Have six open play wins at CHAN, four of which were by 1-0 scorelines. All six open play wins and both shootout victories were accompanied by clean sheets. Have kept eight clean sheets in total at CHAN – four in group stage, four in knockout rounds. Against Niger, registered four shots on target – each from a different player. Mohamed Bangoura II scored the only goal vs Niger in the 47th minute, with his only shot on target. Uganda – Key Stats Their 3-0 defeat to Algeria in the opening game was their 11th loss in 19 CHAN matches (W2 D6). Have failed to win their first two group games at four previous tournaments – in 2011, 2016, 2018, and 2020. Only started with back-to-back wins once – in the 2018 edition. Have never followed a loss at CHAN with a win in the next match. Second group game record: P5 W1 D1 L3. Lost to Sudan (2011), Zambia (2016), and Namibia (2018) by 1-0 scorelines; also lost 2-1 to Togo (2020). Drew 0-0 with Zimbabwe (2014) and beat Senegal 1-0 (2022) – their only win in the last 15 CHAN games (D5 L8). The 3-0 loss to Algeria matched their heaviest defeat at CHAN, equalling their 5-2 loss to Morocco in 2020. Were the only one of the three co-hosts to lose their opening match – Kenya and Tanzania both won. Managed three shots on target against Algeria and faced five, with goalkeeper Joel Mutakubwa making two saves. Patrick Kakande had two of Uganda's three shots on target. Had a passing accuracy of 80.5% in the match, completing 298 of 370 attempted passes.
CAF
09-07-2025
- Sport
- CAF
Uganda name 29-man CHAN squad as Onyango joins technical team
Published: Wednesday, 09 July 2025 Uganda's technical team has reduced its CHAN 2024 squad to 29 players, with co-head coaches Morley Byekwaso and Fred Muhumuza narrowing down their options ahead of the continental showpiece in August. The announcement follows an intensive training session held at the Prisons Ground in Luzira, as the Cranes ramp up preparations for their seventh appearance in the TotalEnergies CAF African Nations Championship (CHAN). The tournament will be co-hosted by Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania from 2–30 August 2025. Former Cranes captain Denis Onyango has temporarily joined the technical bench to assist with goalkeeping duties during the squad's camp. The Mamelodi Sundowns shot-stopper, back home on offseason break, is expected to provide vital mentorship to Uganda's four goalkeepers in camp—Joel Mutakubwa, Crispas Kusiima, Denis Kiggundu, and Hannington Sebwalunyo. This trimmed squad is not final but represents a key phase in selection, with the coaching duo set to announce the final 23-man list before the tournament kickoff. The dropped players include Vipers SC captain Milton Karisa, who hasn't recovered from injury, as well as Paul Mucureezi, Enock Walusimbi, Emmanuel Wasswa, and David Owori. Despite the exclusions, the group still retains key figures such as Allan Okello, Yunus Sentamu, Patrick Kakande, Jude Ssemugabi, and Gavin Kizito, who are expected to play major roles if selected for the final tournament squad. Uganda, drawn in Group C, face a stern test with Algeria, Guinea, Niger, and South Africa all in the same pool. The Cranes open their campaign against Algeria on 4 August at Namboole Stadium. Having never advanced beyond the group stage in six previous attempts, Uganda will be hoping home advantage and a well-prepared squad help them rewrite the history books. Uganda Cranes – CHAN 2024 Trimmed 29-Man Squad: Goalkeepers Joel Mutakubwa (BUL FC) Crispas Kusiima (Kitara FC) Denis Kiggundu (Vipers SC) Hannington Sebwalunyo (NEC FC) Defenders Gavin Kizito (KCCA FC) Lazaro Bwambale (KCCA FC) Herbert Achayi (Express FC) Gideon Odong (NEC FC) Rogers Torach (Vipers SC) Hilary Mukundane (Vipers SC) Nicholas Mwere (BUL FC) Arnold Odongo (SC Villa) Ronald Otti (Kitara FC) Midfielders Shamir Kimwero (NEC FC) Marvin Youngman (Vipers SC) Joel Sserunjogi (KCCA FC) Elvis Ngondwe (SC Villa) Allan Okello (Vipers SC) Patrick Kakande (SC Villa) Jerome Kirya (BUL FC) Enock Ssebagala (NEC FC) Abdu Karim Watambala (Vipers SC) Forwards Emmanuel Anyama (KCCA FC) Ivan Ahimbisibwe (KCCA FC) Usama Arafat (KCCA FC) Shafik Nana Kiwikiriza (KCCA FC) Jude Ssemugabi (Kitara FC) Yunus Sentamu (Vipers SC) Reagan Mpande (SC Villa)
