Latest news with #Mutakubwa
CAF
12-08-2025
- 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.
