Another action-packed weekend it was for Ugandan players in the diaspora at their respective clubs but do you know how they fared? Our reporter Ronald Lusulire, as usual, followed them to find out who was in and who was out.
Midfielder Mike Azira scored for Chicago Fire as they drew 1-1 against LA Galaxy in a pre-season friendly game at the Dignity Health Sports Park. Sacha Kljestan put Galaxy ahead in the 54th minute before Azira tapped in from close range in the 84th minute.
Defender Ronald Mukiibi was also on the mark in the 84th minute as his Ostersunds FK side defeated Eskilsminne 0-5 away from home in the Swedish Svenska Cupen. Sweden born Ugandan defender Isak Ssewankambo also played the entire match.
In Scotland, Bevis Mugabi was an unused substitute as his Motherwell United side drew goalless at Hamilton FC. Defender Timothy Awany featured for the entire 90 minutes for Ashdod FC as they were defeated 2-1 at home to Maccabi Haifa in the Israel Premier League.
Mike Azira celebrates his 84th minute equaliser against LA Galaxy in their Pre-season friendly | Courtesy photo
William Luwagga Kizito wasn’t in the matchday squad for his Hapoel Kfar Saba side due to injury as they lost 3-1 away from home. Joseph Ochaya put up a great 90 minutes display as his TP Mazembe side laboured to defeat rivals Lubumbashi Sport 1-2 in the Lubumbashi derby.
Midfielders Robert Kakeeto wasn’t in the matchday squad as his side Aalborg FC won 3-2 at home to Brondby, while Moses Opondo wasn’t in the matchday squad as his Odense side drew 0-0 away to Randers FC in the Danish Premier League.
Ivan Mbowa came on in the 45th minute for injured Ofentse Nato and got sent off in the 79th minute as his Township Rollers side thrashed Tonota FC 6-0 in the Botswana Orange FA Cup round 32.
Ivan Mbowa in action for Townsip Rollers in their 6-0 thrashing of Tonota FC in the Botswana Orange FA Cup round 32 | Township Rollers photo
Lawrence Ndugga wasn’t in Orapa United’s matchday squad due to injury as they cruised past Mogoditshane Fighters 1-5 in the Botswana Orange FA Cup round 32.
Midfielder Deus Bukenya featured for 90 minutes while Martin Opolot was on the bench as their Prison XI side defeated Tsabothe 5-4 in penalties following a 1-1 draw in normal time.
Joel Madondo was handed his full debut at Moroccan side Wydad Casablanca, before paving way for El Bahja in the 51st minute in Wydad’s 3-2 away loss to Youssoufia Berrechid in the Moroccan Botola Pro league.
Madondo made his first start for Wydad Casablanca in their shocking 3-2 defeat to Youssoufia Berrechid / Wydad Image
Meanwhile, Allan Okello started from the bench before coming in later in the second half as his Paradou AC side lost 0-1 at home to Saoura FC.
Custodian Denis Onyango was rested by Mamelodi Sundowns in the Nedbank Cup, but the Masandawana managed to advance to the quarter-finals after picking up a 2-0 victory over Vaal University of Technology.
In Kenya, forward Juma Balinya came on deep in the second half for Boniface Omondi as his Gor Mahia FC side won it late 2-3 against Zoo Kericho FC in the Kenya Premier League.
While Hashim Sempala and Rogers Aloro started for Tusker FC in their 1-1 stalemate at home to Wazito. Left-back Alex Kakuba played the entire match as his Cova Piedade side lost 1-2 at home to Varzim FC in the Portuguese Segunda.
Gor Mahia’s Juma Balinya in action against Sofapaka FC in the Kenyan Premier league || Courtesy photo
Elsewhere, Yassar Mugerwa played 90 minutes as his Shire Endasilassie side lost 1-0 at Bahir Dar Kenema, while Savio Kabugo wasn’t in Sebeta’s matchday squad due to injury as they fell 1-0 at Sidama Bunna.
Forward Patrick Henry Kaddu made his debut for Egyptian club Ismaily FC in the 0-1 home loss to Pyramids FC in the Egyptian Premier League. Lumala Abdul who is still recovering from surgery to his knee watched on from the stands.
Farouk Miya wasn’t in Konyaspor’s matchday squad due to injury as they drew 2-2 away at Kayserispor FC. Left-back Isaac Muleme got his first start at his new Slovakian side Nitra FC, playing the entire 90 minutes in their 1-0 loss to Michalovce.
Custodian Salim Jamal Magoola was in goal for Al Hilal Omdurman as they were held 1-1 at home to Alamal Atbara in the Sudanese Premier League.
Right back Nicholas Wadada played the entire game for Azam FC as they suffered their second defeat in three league games, following a 1-0 away defeat to Namungo FC in the Tanzanian Premier League.
Nicolas Wadada in action for Azam FC in Tanzania | Courtesy photo
Midfielder Boban Zirintusa also featured as his Mtibwa Sugar side fell 1-0 away at Mbeya City. In the Indian I-league, defender Richard Kasagga returned and played the entire game as his Aizawl side drew 1-1 away at Chennai City. But Isaac Isinde wasn’t in Trau FC matchday squad as they lost 2-4 at home to East Bengal.
Forward Henry Kisekka came on in the 64th minute for Nicholas Fernandez in Gokulam’s 3-2 away defeat to Neroca FC. In Zambia, goalkeeper Mathias Kigonya kept a clean sheet as his Forest Rangers side drew 0-0 at Kabwe Warriors, while Yasin Mugabi was an unused substitute as his new side Red Arrows won 1-2 at Green Buffaloes.
Paul Musamali was an unused substitute for Buildcon FC as they lost 2-0 at Zanaco FC. James Alitho wasn’t in Zanaco’s matchday squad. Additionally, Forward Umar Kasumba wasn’t in Zesco United’s matchday squad as they lost 2-1 to Naspa Stars.
Defender Shafiq Bakaki didn’t feature as his Nkana Red Devils side drew goalless at Kansanshi Dynamos.
One Response
But why don’t include Oromchan Villa on the list of Ugandans abroad he plays for Western Stima in Kenya. He once played for Paidha Black Angels (where he was the captain) then moved to URA & joined Western Stima in Kenya from BUL. He was also in the U20 national team