Team Uganda wrapped up their 2007 Homeless World Cup experience today on Pitch # 2 versus Canada. Uganda came out really strong and eager to head home with a "W." The defeated Canada convincingly by a score of 7-1. The team played, potentially, their most strong offensive and defensive effort.



Two goals were scored by Super woman and Gomo Tong phenom, Olive Mbeka. (our vote for the best female player of the HWC)



Following the match, Uganda's players were awarded medals and a trophy. The team, thought incurring challenging matches, injuries and inclement weather, finished up at 39th out of 48 teams.



As for the remaining matches of the day, we enjoyed watching the Africa nations take on several competitive teams. Within the top 10 finalists of the 2007 Homeless World Cup 5 African nations stood strong. These are:

Liberia (finishing at 3rd overall)
Nigeria, Kenya, Cameroon, and Ghana. It was quite an exciting day of action here at the Homeless World Cup. In fact, one could not have had better weather and the crowd over-flowed the bleachers for the final match where Scotland defeated Poland to take the Homeless World Cup.

Well, all good things must come to an end and the Homeless World Cup 2007 has come to a close. What remains are the stories, the friendships and the return to their respective countries. Many of our interactions with players from around the world truly shed a light on the variations of Homelessness. From substance and drug abuse, to living on the streets to surviving life in refugee camps, the opportunity for the some of the world's most neglected and forgotten people (and also some of the most talented fubolers) to showcase their stories and talents here in Copenhagen is remarkable.

There are many great ideas and new initiatives that should follow the cup. Many of the African countries are compelled to organize regional and continent wide tournaments, and educational programs. It will be interesting to keep an eye out for those efforts.

Irrespective of the numbers of wins and loses, the 2007 Homeless World Cup was certainly a success and for Team Uganda it is a life-changing experience. As our friend Kevin Carroll says, "Chase your dream" -- and in the case of Team Uganda, the chase only continues...

To view photos from today's final match of Uganda versus Canada visit the following link:

http://picasaweb.google.com/jergoldberg/LastDayHomelessWorldCup2007

From the Homeless World Cup website:
(Photos Copyright GYPA)

Uganda's megaphone man at the top of the grandstand tried his heart out to drive his team to victory, but to no avail. All the screaming in the world couldn't stop Argentina over-running a depleted Ugandan side forced to draft in Danish reserves amid an injury crisis. There was still plenty of commitment from the Africans though as they strove to set up an Ombold Cup third place play off final against Norway.




Argentina will instead have that honor tomorrow afternoon as the HWC draws to a close. Their straight forward, organized brand of football should stand them in good stead, and it certainly proved enough here, quickly amassing a three goal lead with some powerful finishing. It was a lead they never let slip despite the best efforts of Ugandan star Olive one of the surefire contenders for the prize awarded to the best female player.



She struck to bring the scores to 4-3 late on and give the crowd a thrilling final minute as she sought to add an equaliser, but it was Argentina who struck, leaving it to the last second to make the game safe.

The fans warmly greeted women futballers from around the world earlier today. The match, organized by GYPA's own, Anna Phillips, with the support of the Homeless World Cup and Nike was an exciting 20 minutes of play. The match certainly displayed the abilities and talents and power of women's sport. However, more importantly, it served as a terrific platform for informing the world that women are EMPOWERED

Photos Copyright GYPA

March for the Ombold Trophy no longer within reach, but Uganda goes down fighting.



In a highly competitive and likely the most dead-locked match of Uganda's 2007 Cup, Ausria down by 2 goals after 10 minutes of play came up victorious late in the second half after netting a penalty. The final score, Austria 4 and Uganda 3.





Late in the game Wilbur crossed the ball from the left wing to a speeding Joesph Ochitti. Moments later an Austrian defender crashed into Ochitti leaving him reeling in pain. Unfortunately, this controversial no-call led to Ochitti limping off the field, and it will be a game-time decision if he plays this evening.



Uganda is not set for a rematch versus Argentina at 5:20pm.

The Denmark Does: Friday, August 3, 2007

Global Youth Partnership for Africa has once again organized an all Women's Match at the Homeless World Cup. Following last year's successful Women's Match in Cape Town, GYPA is once again thrilled to coordinate the efforts.

The concept, conceived by Anna Phillips, GYPA's Girls Kick It Coordinator, with support from the Homeless World Cup teams, the Homeless World Cup staff, and the generosity of NIKE who has donated shirts to the match, will take place today at 11:40am. This year, some of the tournament's prime-time players include women from Uganda (we're not entirely biased, but they are good), Kyrgyzstan and Brazil,

We'll of course have photos following the match and a review of the match.

Another important note of mention... of the 8 teams in the race for the Homeless World Cup Trophy, 4 of them are African, they are: Nigeria, Cameroon, Liberia in Kenya. Quite an excellent showing from the African nations, and Team Uganda backing these nations on their quest for the cup.


Team Uganda, who is in the running for Ombold Tropy, faces off against Austria today at 1:20pm. After two BIG wins yesterday, the Mighty UG is feeling up to the challenge this afternoon.

After losing 4 straight matches, Uganda defeated Zimbabwe and Argentina in today's Homeless World Cup action.

From the Homeless World Cup Website:

Uganda (6) v Zimbabwe (3)

The two African teams battled for victory sparing no effort and missing no chance throughout the match. Uganda quickly established itself in the first half, scoring twice. A close-knit team with skill and the top woman scorer in the championship, Olive Mbekeka, Uganda took control and more or less kept it during the match.



Zimbabwe worked hard to match Uganda and displayed a tenacity worthy of credit, scoring one on the first half and twice more in the second half. But if Uganda took charge in the first half, it dominated the second half by scoring four time.

In the face of superior skills, Zimbabwe did not stop trying but its courage was no match for Uganda. An intense match.

Uganda (7) v Argentina (1)

Argentina opened the scoring this afternoon after the Ugandan goal keeper ballooned the ball into the crowd. The game then became very tight with both sides playing a passing game. Then the Ugandans were awarded a penalty themselves after the Argentinian goalie stepped out of the area whilst in possession. The Argentinians were then punished by the referee and the Ugandans number 10 promptly converted the resulting penalty.



The Ugandans then pushed the Argentinians deep into their own half, resulting in the Ugandan number 7 hitting the post from distance. Then as the first half drew to a close, the Ugandan number 10 struck. So the Ugandans ended the half with a two goal lead.


The second half started as the first half ended, the Ugandans pushing the South Americans deep into their own half. There was plenty of fancy footwork on offer, but not much in the way of goalmouth excitement until the Ugandan number 7 went close after a long ball from his keeper.



The second half finally started to open up as the Argentinians started to push forward, looking for something from the match. The Argentinian number 8 was denied by good defending my the Ugandan number 8. Finally, patient passing and movement from the Africans earned them a well worked fourth goal. As the match drew to a close, the Ugandans hit three goals in two minutes as the match ended Uganda 7 Argentina 1.

A very difficult day of match-play, Uganda losing 3 of 3 games, but keeping hope alive that will turn it around in the final few days of match pkay. Last night's game was a tough one, Uganda was defeated by Norway 5-4.

As the Homeless World Cup reports:

Norway have proved a surprise package during this tournament, playing attractive football that has betrayed their standing as 47th out of 48 teams in the world rankings. They proved tough opponents for 21st in the world Uganda, and opened the scoring after 30 seconds. Uganda pulled one back and then went 2-1 up after Norway narrowly missed a chance to go ahead with a penalty. 30 seconds from half time the Norwegian number 10 made the score 2-2, to cap off a fast paced and entertaining first half of street soccer here in Copenhagen.

Norway were soon 5-2 up thanks to 2 great goals from their number 4 and another from the number 3. The Ugandan goalie had to be on top of his game to prevent Norway extending their lead, and the outfield players worked equally hard to pull 2 back going into the final minute of the game. Both teams dug deep to make the final minute a tense ending to the match, but it was Norway who claimed the win today to continue their admirable showing in this year's competition.

Uganda now prepares to take on Zimbabwe and Argentina tomorrow.

Though a superb first half performance by Team Uganda, and 2 goals by Super Woman (aka Olive Mbeka), England fought off a tough Ugandan offensive, and scored almost at will throughout the second half of play. England was victorious 9-6



In the second game of the triple-header, Uganda lost to Wales.

From the Homeless World Cup website: Passionate as ever, Wales were determined to get off to a winning start and did so after a tense and lively minute and a half of football. Uganda caused the boyos a scare by pegging one back almost immediately, but Wales restoed their lead and doubled it in the next two minutes of high-paced play. Uganda weren't rolling over however and proved themselves more than a match for Wales, bringing the score to 3-3 through their number 10. Wales had the chance to go ahead before the break with a free kick but missed before the half time whistle.



Wales began the second half with plenty of fight, combining some neat passing with aggressive tackling. They scored a penalty which frustrated the Ugandans, who wastes several chances with erratic shots, seemingly unable to relax after going behind. The Wales number 9 bagged himself another 2 impressive strikes as Wales cruised to a convincing 8-3 victory over the steely Ugandans. Hands were shaken at the end of the well-contested match.



Uganda's record now stands at 2 wins and 5 loses.

Dennis Opio




Joseph Ochitti




Auma Zainabu



Olive Mbeka

Kevin Carroll, mentor, friend, team owner and financier, was in Copenhagen this past weekend and spent some quality time with Team Gomo Tong. The players enjoyed their conversations about their "dreams" and "hopes" for the HWC and beyond. It was a pleasure to see Kevin in Copenhagen. So, Kevin, this one's for you!




Photo Credit: From the Homeless World Cup website

With the first 2 days of competition at the 2007 Copenhagen Homeless World Cup, the Mighty UG stands at 2 wins and 3 loses. The competition this year has been fierce and weather conditions challenging. Today, there will be over 60+ games played, and UG will play the following matches:

1pm - versus England
4pm - versus Wales
7:40pm - versus Norway



(Uganda poses with Team England)


Thusfar, UG's prime-time players have included 5 goals by our leading Lady, Olive Mbekea, and Team Captain Dennis Opio, leading the field attack with precision passing.

Stay tuned for more updates from today's very important match-play.

Last night, the Homeless World Cup bought 700 tickets for Homeless World Cup players to attend the Copenhagen Football Club and Batar Jerusalem football match. The game was fantastic, the stadium incredible, and the hometown hosts, Copenhagen, won 1-0.



In the meantime, take a look at some of the photos from here in Copenhagen.