Author: Ahmed Marsha

All is set as Uganda U20 Women’s National Team prepares to face neighbors Kenya in the first leg of the first round of the 2022 FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup Qualifiers.

The team goes into Saturday’s fixture against Kenya oozing with confidence and optimistic of a good result.

The team had it’s last training at Nyayo National Stadium on Friday afternoon and head coach, Ayub Khalifa Kiyingi indicated all set for tomorrow’s showdown.

“We have had our final touches and surely very ready for tomorrow’s game and I want to assure every supporter that the team is committed to perform well,” the coach said.

Kiyingi insists it is important to pick a positive result away because that brings confidence ahead of the return leg.

“The away game is always important in such contests and if you get a good result that can be a good stepping stone into the return leg.” He added.

Team captain, Fauzia Najjemba also shares similar belief, indicating the players are in perfect shape to earn the desired result.

“We have had our last training and very set for the game tomorrow. We hope to give our very best so that we start the campaign on a positive note.” Najjemba indicated.

The second leg will be played on 8th October in Kampala with the winner of aggregate advancing to the next stage.

At the next phase (second round), the winner between Uganda and Kenya will face either South Africa or Mozambique.

The Uganda U20 Women’s National Team arrived safely in Nairobi, ahead of the 2022 FIFA Women’s World Cup Qualifier match against Kenya slated for Saturday at Nyayo National Stadium.

The team comprised of 20 players departed Entebbe International Airport on Thursday morning (6AM) and touched down at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, 45 minutes later.

Upon arrival, the team was welcomed by FUFA National Team s’ Officer, Paul Mukatabala and later checked in at Hillpark Hotel.

The team later had a one-hour training session at Utali College.

“We travelled safely and all the girls are okay. We had our first training session today which was light. All the players are in perfect shape and ready for the game on Saturday.” He said.

On Friday, the team will have the last training session at Nyayo National Stadium before the game on Saturday at the same venue.

Full Squad
Goalkeepers
Daphine Nyayenga (Lady Doves FC), Joan Namusisi (Kampala Queens FC)

Defenders
Sumayah Komuntale (Tooro Queens FC), Grace Aluka (Olila High School FC), Biira Nadunga (Olila High School FC), Samalie Nakacwa (Kawempe Muslim FC), Halima Kanyago (Lady Doves FC), Aisha Nantongo (Kawempe Muslim Ladies)

Midfielders
Shamirah Nalugya (Kawempe Muslim Ladies FC), Shakirah Nyinagahirwa (Kawempe Muslim Ladies FC), Zaina Nandede (Kataka SHE FC), Catherine Nagadya (Uganda Martyrs High School), Margaret Kunihira (Kawempe Muslim Ladies FC), Kevin Nakacwa (Uganda Martyrs High School FC), Zaituni Namaganda (Taggy High School FC)

Forwards
Fauzia Najjemba (Kampala Queens), Hadijah Nandago (Kawempe Muslim Ladies FC), Juliet Nalukenge(Apollon Ladies FC), Joweria Nagadya (Lady Doves FC), Eva Naggayi (Rines SS WFC)

Officials
Leader of Delegation: Ronnie Kalema (FUFA EXCO Member)

Head Coach: Ayub Khalifan Kiyingi
Assistant Coach: Oliver Mbekeka
Goalkeeping Coach: Mubarak Kiberu
Team Doctor: Stella Nankumba
Team Coordinator: Joan Namusisi
Equipment Manager: Cissy Nakiguba
Amina Bukenya: Delegate (Kampala Region)
Citizen Nuwagaba: Delegate (Western Region)
Media Officer : Joel Muyita

Uganda U20 Women’s National Team Head Coach, Ayub Khalifa Kiyingi has named the final squad of 20 players that will travel to Nairobi, Kenya ahead of the 2022 FIFA Women’s World Cup Qualifiers.

The first leg is slated for Saturday, 25th September in Kenya’s capital Nairobi.

The squad named comprises of two goalkeepers, six defenders, seven midfielders and five forwards.

Kiyinigi indicates the squad is named has the ability to register a good result ahead of the return leg in Kampala two weeks later.

“I think these are the best players we have selected to go and do the job. I have the belief that the squad selected is competent to help us secure the result we want.” He said.

The team will depart Entebbe International Airport on Thursday Morning (6AM).

Final Squad
Goalkeepers
Daphine Nyayenga (Lady Doves FC), Joan Namusisi (Kampala Queens FC)

Defenders
Sumayah Komuntale (Tooro Queens FC), Grace Aluka (Olila High School FC), Biira Nadunga (Olila High School FC), Samalie Nakacwa (Kawempe Muslim FC), Halima Kanyago (Lady Doves FC), Aisha Nantongo (Kawempe Muslim Ladies)

Midfielders
Shamirah Nalugya (Kawempe Muslim Ladies FC), Shakirah Nyinagahirwa (Kawempe Muslim Ladies FC), Zaina Nandede (Kataka SHE FC), Catherine Nagadya (Uganda Martyrs High School), Margaret Kunihira (Kawempe Muslim Ladies FC), Kevin Nakacwa (Uganda Martyrs High School FC), Zaituni Namaganda (Taggy High School FC)

Forwards
Fauzia Najjemba (Kampala Queens), Hadijah Nandago (Kawempe Muslim Ladies FC), Juliet Nalukenge(Apollon Ladies FC), Joweria Nagadya (Lady Doves FC), Eva Naggayi (Rines SS WFC)

Officials
Leader of Delegation: Ronnie Kalema (FUFA EXCO Member)

Crested Cranes provisional squad preparing for COSAFA Women’s Championship has been trimmed to 26 players from the initial 32.

The camp at FUFA Technical Centre, Njeru now has 24 players with Yudaya Nakayenze and Shiraz Natasha yet to join the team.

The aforementioned duo will join the rest of the team in South Africa before the start of the tournament.

The team is expected to be trimmed further to a final list of 20 players.

The final squad will depart for South Africa on 27th September 2021. The Crested Cranes are pooled in Group C alongside Zambia, Eswatini and Namibia.

Players currently in camp

Goalkeepers
Ruth Aturo (UCU Lady Cardinals FC), Daisy Nakaziro (Lady Doves FC), Gloria Namakula (Tooro Queens FC)

Defenders

Viola Namuddu (Makerere University WFC), Shadia Nankya (UCU Lady Cardinals FC), Eunice Ariokot (Olila High School WFC), Bridget Nabisaalu (She Corporate FC), Phoebe Banura (UCU Lady Cardinals FC), Asia Nakibuuka (Kawempe Muslim Ladies FC)

Midfielders

Joan Nabirye(Vihiga Queens FC), Rhoda Nanziri (Kawempe Muslim Ladies FC), Reticia Nabbosa (Lady Doves FC), Sheebah Zalwango (Asubo Gafford Ladies FC), Phiona Nabbumba (She Corporate FC), Spencer Nakacwa (Lady Doves FC), Norah Alupo (Lady Doves FC), Amina Nababi (Makerere University WFC), Resty Kobusobozi (Tooro Queens FC), Anita Namata (Uganda Martyrs High School FC)

Forwards

Hasifa Nassuna (UCU Lady Cardinals FC), Sharon Naddunga (Kawempe Muslim Ladies FC), Resty Nanziri (Kampala Queens FC), Sandra Nabweteme (Fimleikafélag Hafnarfjarðar, Iceland), Laki Otandeka (New Jersey Copa FC, USA)

Yet to join

Yudayah Nakayenze (Lindey Wilson College, USA)

Shiraz Natasha (Maccabi Kishronot Hadera FC, Israel)

Uganda U20 Women’s National Team camp was on Tuesday evening boosted with the arrival of striker Juliet Nalukenge.

The sharp shooter who now plies her trade with Apollon Ladies FC in Cyprus arrived in the country in the morning and later joined the team at FUFA Technical Centre, Njeru.

The player was delighted to team up with her peers and indicated that the target is to make sure Uganda performs well

“I’m extremely happy to be back home and return to the National Team. The mood I found in camp was jovial and everyone welcomed me well. I believe the attitude and belief I found here will be enough to see us go past Kenya,” she said.

“I believe my presence brings confidence in camp an everyone is now focused towards achieving our target which is playing at the World Cup.” Added Nalukenge.

Coach Ayub Khalifa Kiyingi was also happy to have Nalukenge join the camp and hopes that her presence will be of positive impact.

“We all know what she offers and everyone is happy to have her in camp. We go into the game away beaming with confidence that we have a full squad at our disposal.” Said Kiyingi.

Uganda will face Kenya this Satu in the first leg of the FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup Qualifiers with the return leg slated for 8th October in Kampala.

Practice Match
Crested Cranes 1-0 U20 Women National Team

Sandra Nabweteme’s first half strike was the difference as Crested Cranes overcame Uganda U20 Women’s National Team in a practice match played at FUFA Technical Centre, Njeru on Monday.

This was the third time the aforementioned teams were facing off. Crested Cranes won the first game 1-0 while the U20 side secured a 4-0 win in the other build up game.

In Tuesday’s game, Nabweteme capitalized on goalkeeper Joan Namusisi’s howler in the 10th minute to slot home.

Namusisi failed to deal with a long ball and instead fumbled with it thus gifting the striker who did no mistake to fire into the back of the net.

Ayub Khalifa, the U20 head coach made several changes to the starting team with majority of the fringe players starting.

He however, made changes at the start of the second half, leaving only Grace Aluka and Biira Nadunga.

The tactician indicated this was aimed at assessing the rest of the squad players.

“The changes in the tarting team was basically to give game time to the rest but most importantly to assess their performance.” Khalifa said.

“I believe the three games against Crested Cranes put us in good shape and we go into the game against Kenya prepared.”

His Counterpart, George Lutalo was impressed with the performance of his charges but only concerned with the failure to score enough goals.

“I must say we have had tremendous improvement from the previous game. The players gave it all and that is why were able to win today. But there are areas we have to work on before going to South Africa. We have to improve our efficiency in terms of scoring.” He said.

Uganda U20 will face Kenya this Saturday in the first leg of the 2022 FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup Qualifiers. The return leg in Kampala will come two weeks later.

On the other hand, Crested Cranes will feature at this year’s COSAFA Women’s Championship, starting 28th September.

Crested Cranes Starting XI
Daisy Nakaziro, Viola Namuddu, Phoebe Banura Asia Nakibuuka, Joan Nabirye, Shadia Nankya, Hasifa Nassuna, Sandra Nabweteme, Resty Nanziri, Norah Alupo, Sharon Nadunga

U20 WNT Starting XI
Joan Namusisi, Gillian Akadinda, Halima Kanyago, Grace Aluka, Biira Nadunga, Kevin Nakacwa, Zaitun Namaganda, Catherine Nagadya, Eva Naggayi, Joweria Nagadya, Zaina Nandede

The Crested Cranes camp received a major boost on Saturday evening following the arrival of Midfielder Joan Nabirye.

Nabirye who plies her trade with Vihiga Queens in Kenya, joined the team that is currently in residential camp at FUFA Technical Centre, Njeru and took part in the evening training session.

The player who is earning her first call to the Senior Team expressed delight about getting summoned and hopes to seize the opportunity.

“I’m really happy to be summoned to the National Team for the first time. I found the team in good mood and I hope that I settle in quickly.” She said.

Nabirye who played an integral role for Vihiga Queens in their triumph at the CAF Women’s Champions League CECAFA Qualifiers hopes to carry the same performance to the National Team.

“I hope and promise to transform the performance I have had with Vihiga Queens in the League and CAF Women’s Champions League Qualifiers to the National Team.”

Before moving to Kenya, Nabirye had featured for Asubo Gafford Ladies FC and Muteesa I Roya University.

The team is preparing to take part in the 2021 COSAFA Women’s Championship in South Africa slated for 28th September – 9th October.

Uganda U20 Women’s National Team skipper Fauzia Najjemba was the star of the day as they ran riot against Crested Cranes in a practice match played at FUFA Technical Centre, Njeru on Friday.

This was the second game between the two sides. The first came on Tuesday with Crested Cranes winning 1-0.

Najjemba led by example and orchestrated the damage on the Senior Team, scoring a hat trick while midfielder Shamirah Nalugya added the other.

Right from onset, the U20 looked composed and were the better side in every aspect. The Crested Cranes on the other side were off colour.

Najjemba opened the scores in the 17th minute capitalizing on a long ball from goalkeeper Daphine Nyayenga and she beat the backline for pace before firing a low drive into the bottom right corner of the net.

A minute after the half hour mark, Najjemba doubled the lead for the U20 team, converting from the spot after Shadia Nankya had fouled Hadijja Nandago.

Even when coach George Lutalo made changes introducing Amina Nababi, Laki Otandeka and Sharon Naddunga for Sandra Nabweteme, Hasifa Nassuna and , the U20 team remained dominant.

Nalugya stretched the lead, firing from close range to beat goalkeeper Daisy Nakaziro at the near post.

Najjemba put the icing on the cake, with the fourth goal coming nine minutes to time.

The two teams will face off in the third and practice game on Monday.

Uganda U20 Women’s National Team is preparing to face Kenya in the FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup Qualifiers while Crested Cranes will feature at COSAFA Women’s Championship slated to take place between 28th September -9th October.

Crested Cranes head coach George Lutalo was impressed with the performance of the team in the practice match against Uganda U20 Women’s National Team.

Resty Nanziri scored the lone goal of the game played on Tuesday at the FUFA Technical Centre, Njeru where the two teams are camping.

Lutalo indicated the progress and performance of the team is so far is good and hopes for better in the coming days.

“The performance was not bad from both the U20 Women’s National Team and the Crested Cranes.  It was a good show from both teams and this being our first build up, it gives us hope that we can do well.” He indicated.

The camp was boosted with the arrival of Lady Doves quartet, goalkeeper Daisy Nakaziro, midfielder Reticia Nabbosa, wingers Norah Alupo and Spencer Nakacwa.

The four were part of Lady Doves team that featured at the just concluded CAF Women’s Champions League in Nairobi, Kenya.

Head Coach George Lutalo indicates the arrival of the aforementioned players bolsters the camp.

“The arrival of the four players is good news because they have been active with Lady Doves and I do not doubt their fitness levels. We are happy to have them and hope they make us better.” Lutalo indicated.

The gaffer also confirmed that striker Fazila Ikwaput who had earlier been summoned is ruled out after picking an injury during the CAF Women’s Champions League.

“It is unfortunate that we shall not have Fazila Ikwaput because she picked up an injury. We only wish her quick recovery for now and hope she can join us in the next engagements.

The Crested Cranes will play at the COSAFA Women’s Championship between 28th September – 9th October.

The tournament will be used as a precursor for the 2022 Africa Women Cup of Nations Qualifiers against Ethiopia slated for October.