Author: Ahmed Marsha

The CECAFA Women’s U20 Championship will officially come to a climax on Tuesday, 9th November 2021 at FUFA Technical Centre, Njeru after 12 days of thrilling action.

With Ethiopia and hosts Uganda contending for the title, the final day of the tournament promises even better.

The Chairperson Local Organizing Committee, Hon. Florence Nakiwala Kiyingi and CECAFA CEO, Aucka Gecheo briefed the press ahead of the climax.

Below is the statement from the Chairperson LOC;

Monday 8th November 2021
CLOSING CEREMONY: STATEMENT BY CHAIRPERSON LOCAL ORGANISING COMMITTEE CECAFA
WOMEN UNDER 20 CHAMPIONSHIP

Fellow County men and women,
Over the last 13 days, young women footballers and coaches have amazed us with skill, talent,
passion, goals and tactics in the CECAFA Women’s U20 Championship at the FUFA Technical
Centre, Njeru.

The tournament has been a huge success and the highest levels of competitiveness were
exhibited by all the participating six National Teams; Uganda, Ethiopia, Tanzania, Eritrea,
Burundi and Djibouti.

Great memories have been created due to the experience of the Local Organizing Committee
who made sure that the stay of the Delegations and teams is very comfortable.

The solidarity shown by both the Local and the CECAFA Organizing Committee has brought us
this far. Football is indeed a team sport.

We have another big day coming up on Tuesday 9th November 2021 for the closing ceremony
of the CECAFA Women’s U20 Championship. It is a day where One Country will be declared
Champion but I believe every team is a winner irrespective of the final table standings.

As the tournament comes to a conclusion; We would like to extend our sincere appreciation and support given to us by the Government of Uganda. During the current covid-19 times, we have been supported by the various
Government Agencies and Ministries to make sure that we have a smooth tournament.

We have not had any serious incidents that could have led to cancellation of the tournament. We thank the First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports Mama Janet Museveni for her ever increasing interest in sports especially of the girl child. We received her tweet congratulating the Uganda Women U20 team and we didn’t take it lightly. It is a big indicator that she has been following the tournament and supporting women football.

I also thank the CECAFA President, CECAFA Member Association Presidents, CECAFA Executive Director, Delegations and Participating Teams, CECAFA Women U20 Organizing Committee, and The Local Organizing Committee and Members of the Media.

The two host FUFA football regions Buganda and Eastern have done a tremendous job as well. I would like to thank the authorities in Jinja and Njeru at all levels, in particular the Mayor of Njeru Town Council, Mayor of Jinja City and the RPC Jinja for their steadfast commitment during the tournament. Thank you for staying with us.

With the teams set to play the final matches and fly back home, I believe they have enjoyed their stay in Njeru and Jinja. You have contributed a lot to the economy of the country and improved the sports tourism. Jinja, as a new City and source of the mighty River Nile have also done a tremendous job.

The FUFA President Hon. Magogo Moses Hassim and CECAFA President Mr. Wallace Karia, thank you so much for supporting Uganda’s bid to host this Championship. All officials both from CECAFA and Local, you have been a great team which is a clear testimony that Uganda is ready to host other tournaments of a similar nature or even Continental Championships.

Once again special gratitude goes to the FUFA President and his Executive whose backing enabled us to host this tournament. His guidance and stewardship is the reason for the success of the Tournament. This is not to mention the CECAFA President who was here in person to support all the women teams.

I also thank the parents who have sacrificed to offer their girls to play football. Many of them have gone through various schools that have played a key role in both educating and giving the girl child every opportunity to realize their football dreams.

With women football growing at a faster rate, we encourage the Government to start considering
paying players and coaches of the various female National teams and to re-finance and
resource women football.

I encourage more women to join football the fact that a good number of best football players in
the world are women. We want to see many stars come out of the region and we have the
strong belief that the game is on a steady growth in the CECAFA region.

Even with the Covid-19 times still on, we hope to have a colorful closing ceremony that will be
graced by high profile dignitaries from the CECAFA Region and within Uganda, National Council
of Sports, the CECAFA top brass, CECAFA Member Association Presidents, the Special envoy
to the President and former Vice President Rt. Hon. Edward Ssekandi Kiwanuka will attend the
final ceremony.

Let us join efforts as we all plan for the grand finale of the CECAFA Women’s U20
Championship tomorrow. Members of the general public are encouraged to watch the final day of the tournament on UBC and online FUFA TV live stream.

The Local Organizing Committee, kudos for making the tournament a success. We have one more day to end what has been a beautiful 13 days of great football and organization at the FUFA Technical Centre, Njeru.

May the best Team win.
It is Our Game, It is Our Country.
HON. FLORENCE NAKIWALA KIYINGI
CHAIRPERSON LOCAL ORGANISING COMMITTEE
CECAFA WOMEN UNDER 20 CHAMPIONSHIP

CECAFA Women U20 Championship 2021

Matchday Four

• Ethiopia 1-0 Burundi
• Djibouti 0-2 Eritrea
• Uganda 1-0 Tanzania

The battle on the winners of this year’s CECAFA Women’s U20 Championship will be between two nations; hosts Uganda and Ethiopia following matchday four results on Saturday.

In the games played at FUFA Technical Centre, Njeru, both Uganda and Ethiopia won their respective games to set up a decider on Tuesday next week.

The two teams will face in the final game of the tournament with Uganda needing just a point to claim the title while Ethiopia on the other hand must win.

It should be noted that the Championship is played on a round robin format.  Uganda has a superior goal difference of 20 goals compared to Ethiopia’s 14.

Ethiopia needed to dig deep to overcome Burundi in the first game on Saturday thanks to a solitary strike from Ariet Odong.

The forward came off the bench to score the lone goal of the game and thus helping Ethiopia to their fourth win in as many games.

Eritrea overcame Djibouti to register their first win at the tournament thanks to second half goals from defender Rim Gezae Yemane and forward Diana Estifanos Teklemichael.

The final game of the day saw hosts Uganda earn a hard fought win over rivals Tanzania, with skipper Fauzia Najjemba converting from the spot in the 73^rd minute.

Shamira Nalugya was fouled in the area and the captain took the responsibility to slot home the only goal of the game.

Matchday five will have Burundi facing Eritrea, Djibouti playing against Tanzania while Uganda will be up against Ethiopia.

Hosts Uganda and Ethiopia remained the only unbeaten sides at this year’s CECAFA Women’s U20 Championship following Matchday Three results on Wednesday.

Ethiopia defeated Tanzania in the first game of the day while Uganda overcame Eritrea in the late kickoff.

Both teams now have 9 points apiece but Uganda the log on a superior goal difference of 19 goals.

Mesay Temesgen and Ien Nyabouny scored in the second half to help Ethiopia edge Tanzania who earned a late consolation goal through Clara Cleitus Luvanga.

Despite stepping efforts in the closing stages of the game, Ethiopia held on to earn all three points.

Tanzania had defender Fumukazi Nguruwe sent off for shoving assist referee to the ground when Aisha Masaka’s stoppage time would be equalizer was ruled out for offside.

In the second of the day, Burundi picked their first win at the tournament, demolishing hapless Djibouti 6-0.

Midfielder Estella Gakima scored twice while captain Olga Peace Niyomwungere, Pascacie Butoyi and Ineza Bora added the other goals.

Uganda overcome a resilient Eritrean side in the late kickoff, thanks to goals from Hadijah Nandago and captain Fauzia Najjemba.

Action resumes on Saturday with Matchday four fixtures where Burundi will face Ethiopia while Djibouti will play neighbours Eritrea. The final game will have Uganda facing Tanzania.

The Championship is played in a round robin format. The team with the most number of points after Matchday five will be named Champions.

CECAFA Women’s U20 Championship 2021
Matchday Two Results
Uganda 13- 0 Djibouti
Ethiopia 6-0 Eritrea
Tanzania 3-2 Burundi

Hosts Uganda and Ethiopia continued with their brilliant start at CECAFA Women’s U20 Championship, registering convincing results against their opponents on Matchday Two.

Uganda obliterated Djibouti, winning 13-0 in the early kickoff on Monday while Ethiopia overcome neighbours Eritrea 6-0.

In the final game of the day, Tanzania needed to come back twice to win 3-2, including a late winner.

Fauzia Najjemba netted six goals in Uganda’s emphatic win. Today’s collection meant she took her goal tally at the tournament to eight.

The other goals for Uganda came from Hadijah Nandago (brace), Asia Nakibuuka, Catherine Nagadya, Shamirah Nalugya, Zaitun Namaganda and Shakira Nyinagahirwa.

Uganda now leads the table with a superior goal difference of 17.

Ethiopia routed Eritrea 6-0 with goals coming from Ridet Assrasanang (brace), Turist Lema, Mesay Temesgen and Bizuayehu Tadesse.

In the final game, Tanzania secured a hard fought win over Burundi.

Burundi took the lead through Estella Gakima in the 14th minute but Tanzania found the equalizer from the spot through Seif Mwanamvua Haruna at the hour mark.

In the 78 minute, Burundi regained their lead through a well taken free kick by Nshimiramana Annociatte.

This was however short-lived with Clara Cleitus Luvanga and Emeliana Isaya Mbimu scoring in the 81st and 87th minute respectively to guide Tanzania to victory.

Action resumes on Wednesday with Matchday three where Tanzania will play Ethiopia, Eritrea will face Uganda while Burundi will be up against Djibouti.

Uganda’s quest to claim the 2021 CECAFA Women’s U20 Championship was manifested in their cleanout against Djibouti on Matchday two at FUFA Technical Centre, Njeru.

In a dominant display on Monday, Uganda registered a 13-0 win to make it two wins in as many games and take charge of the title race.

Skipper Fauzia Najjemba was ruthless on the day, scoring six goals and thus move top of the scorers’ chart with eight in two games.

Diminutive forward Hadijah Nandago struck twice while Shamira Nalugya(penalty), Asia Nakibuuka, Zaitun Namaganda, Catherine Nagadya and Shakira Nyinagahirwa added a goal apiece to complete the cleanout.

Nandago opened the scores as early as the sixth minute, tapping home from Magret Kunihira’s cross.

Najjemba doubled the lead four minutes later thanks to Nagadya. The latter would later also register her name on the score sheet.

By halftime, Uganda led 6-0 and Najjemba had completed a hat trick with the other goal (a penalty) coming from Shamirah Nalugya.

In the second half, Uganda scored seven more goals in what was a one-sided affair.

Substitute Zaitun Namaganda, Asia Nakibukka, Shakira Nyinagahirwa, Nandago and Najjemba (3) all scored in the second half.

Uganda now moves to the summit of the table with two wins in as many games and will return to action on Wednesday against Eritrea.

Uganda U20 Starting XI

Daphine Nyayenga, Samalie Nakacwa, Asia Nakibuuka, Bira Nadunga, Aisha Nantongo, Shakira Nyinagahirwa, Catherine Nagadya, Shamirah Nalugya, Fauzia Najjemba, Hadija Nandago, Magret Kunihira

CECAFA Women’s U20 Women Championship 2021

Matchday 1 Wrapup

Tanzania 1-0 Eritrea

Djibouti 0- 7 Ethiopia

Uganda 5-1 Burundi

Matchday 2 Fixtures

Uganda vs Djibouti – 10:30AM

Eritrea vs Ethiopia – 1PM

Tanzania vs Burundi – 4:30PM

Hosts Uganda and Ethiopia earned comfortable results on Saturday as the 2021 CECAFA Women’s U20 Championship started at the FUFA Technical Centre.

In the three games played, Ethiopia routed Djibouti 7-0, Uganda defeated Burundi 5-1 while Tanzania nicked a 1-0 victory over Eritrea.

Tanzania set the tone of the tournament, winning the opening game thanks to a stoppage time goal from Clara Cleitus Luvanga.

Despite getting several scoring chances on the day, Tanzania had to wait until the first minute of added time to find the breakthrough.

Coach Bakari Shime indicated they will have to improve going forward if they are to win the Championship.

“The result is important for us but I’m disappointed with the performance and I know we have to improve in the next games,” he indicated.

His counterpart Jamal Ibrahim lauded his charges for a spirited fight despite losing and hopes for better results in the coming games.

“We fought throughout the game and the players did well to tame Tanzania. It is unfortunate that we lost towards the end but we shall come back stronger in the next games.”

In the second game, Ethiopia were ruthless, securing the biggest win at the tournament so far.

Ridet Assrasang orchestrated the damage scoring a hat trick while Turist Lema registered a brace with the other goals coming from Etsegnet Girma and second half substitute Betlehem Bekele.

Djibouti ended the game with a player less following the dismissal of Marwa Daher Moussa midway through the first half.

Uganda, the hosts made a perfect start to the tournament, winning 5-1 against Burundi thanks to goals from captain Fauzia Najjemba (two), Magret Kunihira, Hadija Nandago and Shamirah Nalugya.

Burundi got their consolation goal through Pascicie Butoyi.

Action will resume on Monday with Uganda playing Djibouti in the first game, Tanzania will face Burundi while Eritrea will take on Ethiopia.

Uganda U20 Women’s National Team head coach Ayub Khalifa Kiyingi has confirmed the final squad that will represent the country at this year’s CECAFA Women’s U20 Championship.

The gaffer had confirmed a list of 23 players to represent Uganda at the Championship that will return between 30th October -9th November 2021.

Uganda (hosts) will kickstart the campaign against Burundi on Saturday at FUFA Technical Centre, Njeru.

The next game will be against Djibouti on Monday before facing Eritrea, Ethiopia and Tanzania in the subsequent fixtures.

Final Squad
Goalkeepers
Daphine Nyayenga (Lady Doves FC), Joan Namusisi (Kampala Queens FC),, Saida Namwanje (Luweero Giant Queens FC)

Defenders
Sumayah Komuntale (Tooro Queens FC), Stella Musibika (Kawempe Muslim Ladies FC), Biira Nadunga (Olila High School FC), Samalie Nakacwa (Kawempe Muslim FC), Harima Kanyago (Lady Doves FC), Aisha Nantongo (Kawempe Muslim Ladies), Asia Nakibuuka (Kawempe Muslim Ladies FC)

Midfielders
Shamirah Nalugya (Kawempe Muslim Ladies FC), Shakirah Nyinagahirwa (Kawempe Muslim Ladies FC), Zaina Nandede (Kataka SHE FC), Phiona Nabulime (Devine Soccer Academy), Catherine Nagadya (Uganda Martyrs High School), Kevin Nakacwa (Uganda Martyrs High School FC), Olivia Babirye (Lady Doves FC),), Zaituni Namaganda (Taggy High School FC),

Forwards
Fauzia Najjemba (Kampala Queens), Hadijah Nandago (Kawempe Muslim Ladies FC), Eva Naggayi (Rines SS WFC), Ronah Regina Nantege (She Corporate FC), Margaret Kunihira (Kawempe Muslim Ladies FC)

Officials
Head Coach – Ayub Khalifa Kiyingi
Assistant Coach – Oliver Mbekeka
Goalkeeping Coach – Mubarak Kiberu
Team Doctor – Stella Nankumba
Equipment Manager – Cissy Nakiguba
Media Officer – Faridah Tomusange Nassejje

CECAFA Women’s U20 Championship 2021
Matchday 1
Saturday, 30th October 2021
Eritrea vs Tanzania – 10:30AM
Djibouti vs Ethiopia – 1:30PM
Burundi vs Uganda – 4:00PM

The CECAFA Women’s U20 Championship will get underway on Saturday, 30th October 2021 at FUFA Technical Centre, Njeru.

Six teams confirmed participation for the inaugural edition with hosts Uganda, Burundi, Tanzania, Eritrea, Djibouti and Tanzania all ready to compete.

Eritrea and Tanzania will get the Championship underway with the first game, starting at 10:30am.

Bakari Shime, the head coach of the Tanzania U20 Women’s National Team believes his charges are ready for the tournament and their target is to go all the way and clinch it.

“We have had enough preparations for this tournament and we here with the ultimate target of winning the title.” He said.

Shime also indicates that the tournament will be a good precursor for them ahead of the FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup Qualifier games against Burundi in December.

His counterpart, Ibrahim Jamal is hopeful of a good show at the tournament and stresses that this is an opportunity for the players to earn more experience.

“This is a good platform for the team because we share be facing very good teams. I believe there is a lot to learn from this Championship and definitely we shall be aiming to having good results.”

Uganda, the host nation come into the Championship as one of the favourites and coach Ayub Khalifa Kiyingi is aware of the demands but he insists they will take on game at a time.

“We have a winning mentality and definitely we would want to lift the Championship at home but for now, we have to first get our first opponent Burundi out of the way and then look at the rest of the games.” He stated.

The Championship will be played in a round robin format. The team with most points after Matchday five will be declared Champions.

Deputy Speaker of the Parliament of Uganda, the Rt. Hon. Anita Among has promised personal and Government support towards Women’s Football.

Among said this while officially receiving the
victorious Crested Cranes from Ethiopia at her residence in Nakasero on Wednesday.

“You have done the country proud by qualifying to the next round. I bring you greetings and congratulations from the Parliament of Uganda and I promise that I will personally continue to support you,” she said.

She also passed on encouraging remarks to the female footballers and promised more funding from Government towards Women’s Football.

“If you work hard you will achieve whatever you want. We also started like you and here we are, so keep working hard.”

The Deputy Speaker then handed each player a token of appreciation worth $200 and wished them success against Kenya.

FUFA President, Hon. Moses Hassim Magogo, who also attended the dinner praised the team for a job well done and promised that the Federation will give all necessary support to help them qualify to Africa Women Cup of Nations.

“It is our mandate as a Federation that we have National Teams competing at the highest level and we are proud of the job you have done so far. We promise more support in the next level and hopefully overcome Kenya and qualify to AWCON.”

19 of the 20 players returned to Uganda with midfielder Joan Nabirye having travelled direct from Addis Ababa to Nairobi to join her club Vihiga Queens that is preparing to participate in the inaugural CAF Women’s Champions League.

On return, Asia Nakibuuka, Shamirah Nalugya, Daphine Nyayenga, Sumaya Komuntale, Magret Kunihira and Fauzia Najjemba travelled to Njeru to join the U20 Women’s National Team that is preparing to play at CECAFA U20 Women’s Championship.

Striker Juliet Nalukenge will travel to Cyprus to get back to club duties at Apollon Ladies FC.

Crested Cranes will now shift focus to CECAFA Senior Women’s Challenge Cup that will be played in December in Djibouti.

The CECAFA Womne’s U20 Championship kicks off in Uganda on 30th October and ends on 9th November 2021 at the FUFA Technical Centre, Njeru.

The Local Organising Committee has released an official statement through its Chairperson Hon. Florence Nakiwala Kiyingi(Main Photo) showing its readiness to host the Tournament .

The Official Statement from the Local Organising Committee of the CECAFA Women’s U20 Championship 2021.

Women football has grown in leaps and bounds in the CECAFA Region. Uganda has not been left out and results are visible in the country under the leadership of FUFA President Hon. Magogo Moses Hassim
over the last 8 years and his Executive.

On behalf of the FUFA President, I would like to thank every Federation President in the region for their tremendous efforts towards the growth and development of women football.

Allow me also to take this opportunity to congratulate the Uganda National Women Senior Team Crested Cranes who qualified after beating Ethiopia last evening on penalties in Addis Ababa for the 2nd and final round of the 2022 Africa Women Cup of Nations Championship. The country is proud of you.

We now turn our attention on the CECAFA Women under 20 Championship to be hosted by Uganda from 30th October to 9th November 2021 at the FUFA Technical Centre Njeru.

It is a privilege for FUFA to host yet another CECAFA Tournament. We are ready to make every-one feel at home. We have always been good hosts and we are sure that the visitors have enjoyed their previous stay here in Uganda for the various CECAFA tournaments most recently in 2019-the CECAFA Men under
20, CECAFA Women under 17 and the CECAFA Senior Challenge Cup.

We would like to thank CECAFA Secretariat headed by Executive Director Mr. Auka Gecheo and CECAFA President Mr. Wallace Karia for identifying Uganda to host this Championship.
The Local Organizing Committee will be headed by myself Hon . Florence Nakiwala Kiyingi, Ms Agnes Mugena (Deputy Chairperson), Mr. Chris Kalibbala (Member), Mr. Rogers Mulindwa (Member), FUFA Deputy CEO- Football Mr. Decolas Kiiza and Ms. Leilah Nankya (Events Manager).

The entire Local Organizing Committee will work together with the CECAFA Delegation to deliver a memorable Championship.

We have got confirmation of 6 Countries; Uganda (Hosts), Tanzania, Burundi, Ethiopia, Djibouti and Eritrea to take part in the tournament. The first teams Djibouti and Eritrea will jet in tonight while Tanzania arrives tomorrow.

As Championship nears kickoff, we would like to thank every stakeholder who has contributed to the preparations of the tournament. All matches will be played at the FUFA Technical Centre, Njeru.

Our sincere appreciation goes to the Government of Uganda and the National Council of Sports who have created a good working environment to grant us permission to host the tournament.

2022 Africa Women Cup of Nations Qualifiers
Return Leg, Second Round
Ethiopia 2-0 Uganda
Aggregate Score: Uganda 2:2 Ethiopia
Uganda won 2-1 on penalties

Uganda Women Senior National Team has progressed to the final qualification round of the 2022 Africa Women Cup of Nations Qualifiers after dumping out Ethiopia on Tuesday.

Despite losing the return leg 2-0 at Abebe Bikila Stadium in Addis Ababa, Uganda eventually won the tense penalty shootout to progress to the next level.

It should be noted that Uganda had won the first leg 2-0 at St. Mary’s Stadium and the result today meant the winner had to be decided on penalties.

Coach George Lutalo rang two changes from the team that had started against Ethiopia at home.

Juliet Nalukenge and Sheebah Zalwango started in place of Sandra Nabweteme and Hasifa Nassuna respectively.

Uganda started on the front foot and had two attempts at goal, one through Zalwango who failed to connect to Fauzia Najjemba’s free kick while the other chance fell to Nalukenge.

It was the home side that eventually broke the deadlock through Senaf Wakuma in the 21st minute.

They later doubled their lead ten minutes later when captain Loza Abera found space inside the area to slot home.

Midfielder Riticia Nabbosa once again limped off like it was the case in Kitende and she was replaced by Shamirah Nalugya.

In the second half, Uganda showed improvement and fought hard to find a goal.

Nassuna and Nabweteme later came on, replacing Sheebah Zalwango and Magret Kunihira respectively.

In the spot kicks, captain Ruth Aturo made two saves, the other two Ethiopian players missed and only one converted.

For Uganda, Nassuna scored the opening kick but Joan Nabirye missed hers. Fauzia Najjemba would go on to convert the third take before left back Sumaya Komuntale missed.

The result means Uganda advances and sets up a date with Kenya in the third round.

Starting XI

Substitutes
Daisy Nakaziro(19)
Daphine Nyayenga(18)
Phoebe Banura(14)
Rhoda Nanziri(15)
Shamirah Nalugya(21)
Sharon Nadunga(20)
Hasifa Nassuna(10)
Sandra Nabweteme(8)
Laki Otandeka (16)

Striker Juliet Nalukenge and midfielder Sheebah Zalwango, have been handed starts as Crested Cranes head coach George Lutalo named the starting XI to face Ethiopia in the return leg of the second round of the 2022 AWCON Qualifier today at Abebe Bikila Stadium in Addis Ababa.

The two players were second half substitutes at St Mary’s stadium Kitende as Uganda beat Ethiopia 2-0 in the first leg, with Zalwango providing the assist to the second goal scored by Fauzia Najjemba.

The Cyprus based Nalukenge, who has been influential for the U20 side, scoring three goals as they eliminated Kenya, had flashes of brilliance and near misses at Kitende, and her versatility convinced Lutalo to hand her a starting role.

Riticia Nabbosa who scored the first goal but later limped off before the end of the first half, has recovered from the knock to return to the starting fold, this time playing behind the main striker.

Nalukenge’s inclusion means Iceland based Sandra Nabweteme starts on the bench while Nabbosa will operate in the position of Hasifa Nassuna who is also bench.

“All the players we have travelled with are equally important to the team and each of them is ready to play an important role whenever called upon,” Lutalo said.

Lutalo has not made any changes in the backline, with captain Ruth Aturo, retaining her position in goal while Sumaya Komuntale and Viola Namuddu are left and right full backs respectively. Shadia Nankya and Asia Nakibuuka are at the heart of defence.

Joan Nabirye has been retained in the holding role playing alongside Zalwango, while Margaret Kunihira and Fauzia Najjemba will offer support to Nalukenge upfront.

The winner on aggregate between Uganda and Ethiopia will play Kenya at the next level.

Starting XI

Ruth Aturo (1) (C), (GK)
Viola Namuddu (6)
Sumaya Komuntale(2)
Asia Nakibuuka(3)
Shadia Nankya(5)
Joan Nabirye(12)
Magret Kunihira(7)
Sheebah Zalwango(22)
Riticia Nabbosa(17)
Juliet Nalukenge(9)
Fauzia Najjemba(13)

Substitutes
Daisy Nakaziro(19)
Daphine Nyayenga(18)
Phoebe Banura(14)
Rhoda Nanziri(15)
Shamirah Nalugya(21)
Sharon Nadunga(20)
Hasifa Nassuna(10)
Sandra Nabweteme(8)
Laki Otandeka (16)

2020l2 AWCON Qualifiers
Second Round, Return leg
Ethiopia Vs Uganda (Aggregate 0-2)
Venue-Abebe Bikila Stadium
Kick Off: 4:00pm

National Women Football Team Head Coach George Lutalo, is confident his charges will go past the Ethiopia huddle to reach the next round of the 2022 Africa Women Cup of Nations Qualifiers.

The Crested Cranes go into Tuesday’s clash carrying a 2-0 lead from the first leg played last week in Kitende thank to goals from Riticia Nabbosa and Fauzia Najjemba.

Lutalo indicated after the team’s final training at Abebe Bikila Stadium in Addis Ababa that the team is in the best shape and ready to complete the task at hand.

“The morale is good in camp and all the players are in good shape and we have no injuries. We expect the best results tomorrow,” Lutalo said.

The Coach named a squad of 20 players that travelled to Ethiopia with goal keeper Ruth Aturo leading the team as captain.

The change of the game venue from Bahir Dar to Addis Ababa came after CAF only allowed artificial turf Abebe Bikila stadium for Ethiopia home games.

Lutalo’s thought about the game are unchanged, after having had the biggest time of the preparations at Fufa Technical Centre ,Njeru and Omondi Stadium, Lugogo both of which are artificial grass pitches.

Due to covid 19 regulations, match commissioner Inas Mazhar from Egypt ordered for no post match press conferences but rather flash interviews after the game.

The winner from then two legs will qualify to meet Kenya who eliminated South Sudan 15-1 on aggregate.

The next qualification round (third round) will be the final phase to determine the 12 teams that will take part at next year’s AWCON in Morocco.

Crested Cranes Head Coach George Lutalo, has named the final traveling team to Ethiopia for the return leg of the second round of 2022 Africa Women Cup of Nations Qualifiers.

Lutalo maintained the goal-keeping trio Ruth Aturo (captain), Daisy Nakaziro and Daphine Nyayenga.

Left back Sumaya Komuntale who made her debut in the first leg makes the trip too, alongside Asia Nakibuuka, Shadia Nankya, Viola Namuddu and Pheobe Banura completing the defense selection.

Riticia Nabossa shook off the knock she picked in the 2-0 first-leg win at Kitende, a game in which she scored the opener, to make the trip too, adding to Sheebah Zalwango, Shamirah Nalugya and Joan Nabirye and Rhoda Nanziri to complete the midfield.

The forwards include Juliet Nalukenge, Magret Kunihira, Hasifah Nassuna, Sandra Nabweteme, Fauzia Najjemba, Sharon Naddunga and Laki Otandeka Kanyesigye.

The team will depart Entebbe International Airport at 3:30pm today.

The travelling squad

1- Ruth Aturo
2- Sumaya Komuntale
3- Asia Nakibuuka
4- Shadia Nankya
5- Viola Namuddu
6- Magret Kunihira
7- Sandra Nabweteme
8- Hasifah Nassuna
9- Joan Nabirye
10- Fauzia Najjemba
11- Riticia Nabbosa
12- Daisy Nakaziro
13- Juliet Nalukenge
14- Phoebe Banura
15- Sharon Naddunga
16- Shamirah Nalugya
17- Sheebah Zalwango
18- Rhoda Nanziri
19- Daphine Nayenga
20- Laki Otandeka Kanyesigye

Officials

Chris Kalibala- Leader of Delegation
George Lutalo-Head Coach
Edward Kaziba-Assistant Coach
James Magala-Goalkeeping Coach
Paul Mukatabala-Advance Team
Paul Ssali- Team Coordinator
Mable Kabatalindwa-Team Doctor
Prossy Nalwadda- Equipment Manager
Julius Opolot-FUFA delegate-N.Eastern region
Aloysius Byamukama-Media officer

Several of Uganda Christian University graduands could have celebrated with relatives and friends, their long time awaited academic triumph, as they graduated today after years of struggle.

But Crested Cranes left back Phoebe Banura, might not have missed her first home, as her second home, the Uganda Senior Women’s National Team offered a befitting party on Friday at Cranes Paradise Hotel, Kisaasi.

The camp comprising of coaches, players and other team officials made sure that Banura couldn’t lack as they joined her to celebrate the academic milestone.

Clad in her graduation gown, Banura was hosted to a cake slicing and drinks for attaining a bachelors degree in Child Development and Childrens Ministry (BCDCM).

“I am delighted to have reached this day. This proved to be my home away from home. I thank everyone that has been behind my success in this struggle and my family is such a treasure, and today its a special moment that I celebrate this with another special group of people. Thank you so much,” the soft spoken Banura said.

Her UCU Lady Cardinals FC teammates, Ruth Aturo, Shadia Nankya and Hasifa Nassuna and the entire Crested Cranes joined the celebrations.