Category: Latest News

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.

Uganda U20 Women’s National Team head coach Ayub Khalifa Kiyingi is impressed with the progress of his charges as preparations for the forthcoming encounter against Kenya intensify.

Whereas his team lost 1-0 to Crested Cranes in a build-up match on Tuesday, the gaffer is contented with the performance of the players.

“It was a very good performance. There were some impressing results although we lost 1-0 but I was comfortable with the way the players expressed themselves,” he stated before adding, “there is a lot of improvement when you look at the way these girls came, the first time they were here, they were in a bad shape.”

Kiyinigi is however, concerned with the ineffectiveness in the final third, given the numerous chances that the team failed to put away in the practice match against Crested Cranes.

The only thing we need to work on is the finishing side. “It is a bit tricky in that I need to identify the individuals that are a bit sharper and clinical in the box. I have tried about three or four but I have to go back to the drawing board and pick amongst the players I have to find the best.

Uganda will face Kenya in the first round of the 2022 FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup Qualifiers with the first leg slated for 23rd -25th September in Nairobi. The return leg on the other hand will be played between 7th -9th October.

Four players from Lady Doves have today joined Crested Cranes camp at FUFA Technical Centre as the team intensifies preparations for the 2021 COSAFA Women’s Championship.

Goalkeeper Daisy Nakaziro, midfielder Reticia Nabbosa, wingers Norah Alupo and Spencer Nakacwa joined the rest of the team on Tuesday afternoon.

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

Head Coach George Lutalo indicated 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 28^th September – 9^th October.

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

Tuesday, 14^th September 2021

Practice Match

Crested Cranes 1-0 Uganda U20 WNT

The Uganda Senior Women National Team (Crested Cranes) overcame the Uganda U20 Women’s National Team in a practice match played on Tuesday at the FUFA Technical Centre, Njeru.

Resty Nanziri scored the lone goal of the game midway through the second half, heading home from close range.

The two teams are preparing for different engagements and are both in residential camp at the FUFA Technical Centre.

The Crested Cranes are preparing to play at the 2021 COSAFA Women’s Championship in South Africa (between 28^th September -9^th October) while the U20 on the other side are preparing to face Kenya at the first round of the 2022 FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup Qualifiers.

In a closely contested game, the U20 side coached by Ayub Khalifan Kiyingi got out of the blocks first, making several inroads but lacked the cutting edge in the final third.

Fauzia Najjemba and Grace Aluka had attempts from free kicks but goalkeeper Ruth Aturo was equal to the effort on both occasions.

On the other hand, Nanziri posed the big threat to the U20 Women’s National Team backline and nearly put the Crested Cranes in the lead at the 35^th minute mark when Sandra Nabweteme released her.

In the second half, either side called for changes with Crested Cranes bringing on Laki Otandeka, Marion Amangat and Sharon Naddunga for Amina Nababbi, Anita Namata and Nabweteme respectively.

Otandeka who plays for New Jersey FC came with instant impact and was very resourceful down the right flank.

She provided the lone goal of the game, beating Sumaya Komuntale for pace before delivering a well weighted cross that Nanziri nodded home.

The U20 Team also made changes with Margaret Kunihira and Zaina Nandede injecting more pace in search for a goal.

Kiyingi despite losing picked some positives and hopes to rectify the mistakes made.

“I’m pleased with the performance from the girls despite not winning. We were dominant in some aspects but we lacked the sharpness in front of goal. I have the belief that we shall work on that going forward and build on the strength realized.” He said.

His Counterpart, George Lutalo indicated the game helped him to have a clear picture of the team.

“I was able to see where the team stands in terms of fitness and performance. Both teams played very well and I’m confident that the time we have now and the COSAFA Championship will be enough for us to get into the best shape.”

The two teams will face off again on Friday in another practice match.

Crested Cranes

Ruth Aturo, Viola Namuddu, Asia Nakibuuka, Shadia Nankya, Bridget Nabisaalu, Phiona Nabbumba, Anita Namata, Hasifa Nassuna, Resty Nanziri, Sandra Nabweteme, Amina Nababi

U20 WNT Starting XI

Joan Namusisi, Samalie Nakacwa, Sumaya Komuntale, Grace Aluka, Aisha Nantongo, Shakira Nyinagahirwa, Lillian Mutuuzo, Shamira Nalugya, Fauzia Najjemba, Hadijja Nandago, Catherine Nagadya

Defender Jolly Kobusinge is optimistic Uganda has the ability to play at next year’s FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup in Costa Rica.

The left back believes the current squad in camp at FUFA Technical Centre, Njeru preparing to face Kenya in the Qualifiers has the ability to go all the way and attain the aforementioned target.

“For us as a team, our main objective is qualify for the World Cup and we are working towards achieving that. Everyone from coaches to players is focused towards the target. ” She noted.

Kobusinge is who the captain at FUFA Women Super League outfit Tooro Queens is also thankful that the technical team appointed him as one of the player leaders.

“It is my pleasure to be summoned to the Uganda U20 Women’s National Team and I’m very privileged for the technical team to have appointed me as the assistant captain.”

Fauzia Najjemba, Aisha Nantongo and Kobusinge were appointed as captain, 1st assistant captain and 2nd assistant captain in that order.

Uganda will play Kenya in Nairobi between 23rd -25th September before a return leg in Kampala two weeks later.

Striker Laki Otandeka is delighted to be part of the National Team fold again after five years. The forward last featured for the Crested Cranes in 2016 at the CECAFA Women’s Championship that was hosted at the FUFA Technical Centre, Njeru.

Otandeka is now part of the team preparing to play at the COSAFA Women’s Championship in South Africa slated for 28^th September -9^th October 2021.

“I feel really great and I’m glad that I got a call up to play for the National Team. It is always a privilege to be here playing for the country and I just hope that I will have a positive impact on the team.” She indicated.

This will be the second time that the Crested Cranes will play at the COSAFA Women’s Championship. The first appearance came in 2018 and Uganda finished third.

The tournament will be used as a precursor for the 2022 Africa Women Cup of Nations (AWCON) Qualifiers due next month. Uganda will face Ethiopia at the first round phase.

Crested Cranes players in camp

Goalkeepers

Ruth Aturo (UCU Lady Cardinals FC), Elsie Najjemba (Rines WFC), 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), Yudayah Nakayenze (Lindey Wilson College, USA), Justin Kizza Najjuko (She Maroons FC), Asia Nakibuuka (Kawempe Muslim Ladies FC)

Midfielders

Joan Naggayi (She Maroons FC), Rhoda Nanziri (Kawempe Muslim Ladies FC), Kautharah Naluyima (She Maroons FC), Sheebah Zalwango (Asubo Gafford Ladies FC), Phiona Nabbumba (She Corporate FC), Grace Nassongo (Amuria High School FC), Amina Nababi (Makerere University WFC), Resty Kobusobozi (Tooro Queens FC), Anita Namata (Kawempe Muslim Ladies FC)

Forwards

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