The FUFA Women Super League will return this Wednesday after a month-long lull.
The League went into a hiatus in mid November to allow the different Women National Teams take part in several engagements.
With the bulk of the national team duties out of way, focus shifts back to the domestic league.
The resumption starts this Wednesday with reigning Champions Kampala Queens FC hosting Kawempe Muslim Ladies FC in a clash of titans.
Over the years, the game continues to evoke different emotions and always delivers long lasting memories.
Significant among the so many previous encounters came last season when Kawempe Muslim stunned Kampala Queens FC in Kabojja, obliterating them with a 5-1 result.
It should be noted that this was the only game that the Queens of Soccer lost en route to clinching the League title.
Wednesday’s clash therefore will not come short of vengeance as Kampala Queens FC hope to get better of their nemesis.
Kampala Queens FC come into this game after appointing a new coach in Charles Ayiekoh Lukula.
Ayiekoh was last week unveiled on a two-year deal to replace Charles Ssenyange Nsanziro who parted ways with the club on mutual consent.
The new coach will therefore hope to have his reign start on a positive note.
Kampala Queens FC have also let go of some players including Margret Kunihira and Grace Aluka who formerly played for Kawempe Muslim but has since crossed boarder to Tanzania’s Caesaae Queens FC.
The trio of Samalie Nakacwa, Shakirah Nyinagahirwa and Hadijah Nandago who were on loan at Kampala Queens from Kawempe Muslim have since returned to their parent club following the end of their loan deal in December.
Coach Ayub Khalifa Kiyingi wil hope that the return of the aforementioned three will help in mounting a title challenge as the season wears on.
Both teams come into Wednesday’s game unbeaten with Kampala Queens FC top of the table on 10 points from 4 games while Kawempe Muslim Ladies FC occupy third spot on 7 points from three games.
Newly appointed Crested Cranes Head Coach Sheryl Ulanda Botes began her reign with a draw against Morocco in a friendly game played on Friday at Pere Jego Stadium.
Botes who was appointed last month had her first test against the Atlas Lionesses of Morocco and the game ended in a one-all draw.
Captain Fauzia Najjemba fired Uganda into the lead in the 8th minute converting from the spot.
Goalkeeper Daisy Nakaziro denied Moroccan captain Ghizlane Chebbak, saving her effort from the penalty kick as Uganda led 1-0 at halftime.
In the second half, the hosts got the equalizer through Nahla Elodie Nakkach in the 64th minute.
The two teams will face off again in another international friendly on Tuesday next week.
Uganda’s Starting XI Daisy Nakaziro, Shakirah Nankwanga, Sumaya Komuntale, Bridget Nabisaalu, Shadia Nankya, Joan Nabirye, Phiona Nabbumba, Catherine Nagadya, Joan Ainembabazi (Lillian Kasuubo), Fauzia Najjemba (Zaina Nandede), Viola Nambi
The workshop for Women Football coaches successfully came to a climax on Thursday at FUFA Technical Centre, Njeru.
The workshop began on Tuesday, 28th November with 38 coaches from the FUFA Women Super League, FUFA Women Elite League and Regional Leagues taking part.
During the three days in Njeru, coaches were exposed to a range of in and post training tasks as they went through practical session coaching and coach observation, among others.
Sharon Kizza, one of the participants, said that the training enriched them with alot of knowledge and skills.
“We thank FUFA and FIFA for coming together to organize for us this wonderful course,” she said.
“Surely the organization was good and everything was on point. We have really got the knowledge and sincerely we have not remained the same. We are ready to go back and implement the knowledge and skills we have aquired at our teams to develop the game of women’s football.” She said.
The closing ceremony of the workshop was held in the presence of FUFA delegate Zaitun Mutesi from Eastern region and course facilitator Anouschka Bernard from Germany.
Wednesday, 29th November 2023 will for long remain in memories of many people that serve football in different capacities.
The Women in Football Bonanza came into reality on Wednesday in a glamorous event held at Sheraton Hotel, Kampala.
The first of its kind, the Bonanza was aimed at recollecting memories for the gallant men and women that have made contribution towards women’s football in Uganda.
Carrying the theme ‘Football a vehicle for National Development and Unity,’ the event was also used as a platform to create new avenues on how women in the game can be empowered to do more.
The event was graced by FUFA President Hon. Magogo Moses Hassim, First FUFA Vice President Justus Mugisha, Third FUFA Vice President Hon. Nakiwala Kiyingi who was also the chairperson of the organising committe for the Bonanza and FUFA Executive Committee Members.
Goshime Meskerem, the Head of Women’s Football at CAF also attended the event.
Dr. Aisha Ruth Biyinzika Kasolo, the Project Director at Private Sector Foundation was the Guest of Honour.
The other notable personalities included Hon. Asuman Basalirwa, Member of Parliament for Bugiri Municipality, Margret Kubingi, the Chairperson of the Uganda Women Football Association and Owek. Florence Bagunywa Nkalabo among others.
The Bonanza started with topical discussions with different personalities sharing views on specific topics.
The first panel hosted by Hon. Nakiwala focused on Football the Sport and made recommendations on how women can improve in areas of playing, refereeing, coaching and administration among others.
The panelists included FIFA Female referee Shamirah Nabadda, Crested Cranes midfielder Shamirah Nalugya, CAF Coaches’ Instructor Majidah Nantanda and KCCA FC CEO Anisha Muhoozi.
The second panel dwelled on governance of the sport with the discussion hinged around capacity building, ownership and administration of clubs/teams.
Hosted by CAF and FIFA Referees Instructor Catherine Adipo, the panel had former Crested Cranes defender Jean Sseninde, She Corporate FC Chairman Richard Kawere, FUFA Club Licensing Manager Sheila Nakagwa and Kampala Queens FC team Doctor Ronald Mutebi.
The last panel discussed the business side of the game and the panelists included Finance Trust Bank Managing Director Ann Nakawunde Mulindwa, Julius Mugisa, Chairman Lady Doves FC, Helen Nakimuli, the Woman Member of Parliament for Kalangala District, Roy Ronald Tumwizere the Brand Manager Guinness- Uganda hosted by FUFA Executive Committee Member and Head of Marketing & Communications Committee Rogers Byamukama.
FUFA President Hon. Magogo was delighted for the strides women’s football has made over the years.
“I am proud that we have reached this far. The start was never easy but to see that men and women who have served football are celebrated at special events like this one gives me satisfaction. As FUFA, we have been deliberate about Women in Football, including increasing their numbers in the FUFA Assembly, employing them at FUFA and empowering the women football leagues & national teams among other programmes.” He said.
Meskerem from CAF lauded FUFA for giving women a platform to show their adeptness, encouraged more women to get into the game despite the challenges and called for increased funding towards women in football.
“I appreciate FUFA for inviting me here as we celebrate Women in Football. I’m extremely over joyed with what I have seen here in Uganda.” She started.
“Working in football poses challenges, but I have never backed down, recognizing that giving up would deny the next generation a chance to shine. I urge the sponsors to please invest and give attention to women football because the returns are alway immense.” Meskerem added.
Dr. Aisha Kasolo who was the Guest of Honour called upon women to work hard and remain focused despite working in a male dominated industry.
“Engaging in this game doesn’t diminish your identity as a woman. We must mentor these women to aspire beyond boundaries, excelling not only in Uganda but globally. Success as a woman requires courage; to overcome barriers, you must surpass expectations set for men.”
She promised to provide 150M to FUFA to support Women in Football activities.
Hon. Nakiwala who was the brain behind the event indicated this was the start of better things to come in the near future.
“I’m delighted that we have been able to pull off a well organized event. The success of this Bonanza will only be a spark for more activities and opportunities for women who are serving in football.” She said.
Several personalities were awarded on the night for their contribution to the game.
These included; Paul Ssali, Annet Nakimbugwe, Rebecca Namyalo (RIP), Betty Mayanja, Ayub Khalifa Kiyingi, Chris Kalibbala, Catherine Adipo and Kawempe Muslim SS.
The night climaxed with music from Azawi and the Black Roots Band as many people danced the night away.
Uganda Breweries Limited through their brand Guiness and Finance Trust Bank bankrolled the event with a contribution of 110M and 100M respectively.
In the bid to continue improving women’s football in Uganda, FUFA and FIFA have organized a women football coaches’ workshop and it commenced on Tuesday at FUFA Technical Centre in Njeru.
The three-day training has attracted total of thirty seven (37) coaches – coming from the FUFA Women Super League, FUFA Women Elite League and Regional Leagues.
FIFA Coaches’ Instructor Anouschka Bernard from Germany is overseeing the workshop that is scheduled to end on Thursday 30th November 2023.
The opening ceremony was presided over by FUFA executive Committee Member Agnes Mugena.
The Head of women’s football at the Confederation of African football (CAF) Meskerem Tadesse Goshime has arrived in Uganda ahead of the inaugural Women in Football Bonanza to be held on Wednesday 29th November 2023 at Sheraton Hotel, Kampala.
Meskerem will be a special guest at the event and a topic has been set aside for her to make a presentation.
She will handle a topic named: Strategies for increasing participation and support for women’s football.
Meskerem is a resourceful sports manager with the expertise of working in different aspects of women football management and sports event organisation.
The Chairperson of the organising Committee of the Women in Football Bonanza FUFA 3rd Vice President Hon. Florence Nakiwala Kiyingi confirmed the arrival of Meskerem.
‘We are glad to welcome a special guest to the event and we believe she will add a lot of value to what we want to achieve on the day and in the long term. She has vast knowledge about women’s football in the region and the continent’ noted Hon. Nakiwala.
The FUFA Vice President also confirmed that the programmeis going according to plan with full support from the federation, sponsors Guiness and Finance Trust Bank.
She also confirmed that the invitations have been sent out to the guests and stakeholders with attachment to women football in Uganda.
‘The guest list will include people serving in women football, supporting the game and those investing in it. We have a guest list of 250 people’
The Women in football Bonanza that will start at 3pm is organized under the theme ‘Football A vehicle for National Development and Unity’
Crested Cranes Head Coach Sheryl Ulanda Botes has confirmed the final list of players that will be travelling to Morocco today.
The team will face Morocco in two international friendly games with the first coming on Friday, 1st December 2023 at Le Mardi Stadium in Casablanca while the other game will happen on Tuesday 5th December 2023 at Stade Moulay El Hassan in Rabat.
After five days of rigorous training at MTN-Omondi Stadium, the coach has confirmed a final list of 22 players.
The travelling contingent will depart Uganda on Tuesday evening at 5:30PM.
Foreign based players will connect to Morocco from their respective clubs.
FUFA Executive Committee Member Richard Ochom will travel with the team as the Leader of Delegation.
Uganda Senior Women’s National Football Team Head Coach Sheryl Botes has summoned a provisional squad to face Morocco next month.
The Crested Cranes will have two friendly games against Morocco in the upcoming international break.
The first game will be played on Friday, 1st December 2023 at Le Mardi Stadium in Casablanca while the other game will happen on Tuesday 5th December 2023 at Stade Moulay El Hassan in Rabat.
This will be the first time coach Botes will take charge of the team since her appointment on 15th November 2023.
The provisional squad summoned has 31 players and will enter residential camp at Cranes Paradise in Kisasi on Thursday.
Uganda Cranes secured the first win of the 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers after overcoming Somalia on Tuesday.
In the game played at Stade Du Municipal in Berkane, Morocco, Rogers Mato’s lone strike in the opening minutes was the difference.
The winger tapped home from close range in the fourth minute to help Uganda earn maximum points.
Coach Put Paul Joseph made three changes from the team that had lost 2-1 to Guinea last week.
Isima Watenga started in goal ahead of Salim Omar Magoola while Elvis Bwomono started at right back with Kenneth Semakula moved to the midfield.
Teenage midfielder Allan Oyirwoth was handed his debut for the Senior National Team starting in midfield ahead of Bobosi Byaruhanga.
Oyirwoth had a remarkable outing, making the assist for Mato’s goal.
A good run started by Travis Mutyaba saw him release Bwomono on the right wing and his cross found Oyirwoth inside the box to set up Mato who had an empty goal at his mercy.
Uganda kept surging forward and Oyirwoth nearly got a goal but his effort sailed wide.
Mutyaba too had a chance to double the advantage but his left footed effort went just wide.
Mato should have gotten his second on the day in the 38th minute but he lost the ball in attempt of rounding off the goalkeeper.
Somalia were reduced to ten players following the sending off of Ahmed Mohammed towards the end of the first half.
In the second half coach Put made changes introducing Umaru Lutalo and Bobosi Byaruhanga in places of Oyirwoth and captain Khalid Aucho respectively.
Despite having the lion’s share of possession, Uganda failed to find more goals against the ten men of Somalia in the second half.
Uganda ends the first window of the World Cup Qualifiers with three points from two games.
The Uganda Cranes will return to action in June next year with two home games against Botswana and Algeria.
Uganda Cranes Starting XI Isima Watenga, Elvis Bwomono, Aziizi Kayondo, Bevis Mugabi, Halidi Lwaliwa, Khalid Aucho(Bobosi Byaruhanga), Kenneth Semakula, Allan Oyirwoth, Travis Mutyaba(Umaru Lutalo), Fahad Bayo(Denis Omed), Rogers Mato
Unused Substitutes Jack Komakech, Salim Omar Magoola, Ibrahim Juma, Timothy Awany, William Kizito Luwagga, Richard Basangwa, Bright Anukani, Milton Karisa, Yunus Sentamu, Rogers Torach
FUFA in conjunction with Guinness and Finance Trust Bank have on Monday launched the inaugural Women in Football Bonanza.
The three aforementioned corporate institutions held a joint press briefing at FUFA Complex in Mengo ahead to release a roadmap for the event slated for 29th November at Sheraton Hotel, Kampala.
The Women in Football Bonanza will run under the theme ‘Football a vehicle for National Development and Unity.’
The main reasons for staging the event is to celebrate the gallant women that have made a sacrifice in developing football and and create new avenues of how women in the game can be empowered to do more.
FUFA 3rd Vice President Hon. Florence Nakiwala who also doubles as the Chairperson of the Women in Football Bonanza indicated the need to celebrate those that have had great contribution towards football.
“We want to bring together women that have served the game across different sectors such as players, referees, coaches, fans, media and administrators among others. We want to recollect and celebrate their achievements.” She said.
She indicated the Bonanza will serve as an advocating platform in helping to highlight the role women play.
“It is not easy to break through in a male dominated industry and therefore, we want to appreciate and recognise women that have made a mark in the game.”
Percy Lubega, the Head of Marketing and Corporate Affairs at Finance Trust Bank Uganda committed their support towards this year’s Bonanza.
“Finance Trust Bank highly values the role women play in shaping society. Being part of the Women in Football Bonanza is a testament of how we attach importance to women and through football, we are here to support them.”
He went ahead to reveal that Finance Trust Bank on Wednesday this week will announce their sponsorship package towards FUFA Women Super League and FUFA Women Elite League.
Roy Ronald Tumwizere, the Brand Manager Guinness thanked FUFA for establishing this platform and involving them in the effort to promote and acknowledge women in football.
It should be noted that Guinness, one of the Flagship brands of Uganda Breweries Limited unveiled a UGX 110M package towards the organisation of the Bonanza.
On the day of the event, several personalities will be awarded and recognized according Jean Sseninde, one of the members on the organising committe.
Additionally, there will be a panel of discussants to tackle different topics on the day some of which include;
The Role of Women’s Football in National Development
Women’s Football and Empowerment: A Path to Gender Equality
Grassroots Initiatives for Women’s Football Development by ES football development
Promoting Inclusivity and Diversity in Women’s Football
Women’s Football and Health: Physical and Mental Well-being
The Economic Potential of Women’s Football.
Women’s Football and Social Cohesion.
Success Stories and Inspirational Women in Football.
Challenges and Opportunities for Women in Coaching and Administration.
Strategies for Increasing Participation and Support for Women’s Football.
Uganda Breweries Limited under their brand Guinness have today announced a partnership worth UGX 110M with FUFA towards the organization of the first ever Women in Football Bonanza to be held on 29th November 2023 at Sheraton Hotel.
The brief ceremony was held at the Uganda Breweries Limited (UBL) Head offices in Luzira.
The Women in Football Bonanza is aimed at recognizing efforts put in by FUFA to develop women football in Uganda in the last ten years.
FUFA set out a deliberate strategy to take women football to another level by creating a pool of players in the formed FUFA Women Elite League in 2015.
FUFA also organized capacity building courses designed at promoting women to take up roles in the game. This has created more space for women to get involved heavily in the game in different capacities like; marketing, communications, coaching, trainers, instructors and administration.
“FUFA has always believed that promoting women’s football could be an avenue to reduce such vulnerability.” noted FUFA 3rd Vice president Florence Nakiwala Kiyingi during the launch of the partnership.
The FUFA Deputy CEO-Football Decolas Kiiza, FUFA Lawyer Denis Lukambi, Margaret Kubingi –Chairperson of Uganda Women Football Association (UWFA) and former Crested Cranes player Jean Sseninde attended the event.
“It is from such a background that FUFA has partnered with Guinness – a beer brand distributed by UBL – ‘to pay attention to women attacking and making a mark in a male dominated sport like football, where they could otherwise be vulnerable.” added Hon. Nakiwala.
Guiness, according to UBL’s Head of Beer Matilda Babuleka, are injecting “Shs110m in cash and kind for five years” to spearhead this annual celebration dubbed “Women in Football Bonanza”.
This year’s celebration will be held on November 29 at Sheraton Hotel, Kampala and will have a symposium to show initiatives that can support the welfare of women in football.
“We are not only excited but celebrating the start of partnership between Guinness and FUFA. Guinness and football as we all know are inseparable and this partnership is long overdue. Under our ‘Black Shines Brightest’ campaign, we also want to shine a light on women’s football in Uganda,” Babuleka, who revealed it has taken almost a year for the two entities to seal off this partnership.
“We are gratetul to FUFA for trying to ensure that all top men’s sides have a women’s side too. We know that the FUFA Women Super and Elite Leagues have at least 10 teams each and the national teams are very active. These are significant strides that we are happy to be part of,” Babuleka added.
FUFA’s journey since 1924 covers interesting stories about women football. With ten years of mental change of women football in Uganda since 2013, the bonanza will aim further at bringing together all women in football to recollect and celebrate their achievements, highlights and challenges.
FUFA has on Wednesday unveiled new Crested Cranes Sheryl Botes in a press briefing held at FUFA Complex, Mengo.
FUFA President Hon. Magogo Moses Hassim in the company of FUFA CEO Edgar Watson graced the function.
Botes, a South African national will take charge of the Uganda Senior Women National Team on a three-year deal. She will also monitor works at the U17 and U20 Women National Teams.
While unveiling the new coach, FUFA President Hon. Magogo Moses Hassim indicated this is another step in the growth and development of Women’s Football in Uganda.
“FUFA has always been deliberate about Women’s Football and if you follow our progress since 2013, the growth is evident. We believe the current Crested Cranes team has the ability to compete at the highest level and bringing a coach with the experience of Botes is a commitment from us to take a big step forward.” He said.
The President promised that the Crested Cranes will have several engagements to give the coach time to test the players.
“We have a challenge in Africa that engagements for Women Football are limited but as FUFA, we have talked to the new coach and given her assurance that the Crested Cranes will take part in any available Championship and also use the international breaks so that she fully gets to understand every player.” He added.
Botes thanked FUFA for availing the opportunity to her and promised to work to her best to improve the team.
“I am honoured for the opportunity availed to me to lead the Crested Cranes. I’m here to work and help improve the standards of the Women’s National Team and I believe with my experience in the game, I would be able to excute my responsibility.”
The coach comes alongside Ashley De Beer (Sports Scientist) and David Ribeiro (Goalkeeping Coach) and Phuphu Mohlaba (Video Analyst).
The President however confirmed there will be Ugandans who will be part of the technical staff.
Uganda Martyrs Ladies WFC 2-2 Asubo Ladies FC UCU Lady Cardinals FC 2-0 Wakiso Hill WFC Rines SS WFC 0-2 Kampala Queens FC Lady Doves FC 2-2 She Maroons FC
Asubo Ladies FC earned their first point of the season after holding Uganda Martyrs FC to a two-all draw in Lubaga on Saturday.
The visitors should have picked all three points after taking a 2-0 lead inside the opening 20 minute but they later threw away the two-goal cushion.
Auki Kigongo own goal and Zaina Namboozo’s strike fired Asubo Ladies into the lead.
However, the home side were able to fight back and salvage a point thanks to goals from Moureen Kiiza and Latifah Nakasi.
In the other game played on Sunday, UCU Lady Cardinals defeated new comers Wakiso Hill WFC 2-0 to secure their first win of the season.
Catherine Nakiridde and Ritah Adero got the goals for the University side.
On Sunday, defending Champions Kampala Queens FC earned a 2-0 win over Rines SS WFC to maintain their lead at the top of the table.
Fazila Ikwaput and Zaina Nandede scored early in the first half to help the Queens of Soccer to their third win in four games.
In Masindi, Lady Doves and She Maroons FC played out a two-all draw in what was a closely contested game.
Sumaya Nsisi and Winnie Nabbale scored for the hosts while Anita Babirye scored a brace for She Maroons FC.
The game between Kawempe Muslim Ladies FC and Makerere University WFC was not played because the former had many players on the Uganda U20 Women’s National Team that played Senegal away on Saturday.
All the games played over the weekend wutnessed observation of a moment of silence in honour of the 2nd Vice President Darius Mugoye who passed on early this week.
Uganda U20 Women’s National Team (The Queen Cranes) suffered defeat to Senegal as the two teams faced off in the first leg of the third round of the 2024 FIFA Women’s World Cup Qualifiers.
In the game played at Stade Lat-Dor on Saturday, the hosts won 1-0 courtesy of Aissatou Chris Ba’s 42nd mini goal.
Despite several attempts from Uganda, the West African side held on to claim victory.
Coach Ayub Khalifa Kiyingi remains optimistic his charges will be able to overturn the defeat in the reverse fixture.
“I still believe we have the chance to advance to the next stage. The players fought hard and gave their best. We only need to improve where we struggled in today’s game and put to use the several scoring chances we wasted.” He said.
The return leg is slated for Saturday, 18th November 2023 at FUFA Technical Centre,Njeru.
The winner on aggregate between Uganda and Senegal will face either Ghana or Eswatini at the final qualifying round.
Crested Cranes interim head coach Charles Ayiekho Lukula has named the squad that will travel to Cameroon on Saturday morning.
The gaffer has confirmed a final list composed of 20 players that will depart Entebbe International Airport on Saturday at 2: 45AM aboard Ethiopian Airways.
The team will have a stop over in Addis Ababa before connecting to Douala, Cameroon where the game will be played.
Uganda carries a 2-0 lead into the return leg slated for Tuesday next week.
The winner on aggregate between Uganda and Cameroon will face either Nigeria or Ethiopia at the next qualification phase of the 2024 Paris Women’s Olympic Football Tournament.
2024 Paris Olympic Women’s Football Tournament Qualifiers
First Leg Uganda 2-0 Cameroon
Uganda got advantage in the Olympic Football Tournament Qualifiers after defeating Cameroon at FUFA Technical Centre, Njeru on Thursday.
The game was the first for interim head coach Charles Ayiekho Lukula who handed defender Justine Najjuko and midfielder Zaitun Namaganda their debut.
Coach Charles Ayiekho shouting out instructions to the players.
A collective spirited effort from the Crested Cranes saw them earn a 2-0 lead.
Catherine Nagadya and Fazila Ikwaput scored a goal in either half in a game that was watched by FUFA President Hon. Magogo Moses Hassim and some of the FUFA EXCO Members.
Nagadya fired Uganda into the lead in the 11th minute capitalizing on a goalkeeping howler by Cameroon’s Michaely Bihina.
She fumbled with Shamirah Nalugya’s ferocious strike from free kick and spilled the ball into the path of Nagadya who fired home from the rebound.
At the half hour mark, Cameroon were awarded a penalty after defender Justine Najjuko handled the ball in the box.
Cameroon captain Ajara Njoya took it but her effort hit the base of the post and also failed to find the target from the rebound.
The Crested Cranes proved resilient in the next minutes with a water tight backline and goalkeeper Vanessa Edith Karungi stood tall to deny the visitors.
At the start of the second half, the coach made changes with Bridget Nabisaalu and Asia Nakibuuka replacing Najjuko and Namaganda respectively.
When Phiona Nabbumba got injured, she was replaced by Jackline Adong who was also making her debut.
In the 77th minute, Uganda doubled the lead through Ikwaput who capitalized on a melee to slot home.
Fauzia Najjemba did the donkey work on the left wing and set up Ikwaput but she missed on the first attempt. The Cameroonians failed to clear the ball away and the forward did not make any mistake at the second attempt.
There were also further changes with Elizabeth Nakigozi and Joan Ainembabazi replacing the goal scorers Nagadya and Ikwaput.
Uganda takes a 2-0 lead into the return leg slated for Tuesday next week in Yaounde, Cameroon.
The winner between Uganda and Cameroon will face either Nigeria or Ethiopia.
Kawempe Muslim Ladies FC remain the only team yet to lose a point after matchday two of the 2023/24 FUFA Super League season.
The Valley Warriors picked maximum points in their first home game this season, edging past UCU Lady Cardinals on Sunday.
New signing from FC Tooro Queens Mary Kabaculezi scored the lone goal of the game in the 69th minute.
UCU goalkeeper Hadijah Nalongo spilled the ball into the path of Kawempe Muslim players and Kabaculezi was unmarked at the far end to tuck home.
It should be noted that Kawempe had won their opening game against 3-2 against Rines SS WFC.
In the other games played over the weekend, Uganda Martyrs Ladies FC registered their first win in fascinating style, routing Rines SS WFC 3-0.
Angel Auki, Sharon Kanyiginya and Shamsa Najjuma scored a goal each in the one-sided affair.
Makerere University WFC had to come from two goals down to pick a point off Kampala Queens FC.
Fazila Ikwaput had fired the Queens of Soccer in a comfortable lead scoring in either half but a late surge saw the University side score twice in the final five minutes.
First, skipper Josephine Ndagire tucked home from close range before Jemima Twesigye converted a late penalty after defender Lukiya Namubiru held the ball in the area.
Newly promoted Wakiso Hill WFC earned their first point, scoring a late equalizer against She Maroons FC in Luzira.
Jackline Adong fired the Prison Warders in the lead at the 67th minute mark but substitute Slyvia Namiwanda levelled matters with an 86th minute goal.
Elsewhere, Lady Doves pilled more misery on Asubo Ladies FC, defeating them 4-1 at their own backyard.
Margaret Namande, Cecilia Apiding, Resty Kobusobozi and Diana Nantongo were all on target for the Masindi based outfit.
Coach Charles Ayiekoh Lukula got off to a good start for his interim reign at the helm of Crested Cranes.
The women’s national team intensified their preparations for the first leg of the second round of the Olympic Qualifiers due on October 26th at Fufa Technical Centre, Njeru by having a friendly with Kampala Queens at MTN Omondi Stadium, Lugogo on Thursday 19th October 2023.
Crested Cranes won the game against the defending champions of the FUFA Women Super League 2-1 thanks to a first minute goal from Shamirah Nalugya and a 12th minute effort from Elizabeth Nakigozi. Kampala Queens captain Zainah Namuleme halved the deficit in the 55th minute.
“I am very happy today because I played my first friendly,” coach Ayiekoh said.
“I chose Kampala Queens because they are the champions of the women’s Super League and they have a better team. For sure, they have given me a good picture of my team but in addition to that I am very happy with the players. In three days they have adapted to my system. In my system, I do not entertain square passes and within 10 minutes we had scored two goals already. It (those goals) gives us ample time to hold the ball because you are leading,” he added.
The coach also noted that some of the players that reported to camp later in the week struggled a bit, especially in the second half, but promised they will adapt soon.
Goalkeeper and captain Daisy Nakaziro also promised that the squad will be in good stead when Cameroon come around.
“As players we shall correct our mistakes. As we are preparing for our first game against Cameroon, everyone is putting in what they can so that we win,” Nakaziro said.
