Uganda Senior Women’s National Team, the Crested Cranes put up a spirited performance to edge Tanzania in an international friendly game played on Friday at MTN-Omondi Stadium.
The team needed to come from a goal down to overcome the Twiga Stars who had opened the scores as early as the second minute.
Oppa Clement had gave the visitors an early lead, heading past goalkeeper Ruth Aturo from close range.
However, goals from Catherine Nagadya, Fauzia Najjemba and substitute Margret Kunihira ensured Uganda earned victory.
Nagadya was one of the four players that assistant coach Ayub Khalifa Kiyingi handed debuts.
Shakirah Nyinagahirwa, Hadijah Nandago and Samalie Nakacwa all promoted from the U20 team were playing their first competitive game for the senior national team.
Despite going down early, the Crested Cranes remained calm and composed, dominating proceedings with relative ease.
There were chances for Najjemba and Sandra Nabweteme at different intervals but the two couldn’t find the target.
It was Nagadya who levelled matters in the 31st minute with a neat finish from close range.
Najjemba started the attack on the left wing, beating her opponent for pace before laying a cutting back cross for onrushing Nagadya who did no mistake but slot home.
At the start of the second stanza, coach Khalifa made changes, bringing on goalkeeper Daisy Nakaziro for Aturo.
Nandago replaced Nagadya while Kunihira and Fazila Ikwaput came on later in places of Hasifah Nassuna and Nabweteme respectively.
With four minutes to play, Najjemba fired Uganda into the lead,capitalizing on a mistake by Tanzania’s goalkeeper Husnat Ubamba.
Nakacwa’s cross was headed for goal and in a bid to push the ball over, Ubamba instead pushed it onto the cross bar only for it to land into the path of Najjemba who was waiting.
Uganda put the game beyond reach through Kunihira whose intended cross went straight into the back of the net to send the fans into celebrations.
Uganda used the friendly game as part of preparations for the forthcoming Women’s Olympic Football Tournament Qualifiers.
The Crested Cranes will host Rwanda on 12th July at Kigali Pele Stadium before a return leg six days later.
The winner on aggregate will take on Cameroon at the next qualification round.
The team will travel to Rwanda on Saturday morning.
Uganda’s Senior Women National Team, the Crested Cranes have learnt the teams they will face in their pursuit to qualify for next year’s TotalEnergies Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.
In the draws conducted on Thursday at CAF headquarters in Cairo, Egypt, the Crested Cranes were pitted against Algeria at the first qualification round.
The winner between Uganda and Algeria will then face either Burundi or Ethiopia at the second and final qualification round.
The first round will be played between 18th -26th November 2023 with Uganda hosting the first leg while the second round games will be played between November 27th – 5th December.
It should be noted that Uganda played at the last WAFCON edition held in Morocco last year.
This was the second time that the Women’s National team played at this stage, the maiden appearance coming in 2000.
To qualify for the 2022 edition, Uganda defeated Ethiopia at the first round before earning a walkover at the second round against Kenya who were serving a FIFA ban.
Uganda and Tanzania Women National Teams will face off this Friday at MTN-Omondi Stadium in an international friendly game.
Both the Crested Cranes and Twiga Stars are preparing for their respective Women’s Olympic Football Tournament Qualifiers.
On Thursday, coaches and captains from either team addressed the media at FUFA Complex ahead of tomorrow’s game and below are the quotes;
Crested Cranes
Ayub Khalifa Kiyingi – Assistant Coach
“We are ready for this game and fully aware of how important it is in our preparations. Having a game of such magnitude against a very good team definitely helps us to know where we stand and what we need to improve before facing Rwanda.”
“Tanzania has always been a tough opponent for us over the years and Iam sure they will give us a good test.”
On playing two games against Rwanda in Rwanda…….
“It is a situation we find ourselves in as a country but does not mean we should not prepare. We shall go into both games with the same spirit in order to attain our target of progressing to the next round.”
On the progress of training so far……
“We have been in camp since Thursday last week and the preparations are going according to schedule. The first target was to get players into shape since majority were coming from off season. There has been improvement in their fitness levels and we hope more can be achieved in the remaining games.”
Ruth Aturo – Crested Cranes captain
“As players, we are ready for the game against Tanzania tomorrow. This is definitely a good chance for us to play a friendly game before facing Rwanda because it helps us to know where to improve.”
“Tanzania is a good team with talented players. We have faced them in CECAFA and other engagements and I know we will have a good game.”
Tanzania
Bakari Shime- Twiga Stars Head coach
“We are happy to be in Uganda and most importantly to play against the Crested Cranes. We believe this is a great test as we prepare for our upcoming games. Congo who we were supposed to play against in the Olympic Qualifiers withdrew but that doesn’t mean we should not prepare. We thought the game against Uganda will be a good test as we shift focus to the second qualification round.”
Enekia Kasonga Lunyamila- Twiga Stars captain
“Games between Uganda and Tanzania have never been easy over the years. And that is what we expect tomorrow. We know Uganda is a good team but we are ready to face them and hope for the best results.”
Uganda will host Rwanda in the Women’s Olympic Football Tournament Qualifiers on 12th July at Kigali Pele Stadium before the two teams face off five days later.
The winner on aggregate will face Cameroon at the second qualification round.
FUFA Women Super League Champions Kampala Queens have on Wednesday learnt the teams they will face in the CECAFA Zonal Qualifiers for this year’s CAF Women’s Champions League.
The Queens of Soccer were placed in Group A in the draws that were conducted today at the CAF Headquarters in Cairo, Egypt.
The same group has Commercial Bank of Ethiopia (CBE), F.A.D from Djibouti, Buja Queens and Yei Joint Stars from Burundi and South Sudan respectively.
Group B has Tanzania’s JKT Queens, Vihiga Queens from Kenya, AS Kigali from Rwanda and New Generation from Zanzibar.
It should be noted that Uganda will host the regional Qualifiers this year between 13th -30th August.
MTN-Omondi Stadium and FUFA Technical Centre, Njeru have been confirmed as the two venues that will host the games.
The Champions at the regional level earn a ticket to the final tournament that will take place in Ivory Coast in November.
Tanzania’s Twiga Stars arrived in Uganda on Wednesday evening ahead of the international friendly game against Crested Cranes.
The two teams who are preparing for their respective Women’s Olympic Football Tournament Qualifiers will face off in a friendly game on Friday at MTN-Omondi Stadium, Lugogo.
Uganda will play against Rwanda while Tanzania will take on Congo Brazzaville at the first qualification round.
Tanzania’s contingent arrived at Entebbe Airport today evening with a squad comprised of 20 players and currently residing at Silver Springs Hotel, Bugolobi.
The Crested Cranes on the other hand have been in camp since Thursday last week and have played two practice games against Kampala Select Team.
The game against Tanzania will therefore act as the final precursor before the team travels to Rwanda.
Uganda will host the first leg on 12th July at Kigali Pele Stadium before the two teams face off in a return leg five days later.
Uganda Women’s National Football Team, the Crested Cranes had yet another practice match against Kampala Select team.
The two teams faced off on Wednesday morning at MTN-Omondi Stadium.
It should be noted that Crested Cranes won the first practice match 9-2 on Monday.
Today’s game ended in a 3-1 win for the national team thanks to goals from Sandra Nabweteme, Shakirah Nyinagahirwa and Joan Ainembabazi.
The consolation goal for the Kampala Select team was scored by Sumaya Nalumu.
The team will have its final friendly game on Friday against Tanzania before travelling to Rwanda.
Uganda will host Rwanda on 12th July at Kigali Pele Stadium before the two teams face off five days later at the first round of the 2024. Women’s Olympic Football Tournament Qualifiers.
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has granted FUFA’s request to host the 1st leg of the 2024 Women’s Olympic qualifier against Rwanda at Kigali Pele Stadium on 12th July 2023.
FUFA has already received confirmation from the Federation of Rwanda Football Association (FERWAFA) of the availability of the Stadium.
The FUFA Communications Director Ahmed Hussein noted;
‘With unavailability of CAF standard Stadiums for hosting matches of these magnitude, our option is to implore using venues outside the country until the Mandela National stadium is completed. The other option St. Mary’s stadium Kitende is not available for use as it is undergoing renovation works.’
The first leg between Uganda’s Crested Cranes and Rwanda’s She Amavubi will be played on 12th July 2023 at 4pm Rwanda Local time (5pm EAT).
Fauzia Najjemba has made her mark and established herself as one of the most exciting talented prospects in Africa. Just at the age of 19, the ambidextrous forward is gradually etching her name in Europe.
In Uganda, she played for Isra Soccer Academy and Kampala Queens before joining BIIK Shymkent in 2022. A year later, she made a move to ZFK Dynamo Moscow where she currently plays.
Professional football comes with its own demands and a player ought to adapt to the new environment in order to succeed.
Najjemba who is currently in camp with the Crested Cranes as they prepare to face Rwanda in the 2024 Paris Women’s Olympic Football Tournament Qualifiers shares her experience in a one on one interview with the FUFA Communications Department.
FUFA COMM: Hello Fauzia, how has life been for you in Europe and how have you been able to cope up?
NAJJEMBA: Life has been good so far but of course it comes with challenges. It is never easy at the beginning and I found it hard to acclimatize to the weather because it was winter time in Russia. It was a different country, new team, new food, language and culture but I have slowly tried to adapt and now settling in well. The club and players received me well and that perhaps helped me to fit in with relative ease. But most importantly, you must be hard working, creative and focus on what took you there.
FUFA COMM: Are you the only African on the team?
NAJJEMBA: Yes, I am, so it is really not that easy. Majority of the players do not speak English and communication is sometimes a challenge but I am trying to learn the Russian language and I can make a few statements and understand what the coaches mean during demonstrations.
FUFA COMM: How do you rate your performance so far at ZFK Dynamo Moscow?
NAJJEMBA: Not bad. The first five games saw me register two goals and four assists. Unfortunately, I sustained an injury that kept me on the sidelines for one month. The last game we played before I came for national team duty, I scored a hat trick in a cup game. I hope to keep improving and help the team attain the targets set this season.
FUFA COMM: Any differences you see in women’s football in Europe and here, Uganda in particular?
NAJJEMBA: We really play the same game. What differs is the level of organization and approach to the game. Everything you do is monitored and planned from training sessions; gym work and theory sessions etc. For instance, before we play against any team, we have to learn their system and how they use it to defend or attack.
Also, if a player is not okay, either physically or mentally, they take care of you until when you are ready to play. They have psychologists, physiotherapists who will tell your situation just by looking at you, how you walk and how you conduct yourself.
FUFA COMM: What does it mean for you coming through the ranks from U-17 to the senior national team?
NAJJEMBA: It is a good feeling to be part of the national team and I am thankful to Allah that I have been able to play at all levels. At my club, we have professional players summoned to their respective national teams and I am glad that this time, I was one of those.
I have been on the national team several times but being here adds a lot to my career and I do not take this for granted.
FUFA COMM: You are a player that literally plays everywhere on the pitch but what is your favorite position?
NAJJEMBA: I am a forward but I feel more comfortable on the left wing because it allows me to cut inside and shoot with my right foot. But I can play anywhere except in goal. (laughs).
FUFA COMM: So have you had insistencies in Europe where the coach has asked you to play in a different position?
NAJJEMBA: Yes, I have played as a Centre forward, a half ten, ten and I have also played on the right – both as a winger and a fullback. As a player, you must be able to adapt to different roles because that makes you unique.
FUFA COMM: What do you think are Uganda’s chances in the upcoming 2024 Women’s Olympic Football Tournament Qualifiers, considering Africa has only two slots.
NAJJEMBA: I believe we are a good team capable of taking on anyone on the continent. Playing at Women Africa Cup of Nations was an eye opener for many of us and I hope, we can be one of the two teams that will represent Africa.
I know the journey is long but we shall handle every level as it comes and now all the focus is on Rwanda.
FUFA COMM: Who do you look up to in football and why?
NAJJEMBA: I am inspired by Alex Morgan. She is a striker and used to score loads of goals. That has gone down a bit, perhaps, because she is getting older. The other player is Sam Kerr who plays for Chelsea Women FC.
FUFA COMM: What has been the key for your success? Your career is definitely still young but you have also achieved a lot.
NAJJEMBA: Hard work, discipline, commitment, being prayerful and lastly having the passion. You cannot succeed at anything if you do not love it.
FUFA COMM: Any last words for a young girl out there that wants to be like you?
NAJJEMBA: Work hard and do not give up. I was summoned on the national team several times and dropped but I kept my head up. In life, never frown because of a challenge, you must find positivity out of any negative situation.
Uganda Senior Women’s National Team, the Crested Cranes engaged a new gear in their preparations for the forthcoming Women’s Olympic Football Tournament qualifiers.
The team on Monday morning had a practice match at MTN-Omondi Stadium against a Kampala Select Team.
In a one-sided affair, the national team obliterated their counterparts, winning 9-2.
Sandra Nabweteme and Hadijah Nandago scored a brace each while Fazila Ikwaput, Fauzia Najjemba, Anita Namata, Shadia Nankya and Catherine Nagadya added a goal each.
Brenda Munyana scored a brace for the Kampala Select Team.
The game is part of the preparations for the qualifier games against Rwanda slated for July 11th and 17th.
On Friday this week, the Crested Cranes will have an international friendly game against Tanzania in Lugogo.
Coach Ayub Khalifa Kiyingi believes there are some areas that need addressing despite the big win against the Kampala Select team.
“We have had a practice match against a Kampala Select team and the main reason was to gauge where we stand so far. I believe we still have some things to iron out especially in defence and this will be our area of focus going forward.” He said.
The winner on aggregate between Uganda and Rwanda will face Cameroon at the second qualification round.
Uganda Senior Women’s National Football Team, the Crested Cranes officially embarked on preparations for the forthcoming Paris 2024 Women’s Olympic Football Tournament qualifiers.
Uganda will face Rwanda at the first qualification phase with the first leg slated for 11th July at St. Mary’s Stadium while the return leg will come a week later in Rwanda.
The team which entered residential camp at Cranes Paradise Hotel in Kisasi on Thursday had its first training session today at MTN-Omondi Stadium, Lugogo.
Of the 35 players summoned, only two are yet to join camp namely; Joan Nabirye (FK Minsk) and Phiona Nabbumba (B93) and the duo is expected to arrive in the country soon.
Assistant coach Ayub Khalifa Kiyingi who will be in charge for the games against Rwanda was impressed with the reaction of the players and hopes to have them in the perfect shape.
“We have successfully had our first session today and the reaction from the players was good. I know we have a short period to prepare and the focus will be mainly on fitness and endurance.” He said.
Captain Ruth Aturo believes the players know what is at stake and all the focus is set at going beyond the first hurdle.
“It is another opportunity for us to represent our country and make ourselves proud. Therefore, as players, we know what is at stake and we hope to go as far as we can in these qualifiers.”
The winner on aggregate between Uganda and Rwanda will face Cameroon at the second qualification round.
Uganda Women’s Senior National Team, Crested Cranes has today morning entered residential camp at Cranes Paradise Hotel, Kisasi to begin preparations for the forthcoming Paris 2024 Women’s Olympic Football Tournament Qualifiers.
Ayub Khalifa Kiyingi, the assistant coach of the team will be in charge of the games against Rwanda as the search for the head coach continues.
Uganda will host the first leg on 11th July 2023 before the two teams face off a week later in Rwanda.
The winner on aggregate will play Cameroon at the second qualification round.
FUFA Communications Department had a one on one chat with the coach and below is the excerpt;
FUFA COMMUNICATION: Coach, first of all congratulations upon being named the head of the Uganda U20 Women’s National Team.
Ayub Khalifa: Thank you. I am proud that once again, FUFA has given me the opportunity to manage this team. It is definitely a good chance for me to keep learning and growing in the game.
FUFA COMMUNICATION: On top of the Teen Cranes, you are also the assistant coach of the senior national team. What do you have to say about this?
Ayub Khalifa: This is equally a good opportunity for me and I cannot thank FUFA enough for the trust they have in me. I have previously worked in the same role and cannot wait to start working.
FUFA COMMUNICATION: With the process of naming the new head coach still ongoing, you will be in charge of the games against Rwanda, how prepared are you for the task ahead.
Ayub Khalifa: After the team entering camp, we now have to get to work straight away, prepare the players to get into the perfect shape. I believe the team summoned has the ability to overcome Rwanda.
FUFA COMMUNICATION: The games against Rwanda come during the off season and majority of the players have had a long lay off, does this bother you considering the time you have for preparations?
Ayub Khalifa: I am aware that we have a short period to prepare for these games and that explains why we summoned a squad of 35 players. We will do our best to make sure the fitness levels of the players are worked upon and have a formidable team to complete the task ahead.
FUFA COMMUNICATION: Derby games are always tough and Rwanda being our neighbours will come all out. What sort of opposition do you expect to face?
Ayub Khalifa: It is true such games come with a lot of pressure and fierce competition. I know Rwanda have a good team but I am confident we are better and we have what it takes to overcome them.
FUFA COMMUNICATION: Six players from the U18 team are part of the provisional squad you summoned. Do you think they are ready for this stage?
Ayub Khalifa: I believe they have the quality to push the senior players. Additionally, the U18 team has been in camp for the last two weeks and they come in better shape than many who have been inactive. So I am confident they will embrace the opportunity and maybe make the final squad.
FUFA COMMUNICATION: The provisional squad has seven foreign based players. Do you think they come with added value?
Ayub Khalifa: Definitely they come with better experience in terms of exposure and competition. We are proud to have them represent the country at their respective clubs and hoping more will join them in the professional ranks.
FUFA COMMUNICATION: As a person who has been around Women’s football for over 20 years, how has been the progress of National team and Women’s football in general.
Ayub Khalifa: I must thank FUFA for the deliberate efforts made over the years to develop women’s football in Uganda. If you look at the years we started, there was little hope that we would reach such heights. In 2013 when FUFA decided to withdraw the national team from international engagements, many people thought it was a wrong move. But FUFA was strategic, created leagues and promoted the game in schools which in the long run helped to widen the pool of players. Last year, we won CECAFA Women’s Championship and also played at the Women Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco. That is a good testament of how the game has grown and the future is even brighter.
A provisional squad of 35 players has been summoned to begin preparations for the Paris 2024 Women’s Olympic Football Tournament Qualifiers.
Uganda will face neighbours Rwanda in the first round of the qualifiers.
The Crested Cranes will host Rwanda on 11th July 2023 before the two teams face off in Huye a week later.
The winner on aggregate will then proceed to the next round where Cameroon awaits. It should be noted that the Indomitable Lionesses got a bye at the first round.
The team summoned will be under the stewardship of Ayub Khalifa Kiyingi who upon appointment as Uganda U20 Women’s National Team head coach became the assistant coach of the senior team in the new changes made by the FUFA Executive Committee.
However, evaluation of applicants is ongoing for the Head Coach Women’s Senior Team (Crested Cranes) and Assistant coach U-17 Women’s team (Teen Cranes) and the appointments will be confirmed in due course.
The team will enter camp on Thursday, 29th June at Cranes Paradise Hotel, Kisasi.
A CAF D Diploma coaching course, organized by the Uganda Women Football Association (UWFA), was concluded on Friday June 23, 2023, in Mengo.
A total of thirty coaches including four women took part in the course held at the special interest groups offices. It started on Monday 19th June 2023.
The course was conducted by instructor Ben Mwesigwa who took the participants through theory and practical sessions throughout the duration of the course.
The Chairperson of Uganda Women Football Association (UWFA) Margret Kubingi presided over the closing function and she implored the coaches to put the knowledge acquired into practice.
“The five days coaching course has come to the end. Thirty coaches have graduated after the successful completion of the course,” she said.
“We have sent them out there, we advise them to perform, deliver and also apply the modern coaching knowledge they have acquired well.“
“We thank FUFA for entrusting UWFA to organize the course on their behalf, and in a special way, we also appreciate the course instructor – Ben Mwesigwa for the good work. He is such a fantastic instructor,” she added.
She Corporate player Anitah Arinda was one of the participants.
“The course has been enriching and we have gained so much. We feel glad after attending the training and we thank UWFA for organizing for us such a good course,” she said.
“I am going to apply everything I have learnt and all the knowledge I have acquired to Olimpia sports academy where I practice coaching from. I want the kids at the academy to become very good players.”
Coach Ayub Khalifa Kiyngi has named the captains for Uganda’s U18 Women’s national team that is currently in camp at FUFA Technical Centre, Njeru.
A provisional squad of 35 players entered camp on Monday in preparation for the forthcoming CECAFA U18 Women’s Championship slated for 24th June -8th July in Nairobi, Kenya.
Upon arrival in Njeru, the coach confirmed Shakirah Nyinagahirwa as the captain of the team.
Shakirah Nyinagahirwa in action against Kenya last year.
She will be deputised by Hadijah Nandago and Catherine Nagadya as first and second assistant captains respectively.
Hadijah Nandago will be the first assistant captain.Catherine Nagadya
It should be noted that the aforementioned trio was first handed this leadership last year when they were still part of the U17 team.
Additionally, the same order was used when they played against Ethiopia in the U17 World Cup Qualifiers and this has been maintained.
Nyinagahirwa believes they have unfinished business and this is an opportunity to perform better than the previous outing.
“I am glad that the coach still has our trust to be leaders of this talented group as captains. Together with my teammates, I know we shall work hard to make sure we perform better than last year.” She said.
The team will spend two weeks in camp at Njeru before travelling to Kenya for the inaugural championship for this age category in the region.
The main purpose for having this tournament is to help CECAFA member states prepare for the upcoming FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup Qualifiers that will be played in November this year.
Uganda U18 Women’s National Team has began preparations for the forthcoming CECAFA U18 Women’s Championship.
A provisional team of 35 players summoned by coach Ayub Khalifa Kiyingi entered camp at FUFA Technical Centre, Njeru on Monday evening.
The team will be at the Centre for the next two weeks before travelling to Nairobi, Kenya where the Championship will be held.
Coach Kiyingi is confident the time between now and the start of the tournament will be enough for them to prepare well.
“I’m aware that we have began the preparations a bit late but I have the confidence we shall be able to form a formidable team.” He said.
Skipper Shakirah Nyinagahirwa is equally optimistic that they will do well.
“I am happy that we have been summoned to be part of this team. I know we are a group of talented players that are capable of performing well.” She indicated.
The Championship will be held between 24th June to 8th July 2023.
Uganda’s provisional squad for the forthcoming CECAFA U18 Women’s Championship has been named.
A squad of 35 players majority of whom were part of the U17 team that played in the FIFA U17 World Cup Qualifiers last year has been called to start preparations.
The team will enter residential camp at FUFA Technical Centre, Njeru on Monday, 12th June 2023.
Coach Ayub Khalifa Kiyingi who has been appointed to take charge of the U20 team will also be in charge of the U18 team.
He will work alongside Mubarak Kiberu as goalkeeping coach, Felix Ayobo and Mable Kabatalindwa as fitness coach and team doctor respectively.
It should be noted that the tournament will take place between 24th June -8th July in Nairobi, Kenya.
The vacant position of the Uganda U-20 women’s national team has been filled with the appointment of Ayub Khalifah Kiyingi by the FUFA Executive Committee.
Four other positions have been announced as well; Goalkeeper trainer for all National women teams is Mubarak Kiberu, fitness coach is Ayobo Felix, Team doctor Mable Kabatalindwa and Kits woman Nalwadda Prossy.
However, evaluation of applicants is ongoing for the Head Coach Women’s Senior Team (Crested Cranes), assistant head coach Women’s Senior team and Assistant coach U-17 Women’s team (Teen Cranes).
The applicants for the age group categories for the men’s teams are also undergoing evaluation.
