Category: Women

Crested Cranes entered day four of residential training on Saturday ahead of the 2022 AWCON qualifier against Ethiopia on Wednesday at St Mary’s Stadium Kitende.

The second leg will be played on October 26 in Bahir Dar, Ethiopia and the winner on aggregate , will qualify to meet the winner between Kenya and South Sudan in the next and final round.

The 30 players that are undergoing the guidance of head coach George Lutalo, are majorly a collection of the team that took part in the 2021 COSAFA championship and the U-20 team that eliminated Kenya in the FIFA Women World Cup 2022 Qualifiers.

As days go by and the awaited day of the first leg in Uganda closes in, coach George Lutalo is impressed by the improvement in the players’ response to the needed levels against the regional opponents and also the fact that there have been no injuries recorded so far in the four consecutive days of hard work.

The players themselves feel greatly improved and ready for the game as some of them reacted after the Saturday training session.

Laki Otandeka-Striker (New Jersey Copa FC, USA)

“As a team I feel Uganda has a chance of beating Ethiopia. I know in the past meetings we have won and we have lost, but this team is more energized, it has more talent than the previous teams not to say that they were bad but I feel like this set of girls that I have been training with are special and I think we really have a great chance of winning as long as we put the ball in the back of the net. Uganda’s advantage will be our pace I think we are a faster team after watching some videos of the past games. We have a greater advantage of having quicker players as well as having a quick central midfield presence and our goal keeper is far stronger than Ethiopia’s so just hoping that the strikers and the attacking midfielders can finish the job the moment we get the opportunity upfront.”

Sandra Nabweteme-Striker (Fimleikafélag Hafnarfjarðar, Iceland)

“Me I think like we have practiced a lot to get the result that we need on Wednesday, we are going to work hard to see that we get what we need because we need a win to go to Ethiopia with, such that even there, we work hard to also get the result to qualify to the next round. We are an organized team if we go in like focusing on what we nee d and what the coaches tell us to do and our focus will get us the results over Ethiopia.”

Hasifa Nassuna (UCU Lady Cardinals FC)

“The team is in good condition because our participation is COSAFA helped usa s a team to gain fitness and team work and its going to help us win Ethiopia. Right now, our coaches are concentrating so much on correcting our mistakes that we made in South Africa which has boosted our concentration and focus and is going to help us a lot win the game.”

Ruth Aturo-Goal keeper and captain (UCU Lady Cardinals FC)

“We had a very good challenge in SA but we have picked something important from that and we have to thank the federation for allowing us the opportunity that has helped us come back with improved fitness and preparing for the qualifier against Ethiopia. Ethiopia is a good team yes, but my team is better given that the last game we played against them in CECAFA we beat them 1-0. However much they are preparing for us, we are ready for them because we have had a good guidance from our coaches during trainings and the players are really motivated. I believe we shall produce we shall overcome them and go through to the next round.”

The Uganda Crested Cranes head coach George Lutalo has expressed his optimism of the current response of the players to mastering the defending and attacking techniques, will have a lot to help the team run past fancied Ethiopia in the coming AWCON qualifier.

The team of 29 layers currently under intensive training under Lutalo, will play against the Ethiopians in the first leg of the campaign at St Mary’s Stadium on Wednesday October 20 before the return leg in Bahir Dar on October 26.

Crested Cranes had just returned from the concluded COSAFA event in South Africa where they finished outside the accolade bracket before returning for a couple of days’ break and joined residential camp, enetered day three of training at FUFA Techical center Njeru and Lutalo is impressed by the response of the players since.

“The training is going one well and their response to learning more is also good. I am hopeful that from this group of players we shall have the best results out of the Ethiopia game on Wednesday,” Lutalo said after Friday morning training session.

Lutalo has beefed up the COSAFA side with some of the U-20 youngster players including Margret Kunihira, Fauzia Najjemba, Sumaya Komuntale, Juliet Nalukenge, among others that recently eliminated Kenya with a 10-3 first round aggregate score.

The players had a matches review session on Thursday evening, where the clips of the past matches between Uganda and Ethiopia were watched.

GoalKeepers

Ruth Aturo (UCU Lady Cardinals FC), Daisy Nakaziro (Lady Doves FC), Daphine Nyayenga (Lady Doves FC)

Defenders

Viola Namuddu (Makerere University WFC), Shadia Nankya (UCU Lady Cardinals FC), Bira Nadunga (Olila High School WFC), Samalie Nakacwa (Kawempe Muslim Ladies FC), Aisha Nantongo (Kawempe Muslim Ladies FC), Sumaya Komuntale (Tooro Queens FC), Phoebe Banura (UCU Lady Cardinals FC), Asia Nakibuuka (Kawempe Muslim Ladies FC),

Midfielders

Shamirah Nalugya (Kawempe Muslim Ladies FC), Rhoda Nanziri (Kawempe Muslim Ladies FC), Sheebah Zalwango (Asubo Gafford Ladies FC), Phiona Nabbumba (She Corporate FC), Resty Kobusobozi (Tooro Queens FC), Riticia Nabbosa (Lady Doves FC), Joan Nabirye (Vihiga Queens FC), Shakilah Nyinagahilwa (Kawempe Moslem), Nandago Hadijah (Kawempe Moslem)

Forwards

Hasifa Nassuna (UCU Lady Cardinals FC), Sharon Naddunga (Kawempe Muslim Ladies FC), Resty Nanziri (Kampala Queens FC), Sandra Nabweteme (Fimleikafélag Hafnarfjarðar, Iceland), Laki Otandeka (New Jersey Copa FC, USA), Fauzia Najjemba (Kampala Queens FC), Margaret Kunihira (Kawempe Muslim Ladies FC), Spencer Nakacwa (Lady Doves FC), Juliet Nalukenge (Apollon LFC-Syprus)

Officials
Head Coach – George Lutalo
Assistant Coach – Edward Kaziba
Goalkeeping Coach- James Magala

Team Coordinator- Paul Ssali
Team Doctor- Mable Kabatalindwa
Equipment Manager – Prossy Nalwadda
Media Officer- Aloysius Byamukama

The Uganda Women Senior Team (Crested Cranes) entered day two of the residential training today Thursday at FUFA Technical center Njeru, ahead of the 2022 AWCON qualifier against Ethiopia.

The team is being handled by Head Coach George Lutalo, assisted by Edward Kaziba (assistant coach) and James Magala (goal keeping coach).

The initial 27 summoned players were beefed up by the U20 trio striker Juliet Nalukenge and midfielders Shakilah Nyinagahirwa and Hadijjah Nandago to make a total of 30 players.

 “Today was our second day of training session, it has been good, the spirit of the players has been good and promising, and we have been trying to improve on our endurance and actually concentrating on our final third to see that we improve on our finishing and the entire response of the players has been good. We have hope that we shall perform well in this coming game,” Lutalo said.

Uganda will face Ethiopia at the second qualifying phase with the first leg slated for 20th October 2021 at St. Mary’s Stadium, Kitende.

The return leg will then be played on October 26 in Bahir Dar and the winner on aggregate from the two legs, will face either South Sudan or Kenya at the final qualification hurdle.

Players in Camp

Ruth Aturo (UCU Lady Cardinals FC), Daisy Nakaziro (Lady Doves FC), Daphine Nyayenga (Lady Doves FC)

Defenders

Viola Namuddu (Makerere University WFC), Shadia Nankya (UCU Lady Cardinals FC), Bira Nadunga (Olila High School WFC), Samalie Nakacwa (Kawempe Muslim Ladies FC), Aisha Nantongo (Kawempe Muslim Ladies FC), Sumaya Komuntale (Tooro Queens FC), Phoebe Banura (UCU Lady Cardinals FC), Asia Nakibuuka (Kawempe Muslim Ladies FC),

Midfielders

Shamirah Nalugya (Kawempe Muslim Ladies FC), Rhoda Nanziri (Kawempe Muslim Ladies FC), Sheebah Zalwango (Asubo Gafford Ladies FC), Phiona Nabbumba (She Corporate FC), Resty Kobusobozi (Tooro Queens FC), Riticia Nabbosa (Lady Doves FC), Joan Nabirye (Vihiga Queens FC), Shakilah Nyinagahilwa (Kawempe Muslim), Nandago Hadijah (Kawempe Muslim)

Forwards

Hasifa Nassuna (UCU Lady Cardinals FC), Sharon Naddunga (Kawempe Muslim Ladies FC), Resty Nanziri (Kampala Queens FC), Sandra Nabweteme (Fimleikafélag Hafnarfjarðar, Iceland), Laki Otandeka (New Jersey Copa FC, USA), Fauzia Najjemba (Kampala Queens FC), Margaret Kunihira (Kawempe Muslim Ladies FC), Spencer Nakacwa (Lady Doves FC), Juliet Nalukenge (Apollon LFC-Syprus)

Officials
Head Coach – George Lutalo
Assistant Coach – Edward Kaziba
Goalkeeping Coach- James Magala

Team Coordinator- Paul Ssali
Team Doctor- Mable Kabatalindwa
Equipment Manager – Prossy Nalwadda
Media Officer- Aloysius Byamukama

Crested Cranes head coach George Lutalo has summoned a provisional squad of 27 players to start preparations ahead of the forthcoming 2022 Africa Women Cup of Nations Qualifiers.

Uganda will face Ethiopia at the second qualifying phase with the first leg slated for 20th October 2021 at St. Mary’s Stadium, Kitende.

The return leg will then come six days later in Bahir Dar with the winner on aggregate facing either South Sudan or Kenya at the final qualification hurdle.

The squad named is largely a composition of the team that played at the just concluded COSAFA Women’s Championship where Uganda featured as a guest team.

Of the 20 players that travelled to South Africa, 17 have returned.

Resty Kobusobozi and Rhoda Nanziri who were part of the provisional squad but didn’t make the final squad are also back.

Striker Fazila Ikwaput who was ruled out of the COSAFA Women’s Championship through injury is also back after recovering.

The rest of the other players (8) have been promoted from the U20 Women’s National Team that eliminated Kenya from the FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup Qualifiers over the weekend.

Besides Fauzia Najjemba, Margaret Kunihira and Shamirah Nalugya who have previously played at the senior level, the rest of the other players from the U20 team are earning their first call.

These include Daphine Nyayenga, Samalie Nakacwa, Sumaya Komuntale, Bira Nadunga and Aisha Nantongo.

The team will enter camp on Tuesday at Cranes Paradise Hotel, Kisaasi and then transfer to FUFA Technical Centre, Njeru the following day.

Provisional Squad
Goalkeepers

Ruth Aturo (UCU Lady Cardinals FC), Daisy Nakaziro (Lady Doves FC), Daphine Nyayenga(Lady Doves FC)

Defenders

Viola Namuddu (Makerere University WFC), Shadia Nankya (UCU Lady Cardinals FC), Bira Nadunga (Olila High School WFC), Samalie Nakacwa (Kawempe Muslim Ladies FC), Aisha Nantongo (Kawempe Muslim Ladies FC), Sumaya Komuntale (Tooro Queens FC), Phoebe Banura (UCU Lady Cardinals FC), Asia Nakibuuka (Kawempe Muslim Ladies FC),

Midfielders

Shamirah Nalugya (Kawempe Muslim Ladies FC), Rhoda Nanziri (Kawempe Muslim Ladies FC), Sheebah Zalwango (Asubo Gafford Ladies FC), Phiona Nabbumba (She Corporate FC), Resty Kobusobozi (Tooro Queens FC), Riticia Nabbosa (Lady Doves FC), Joan Nabirye (Vihiga Queens FC)

Forwards

Hasifa Nassuna (UCU Lady Cardinals FC), Sharon Naddunga (Kawempe Muslim Ladies FC), Resty Nanziri (Kampala Queens FC), Sandra Nabweteme (Fimleikafélag Hafnarfjarðar, Iceland), Laki Otandeka (New Jersey Copa FC, USA), Fauzia Najjemba (Kampala Queens FC), Margaret Kunihira (Kawempe Muslim Ladies FC), Spencer Nakacwa (Lady Doves FC), Fazila Ikwaput (Lady Doves FC)

Officials
Head Coach – George Lutalo
Assistant Coach – Edward Kaziba
Goalkeeping Coach- James Magala

Team Coordinator- Paul Ssali

FIFA U-20 Women World Cup Qualifiers:

Return Leg: Uganda 3-1 Kenya

*Aggregate: Uganda 10-3 Kenya

Uganda U-20 Women football team advanced to the next stage of the FIFA U-20 Women World Cup with a 3-1 victory over Kenya at the St Mary’s Stadium Kitende on Friday, 8th October 2021.

Margret Kunihira, Hadijah Nandago and Juliet Nalukenge were on target for the Ugandan youngsters who advanced 10-3 on aggregate over the two legs.

Kenya scored their consolation via a well struck penalty from captain Perish Oside.

Kunihira opened the scoring past goalkeeper Sophy Akinyi after a well struck corner kick from Sumaya Komuntale on the stroke of half time.

Kenya brought the game level through Oside’s penalty four minutes later.

Oside’s moment arrived after the referee pointed to the spot following a foul on winger Joy Oriyo by defender Bira Nadunga in the forbidden area.

It was Uganda who had the last laugh of the opening stanza with a perfectly slotted goal towards the mandatory half time break from pint sized midfielder Nandago.

Lethal forward Nalukenge struck home a brilliant free-kick from the edge of the goal area on the stroke of full time to galvanize the score sheet.

Throughout the game, Uganda had shown eminent signs of a dominant side with several passes conguired and knitted to perfection as well as goal scoring opportunities created.

Midfielders Shamirah Nalugya, Shakira Nyinagahirwa, Hadijah Nandago and skipper Fauzia Najjemba were a complete menace to the opposition with well coordinated passing and successful dribbles.

Perhaps, the final deliveries to Nalukenge and Kunihira as well as their finishing often let down the team, a feat that restricted cricket-like score line.

https://youtu.be/xiHsQOIi6v4

Uganda will now face South Africa at the next phase of the qualifiers in November 2021.

Uganda’s head coach Ayub Khalifa Kiyingi hailed the fighting spirit and character of the entire team over the two legs.

‘First of all, I would like to thank the Almighty for this performance that helped us progress to the next stage. The players showed character and intent to play over the two legs’ Kiyingi told the media during the post match press conference at Kitende.

In the return leg particularly, Kiyingi saluted the game plan strategy of the opposition to limit the damage from the 7-2 first leg humiliation at Nyayo National Stadium, Nairobi a fortnight ago.

‘They (Kenya) were far much improved in the return leg than the match in Nairobi. The game plan was top notch but we still managed to break them. We shall go back to the drawing board to avert grey areas especially conceding the goals” he concluded.

The exact dates against South Africa will be confirmed in the due course.

Team Line Ups:

Uganda U-20 XI:

Daphine Nyayenga (GK), Sumaya Komuntale, Nantongo Aisha, Shakira Nyinagahirwa, Samalie Nakacwa, Juliet Nalukenge, Nalugya Shamirah, Hadija Nandago, Fauzia Najjemba (Captain), Margret Kunihira, Bira Nadunga.

Substitutes:

Kanyago Harima, Eva Nagayi, Kevin Nakacwa, Catherine Nagadya, Zaitun Namaganda, Aluka Grace, Joan Namusisi (GK), Zaina Nandede, Nagadya Jowelia, Saidah Namwanje (GK).

Head Coach: Ayubu Khalifa Kiyingi

Kenya U-20 XI:

Sophy Akinyi (GK), Eunice Mwangi, Lucy Kahuga, Peris Oside (Captain), Fasila Adhiambo, Shaylene Opisa, Catherine Aringo, Joy Oriyo, Charity Midewa, Maximilla Robi, Lavender Akinyi.

Substitutes:

Kikky Masika, Drailer Salome, Lydia Akoth, Milka Awino, Inviolata Mukoshi, Redempta Adhiambo, Mildred Kanyisi, Jane Hato, Lucy Agisa Kisaga(GK), Sylvia Makungu.

Uganda U20 Women’s National Team Head Coach, Ayub Khalifa Kiyingi has named the team that will start against Kenya in the return leg of the first round of the FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup 2022 Qualifiers.

The two teams face off this Friday evening at St. Mary’s Stadium, Kitende.

The coach has maintained the same team that started in the 7-2 win in Nairobi two weeks ago.

Daphine Nyayenga maintains her slot in goal with Samalie Nakacwa and Sumaya Komuntale playing as the right and left backs respectively.

The Centre back pairing will still have Bira Nadunga and Aisha Nantongo.

The midfield trio will have Shakira Nyinagahirwa as the holding midfielder with Shamira Nalugya and Hadijah Nandago playing in the attacking areas.

The forward line has striker Juliet Nalukenge who netted a brace in Kenya as the target point with Captain Fauzia Najjemba offering support from the left while Margret Kunihira will play as a right winger.

Uganda U20 Starting XI

Daphine Nyayenga(GK), Samalie Nakacwa, Sumaya Komuntale, Bira Nadunga, Aisha Nantongo, Shakira Nyinagahirwa, Shamira Nalugya, Hadijah Nandago, Juliet Nalukenge, Fauzia Najjemba, Margret Kunihira

Substitutes

Joan Namusisi (GK), Saidah Namwanje (GK), Winnie Kwatulira, Grace Aluka, Harima Kanyago, Kevin Nakacwa, Eva Nagayi, Catherine Nagadya, Zaitun Namaganda, Zainah Nandede, Jowelia Nagadya

FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup Qualifiers 2022
First Round, Return Leg
Uganda vs Kenya
St. Mary’s Stadium, Kitende
Friday, 8th October 2021
Kickoff: 4PM

Uganda will be hoping to advance to the second round of the FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup Qualifiers with victory over neighbors Kenya.

The two East African Nations will face off on Friday at St. Mary’s Stadium, Kitende. Uganda earned a 7-2 win away in Nairobi.

Despite registering a comfortable victory in the first leg, Uganda U20 Women’s National Team head coach, Ayub Khalifa Kiyingi insists they are not underestimating their counterparts.

“We go into Friday’s game with full focus and commitment and our target is earn maximum points. I believe Kenya have made better preparations than the first leg and will come in better shape,” he said after the team’s last training on Thursday.

Kiyingi indicates he has tried to warn the players against being complacent, citing examples of the previous opponents they faced.

“I have tried to emphasize to the players that the job is not yet done. We had the same scenario with the U17 team two years ago when we lost 2-1 away in Tanzania, our opponents despised us in the return leg and we ended up winning 5-0 at home.”

Captain Fauzia Najjemba is optimistic the team will be able to win at home and advance to the next stage.

“We are ready for tomorrow’s as players, the coaches have prepared us well and our focus is to win. We won the first leg but that is behind us now and the target is to win at home so that we progress to the next level.”

Team News

Midfielders Shamirah Nalugya and Shakira Nyinagahirwa had slight knocks but gave both recovered and will be available for selection.

The rest of the players are fit and available.

The winner on aggregate between Uganda and Kenya will face either South Africa or Mozambique at the second round.

COSAFA Women’s Championship 2021
Group C, Matchday 2
Uganda 5-1 Eswatini

The Crested Cranes put up a brilliant display to outwit Eswatini at the ongoing COSAFA Women’s Championship in South Africa.

Right from onset, Uganda looked liked a team on mission and threw the kitchen sink at Eswatini.

In the end, the restless efforts paid off dividends with Uganda earning 5-1 win to get the campaign back on the rails.

Coach George Lutalo made three changes from the team that had started against Namibia with captain Ruth Aturo, Norah Alupo and Hasifa Nassuna starting on bench.

Laki Otandeka Kanyesigye, Phiona Nabbumba and Daisy Nakaziro starting with the latter earning her debut.

Combative midfielder Joan Nabirye opened the scores in the 15th minute to set the tone for the rest of the game.

Her ferocious strike brought confidence to the team and Uganda went ahead to dominate every aspect.

Another midfielder, Riticia Nabbosa doubled the lead with a close finish, tapping home from Resty Nanziri’s cross ten minutes later.

In the second stanza, Eswatini had a good start and eventually got the consolation through Celiwe Nkambule who capitalized on a mistake by Asia Nakibuuka.

However, their hope for an attempt at a comeback was shortlived with Nabweteme restoring parity in the 62nd minute.

Nassuna who replaced Nabbosa took a few minutes to announce her arrival, scoring two quick goals, the first a well taken free kick in the 72nd minute and the other a perfect low drive, three minutes later.

Uganda (on 4 points) will face Zambia in the final group game on Wednesday.

Crested Cranes Starting XI

Ruth Aturo, Viola Namuddu, Phoebe Banura, Asia Nakibuuka, Shadia Nankya, Joan Nabirye, Riticia Nabbosa, Phiona Nabbumba, Sandra Nabweteme, Resty Nanziri, Laki Otandeka

Crested Cranes Captain Ruth Aturo is relishing the opportunity of leading her teammates at her second COSAFA Women Championship.

Aturo says she can’t wait to walk out of the dressing room as they face Namibia in their group C opener at the Madibaz Stadium on Thursday with Kick off set for 1pm (EAT).

Aturo who was voted the best goalkeeper when Uganda’s Senior Women side debuted at the annual event in 2018 as Uganda finished 3^rd behind eventual winners South Africa and Cameroon says it is a dream come true for her to lead the National team at such a big tournament.

‘I am so excited about captaining this great side at this tournament. The team is in great shape and looking forward to our first game against Namibia. We are well prepared and looking forward to getting a positive result against Namibia’ Aturo stated

This is the second time Uganda takes part in the competition with the maiden appearance coming three years ago.

The three group winners will be joined by the best second placed team from all the groups in the semifinals.

In the other Group C fixture, fresh from their Tokyo 2020 Olympics 2019 finalists Zambia will take on Eswantini in the second fixture of the day.

With only the top team in each pool guaranteed of advancing to the semifinals, the game against Namibia provides a huge test to the technical team headed by George Lutalo that wants to use the COSAFA experience to fine tune the squad and build momentum ahead of the 2022 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers scheduled to take place in October. Uganda will face Ethiopia in the first round of the qualifiers.

Lutalo believes this is a perfect chance to build a team that will ably compete in the Qualifiers of 2022 Africa Women Cup of Nations.

“The COSAFA Women’s Championship presents a good opportunity for us to know how best we can go into the AWCON Qualifiers. We hope to have the best performance in South Africa as build up to the games against Ethiopia.” He indicated.

The ninth edition of the COSAFA Women’s Championship got underway on Tuesday in Nelson Mandela Bay as host nation and record winners South Africa seek to win unprecedented fifth title in a row. 

The Crested Cranes will be seeking to emulate their Juniors, the U17 side that won the Junior version of the tournament in 2019 in Mauritius. Uganda will rely on the quality of star players Sandra Nabweteme, Laki Otandeka, hasifah Nasuuna, Shadia Nankya, goalkeepers Ruth Aturo and Daisy Nakaziro.

Uganda U20 Women’s National Team Head Coach, Ayub Khalifa Kiyingi has warned his charges against complacency as the team continues with preparations for the encounter against Kenya.

Uganda registered a convincing win (7-2) in the first leg of the 2022 FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup Qualifiers at Nyayo National Stadium but Kiyingi indicates the tie is far from over with the return leg slated for 8th October at St. Mary’s Stadium, Kitende.

“We had a convincing victory in the first leg which is very good but we should not rest on our laurels thinking the job is done,” he stated before adding, ” our opponents are preparing and perhaps will come back better and try to overturn the first leg deficit.” He said.

The coach insists he is trying to show the players that there is still something to fight for and thus discouraging complacency.

“I’m trying to show the players that the job is not yet done. We need to be more serious than even before we played the first game.”

Should Uganda go ahead to eliminate Kenya, either South Africa or Mozambique wait next in line at the second qualifying phase.

Uganda U20 Women’s National Team head coach Ayub Khalifa Kiyingi has made additions to the group that is preparing to face Kenya in the return leg of the FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup Qualifiers.

With Uganda earning a 7-2 win in the first leg, the second leg of the tie is slated for 8th October 2021 at St. Mary’s Stadium, Kitende

The U20 Women’s National Team camp was on Wednesday morning boosted with the addition of four new faces.

Winger Ronah Regina Nantege, midfielder Phiona Nabulime, right back Winnie Kwatulira and striker Allen Nassazi took part in Wednesday’s training session.

The above quartet was also joined by goalkeeper Saidat Namwanje who was been part of the initial squad summoned but did not travel with the team to Kenya.

Kiyingi believes the addition of the aforementioned players will bring about competition to the team as they prepare to face Kenya.

We had an inclusion of four new players to make a total of 25. These girls were part of the initial list of 35 I had submitted but I could only work with 30. If you look at what they gave us in their first training with the group, I believe they will bring healthy competition to the team as we work towards the return leg.

The coach further states that the addition of a player in each department is aimed at bolstering the entire team.

The choice on who to add was based on what we want to achieve and that is why we looked at every department. The new players will bring positive energy and that can spread across.

The winner on aggregate between Uganda and Kenya face either South Africa or Mozambique at the next round (second qualifying phase).

Uganda Women’s Senior National Team head coach George Lutalo confirmed the final list of players that will represent the country in this year’s COSAFA Women’s Championship in South Africa.

Lutalo named a squad of 20 players and the team departed Entebbe International Airport in the wee hours of Monday morning (3:30am).

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

According to Lutalo, the squad named has been based on the players’ performance in training.

‘We have had almost two weeks of preparations and the final 20 players named are those that excelled in training. I have the belief that the team named will do well in South Africa noted Lutalo

Uganda is pooled in Group C alongside Zambia, Eswatini and Namibia. The first game for the Crested Cranes will come on 30th September against Eswatini.

It should be noted that only the group leaders in each of the three groups will advance to the Semifinals with the best second placed team taking the fourth slot.

This is the second time the Crested Cranes are featuring at the annual Championship as a guest team. The first time came in 2018 and Uganda finished third.

Crested Cranes Squad
Goalkeepers
Ruth Aturo (UCU Lady Cardinals FC), Daisy Nakaziro (Lady Doves FC)

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

Midfielders
Joan Nabirye(Vihiga Queens FC), Reticia Nabbosa (Lady Doves FC), Sheebah Zalwango (Asubo Gafford Ladies FC), Phiona Nabbumba (She Corporate FC), Spencer Nakacwa (Lady Doves FC), Amina Nababi (Makerere University WFC),

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

Officials

Leader of Delegation – Hon. Florence Nakiwala Kiyingi- FUFA 3rd Vice President

Head Coach – George Lutalo
Assistant Coach – Edward Kaziba
Goalkeeping Coach – James Magala

Team Coordinator -Paul Ssali Mukisa
Team Doctor – Meble Katabalindwa
Kits Officer- Prossy Nalwadda
Media Officer – Faridah Tomusange Nassejje

FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup Qualifiers 2022

First Round, First Leg

Nyayo National Stadium

Kenya 2-7 Uganda

Goals for Uganda scored by Juliet Nalukenge (2), Sumaya Komuntale (2), Marget Kunihira, Fauzia Najjemba and Shamira Nalugya

It was a perfect outing for the Uganda U20 Women’s National Team at Nyayo National Stadium on Saturday, thanks to a brilliant display.

Uganda registered a convincing 7-2 win on the road to put one foot into the second round of the 2022 FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup Qualifiers.

Right from kickoff, the Ladies clad in white showed no mercy for the home side and went ahead to earn a convincing result.

Juliet Nalukenge opened the scores for Uganda, scoring in the second minute when ran between Kenyan defenders to head home from Fauzia Najjemba’s cross.

The early goal brought confidence to the team and dominated in every aspect. The arrival of the second goal was just a matter of time.

It was Margaret Kunihira who doubled the lead, thanks to her solitary run off the right wing that saw her race beyond the Kenyan backline and lobbed the ball past the goalkeeper.

Captain Najjemba stretched the lead in the 21^st minute with a brilliant finish inside the area as the team went on rampage.

When Nalukenge was fouled inside the area in the 26^th minute, Shamira Nalugya took the duty of taking the penalty and she did no mistake to convert from the spot.

Nalukenge once again came haunting to register her second goal of the day before left back Sumaya komuntale curled home a free kick at the stroke of half time and the score board read 0-6 ahead of the mandatory break.

Kenya looked better in the second stanza and made several inroads in an effort to chance the game.

Striker Shaylene Opiso eventually netted a second half brace to the delight of the Kenyan legion inside Nyayo National Stadium.

However, with two minute to the end, Komuntale put the icing on the cake with the 7^th goal for Uganda when she pounced onto a loose ball and her effort went straight into the back of the net.

Uganda takes a big advantage into this tie with the return leg slated for 8^th October in Kampala.

The winner on aggregate will face either South Africa or Mozambique in the second round.

Uganda U20 WNT Starting XI

Daphine Nyayenga(GK), Samalie Nakacwa, Sumaya Komuntale, Bira Nadunga, Aisha Nantongo, Shakira Nyinagahirwa, Shamira Nalugya, Hadijah Nandago, Juliet Nalukenge, Fauzia Najjemba, Margret Kunihira

Uganda U20 Women’s National Team Head Coach, Ayub Khalifa Kiyingi has named the team that will start against Kenya in the first leg of the first round of the FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup 2022 Qualifiers.

The two teams face off this Saturday at Nyayo National Stadium in the heart of Kenya’s capital Nairobi. Kickoff is 3:00PM (EAT).

Daphine Nyayenga starts in goal with Samalie Nakacwa and Sumaya Komuntale playing as the right and left backs respectively.

The Centre back pairing will have Bira Nadunga and Aisha Nantongo.

In a 4-3-3 formation, the midfield will have Shakira Nyinagahirwa as the holding midfielder with Shamira Nalugya and Hadijah Nandago playing in the attacking areas.

The forward line has lethal striker Juliet Nalukenge as the target point with Captain Fauzia Najjemba offering support from the left while Margret Kunihira will play as a right winger.

Uganda U20 Starting XI

Daphine Nyayenga(GK), Samalie Nakacwa, Sumaya Komuntale, Bira Nadunga, Aisha Nantongo, Shakira Nyinagahirwa, Shamira Nalugya, Hadijah Nandago, Juliet Nalukenge, Fauzia Najjemba, Margret Kunihira

Substitutes

Joan Namusisi (GK), Grace Aluka, Harima Kanyago, Kevin Nakacwa, Eva Nagayi, Catherine Nagadya, Zaitun Namaganda, Zainah Nandede, Jowelia Nagadya,

As Uganda prepares to face Kenya in the first round of the FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup Qualifiers, here is a brief profile on each of the 20 players.

The information gives a closer understanding of every player on the current team with majority having featured for the U17 two years ago.

Name: Namusisi Joan

Club: Kampala Queens
Date of Birth: 07/05/2004
Home Town: Bweyogerere
Tribe: Muganda
Mother’s Name: Christine Nakigozi
Father’s Name: Moses Musisi (RIP)
Strong Foot: Right
Favourite Shirt Number: 18
Position: Goalkeeper

Name: Daphine Nyayenga

Club: Lady Doves FC
Date of Birth: 19/12/2004
Home Town: Kabowa
Tribe: Alur
Mother’s Name: Betty Namutebi
Father’s Name: James Nobert Wokorach
Strong Foot: Right
Favourite Shirt Number: 01
Position: Goalkeeper

Name: Samalie Nakacwa

Club: Kawempe Muslim Ladies FC
Date of Birth: 15/01/2003
Home Town: Wobulenzi
Tribe: Muganda
Mother’s Name: Catherine Nakabira
Father’s Name: Saul Mulo Lubega
Strong Foot: Right
Favourite Shirt Number: 9
Position: Right Back

Name: Sumaya Komuntale

Club: Tooro Queens FC
Date of Birth: 03/08/2003
Home Town: Kyenjonjo
Tribe: Mutooro
Mother’s Name: Aisha Karungi
Father’s Name: Badru Nyakahuma
Strong Foot: Left
Favourite Shirt Number: 14
Position: Left Back

Name: Halima Kanyago

Club: Lady Doves FC
Date of Birth: 09/11/2004
Home Town: Bweyogerere
Tribe: Japadhola
Mother’s Name: Dorothy Nakibuule
Father’s Name: Steven Onyango
Strong Foot: Right
Favourite Shirt Number: 20
Position: Central Defender

Name: Aisha Nantongo

Club: Kawempe Muslim Ladies FC
Date of Birth: 06/04/2002
Home Town: Kassanda
Tribe: Muganda
Mother’s Name: Jane Atyeno
Father’s Name: Abdul Ssentongo
Strong Foot: Right
Favourite Shirt Number: 15
Position: Central Defender

Name: Grace Aluka

Club: Olila High School WFC
Date of Birth: 02/06/2003
Home Town: Soroti
Tribe: Iteso
Mother’s Name: Stella Aluka
Father’s Name: Justin Emong
Strong Foot: Left
Favourite Shirt Number: 16
Position: Central Defender

Name: Biira Nadunga

Club: Olila High School WFC
Date of Birth: 18/02/2003
Home Town: Mbale
Tribe: Mugisu
Mother’s Name: Zowena Nambuya
Father’s Name: Nathan Wazemba
Strong Foot: Right
Favourite Shirt Number: 17
Position: Central Defender

Name: Shakira Nyinagahirwa

Club: Kawempe Muslim Ladies
Date of Birth: 25/07/2005
Home Town: Kalagi
Tribe: Ituusi
Mother’s Name: Sarah Nakabugo
Father’s Name: Musitafa Funi
Strong Foot: Right
Favourite Shirt Number: 8
Position: Central Midfielder

Name: Zaitun Namaganda

Club: Taggy High School
Date of Birth: 22/03/2003
Home Town: Entebbe
Tribe: Muganda
Mother’s Name: Rukia Baluka
Father’s Name: Mubarak Kirigwajjo
Strong Foot: Right
Favourite Shirt Number: 12
Position: Central Midfielder

Name: Kevin Nakacwa

Club: Uganda Martyrs High School WFC
Date of Birth: 05/04/2004
Home Town: Mengo
Tribe: Muganda
Mother’s Name: Joyce Nanyonjo
Father’s Name: Eugene Bukenya
Strong Foot: Right
Favourite Shirt Number: 11
Position: Central Midfielder

Name: Hadijah Nandago

Club: Kawempe Muslim Ladies FC
Date of Birth: 15/02/2005
Home Town: Lungujja
Tribe: Muganda
Mother’s Name: Mariam Namakula
Father’s Name: Abdallah Kitengejja
Strong Foot: Right
Favourite Shirt Number: 12
Position: Attacking Midfielder

Name: Shamirah Nalugya

Club: Kawempe Muslim Ladies FC
Date of Birth: 12/09/2003
Home Town: Bweyogerere
Tribe: Muganda
Mother’s Name: Ritah Nakabiri
Father’s Name: Sulaiman Lutalo
Strong Foot: Right
Favourite Shirt Number: 11
Position: Attacking Midfielder

Name: Catherine Nagadya

Club: Uganda Martyrs High School WFC
Date of Birth: 03/05/2005
Home Town: Katabi
Tribe: Muganda
Mother’s Name: Irene Nazziwa
Father’s Name: Gimei Cyprian
Strong Foot: Right
Favourite Shirt Number: 7
Position: Winger

Name: Zaina Nandede

Club: Kataka SHE FC
Date of Birth: 15/10/2003
Home Town: Mbale
Tribe: Mugisu
Mother’s Name: Zainah Kafuko
Father’s Name: Hakim Wasukira
Strong Foot: Right
Favourite Shirt Number: 14
Position: Winger

Name: Eva Naggayi

Club: Rines SS WFC
Date of Birth: 01/01/2004
Home Town: Busega
Tribe: Muganda
Mother’s Name: Faridah Natabi
Father’s Name: Augustine Mpoza
Strong Foot: Right
Favourite Shirt Number: 30
Position: Forward

Name: Margaret Kunihira

Club: Kawempe Muslim Ladies FC
Date of Birth: 09/09/2004
Tribe: Mutooro
Mother’s Name: Margret Kyahura
Father’s Name: Elly Kyahura
Favourite Shirt Number:13
Position: Winger

Name: Joweria Nagadya

Club: Lady Doves FC
Date of Birth: 01/01/2006
Home Town: Lubaga
Tribe: Muganda
Mother’s Name: Betty Namisango
Father’s Name: Moses Kalisa
Strong Foot: Right
Favourite Shirt Number: 14
Position: Striker

Name: Juliet Nalukenge

Club: Apollon Ladies FC
Date of Birth: 14/08/2003
Home Town: Namugongo
Tribe: Muganda
Mother’s Name: Jane Nakacwa
Father’s Name: Paul Kasirye
Strong Foot: Right
Favourite Shirt Number: 10
Position: Striker

Name: Fauzia Najjemba

Club: Kampala Queens FC
Date of Birth: 07/10/2003
Home Town: Nakifuma
Tribe: Muganda
Mother’s Name: Hawah Namulondo
Father’s Name: Zubairi Kivumbi
Strong Foot: Both
Favourite Shirt Number: 13
Position: Striker

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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