The Crested Cranes painfully bowed out of the 2019 CECAFA Senior Women Challenge Cup after losing to the hosts Tanzania 1-0 during the semi-final clash at Chamazi Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
Asha Rashid scored on the stroke of full time for the match winner before a fully packed crowd.
Tanzania will now play Kenya in Monday’s finale at the same venue.
Kenya overcame and Burundi 5-0 in the first semi-final contest.
Uganda will now face Burundi in the race for third place on Monday, 25th November 2019.
The Ugandan Flag and fans flying at Chamazi StadiumCrested Cranes Vs Tanzania
Uganda Women national football team (Crested Cranes) head coach Faridah Bulega has confirmed the starting line up against the defending champions Tanzania for the semi-final clash at the 2019 CECAFA Senior Women Challenge Cup to be played at the Chamazi Stadium in Tanzania on Saturday afternoon.
Bulega has introduced Aisha Namukisa in the central defence.
Ruth Aturo, the team skipper is maintained in between the goal posts.
Viola Namuddu and Asia Nakibuuka shall play in the right and left back positions respectively.
The central defense pairing has Aisha Namukisa and Shadia Nankya.
The midfield zone has Riticia Nabossa, Hasifa Nassuna and Bridget Nabisaalu
The attacking trio has sharp shooter Juliet Nalukenge, Fazila Ikwaput and Fauzia Najjemba.
This will be the second semi final game on the day following an earlier opener between Kenya and Burindi at the same venue.
It is confirmed that Crested Cranes will play against hosts Tanzania in the semi-final of the 2019 CECAFA Senior Women Challenge Cup on Saturday, 23rd November at Chamazi stadium.
This followed a 3-0 loss to Kenya on Thursday during a group B contest.
Mercy Airo, Jereko Mwanalima and substitute Jentrix Shikangwa (penalty) scored a goal for each to guide Kenya to victory and finish top in group B on 9 points.
An aerial contest between Crested Cranes and Kenya
Both Uganda and Kenya came into Thursday’s encounter with semi-finals berths already confirmed.
Uganda will now face hosts and defending champions Tanzania in the semi-finals while Kenya will take on Burundi.
Uganda Women national team head coach Faridah Bulega has confirmed the starting up against Kenya during the on-going CECAFA Senior Women Challenge Cup to be played as the last group B game at the Chamazi Stadium in Tanzania on Thursday afternoon.
Bulega has made one change from the team that started and won 1-0 against Ethiopia at Chamazi Stadium on Tuesday evening.
Grace Aluka starts ahead of Zaina Namuleme. First choice goalkeeper Ruth Aturo, the team skipper is maintained in between the goal posts.
Viola Namuddu and Asia Nakibuuka shall play in the right and left back positions respectively.
The central defense pairing has Bridget Nabisaalu and Shadia Nankya.
The midfield zone has Riticia Nabossa, Hasifa Nassuna and Aluka.
The attacking trio has sharp shooter Juliet Nalukenge, Fazila Ikwaput and Fauzia Najjemba.
This will be the second group B game on the day following an earlier opener between Ethiopia and Djibouti at the same venue.
Uganda Women’s national football team (Crested Cranes) beat Ethiopia 1-0 during a group B match of the 2019 CECAFA Women Challenge cup at the Chamazi Stadium in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania on Tuesday.
Fauzia Najjemba was the heroine on the evening, scoring in the 73rd minute of the well contested duel.
Najjemba shot off her lethal left foot inside the goal area in an acute angle for the lone strike.
She raced onto the ball following a poorly headed clearence by a Ethiopian defender after failure to deal with Shadia Nankya’s initial long ball from the back.
Action between Crested Cranes and Ethiopia at Chamazi Stadium, Dar es Salaam
Then, it necessitated solid defending and team work to hold onto the lead for the rest of the remaining time
Uganda seals a slot to the semi-finals with a game to play against Kenya on Thursday, 21st November 2019.
Meanwhile, Kenya humbled Djibouti 12-0, coming one goal shy of Uganda’s 13-0 over the same opponents on Sunday.
Crested Players during the singing of the national anthemFair Play spirit: The Uganda and Ethiopia players during the mandatory handshaking moment before action unfoldedCrested Cranes XI Vs Ethiopia
The team captains’ moment with the match referees moments before kick offL-R: Faridah Bulega, Edward Kaziba, Ayub Khalifa, Oliver Mbekeka and Paul Ssali before kick offJoy of a goal: Crested Cranes players celebrate the lone strike against Ethiopia on Tuesday evening
Uganda Women national team head coach Faridah Bulega has confirmed the starting up against Ethiopia during the on-going CECAFA Senior Women Challenge Cup to be played at the Chamazi Stadium in Tanzania on Tuesday afternoon.
Bulega has maintained the same winning line up that started and won comprehensively 13-0 against Djibouti at Chamazi Stadium on Sunday evening.
Ruth Aturo, the team skipper is maintained in between the goal posts.
The rest of the 10 out field players are also maintained in their respective departments.
Asia Nakibuuka (right) will start the game against Ethiopia
Viola Namuddu and Asia Nakibuuka shall play in the right and left back positions respectively.
The central defense pairing has Bridget Nabisaalu and Shadia Nankya.
The midfield zone has Riticia Nabossa, Hasifa Nassuna and Zaina Namuleme.
The attacking trio has sharp shooter Juliet Nalukenge, Fazila Ikwaput and Fauzia Najjemba.
This will be the second group B game on the day following an earlier opener between Ethiopia and Kenya at the same venue.
Ruth Aturo (second left) will once again lead the Crested Cranes
Uganda Ladies National football team, the Crested Cranes humiliated Djibouti 13-0 in a 2019 CECAFA Women Challenge Cup group B game played at the Chamazi stadium in Tanzania on Sunday.
Juliet Nalukenge netted the lion’s share of goals, five goals. The other goals came from Hasifa Nassuna and Fazila Ikwaput (both hat tricks) as well as Fauzia Najjemba and Amina Nababi with one goal each.
www.fufa.co.ugbrings captured the match moments in pictures.
Nalukenge recieves a ball from the match referee after the gameThe Crested Cranes players in a prayer session prior to kick offHasifah Nassuna leaves the Djibouti defenders for dead. She scored a hattrick, like Fazila IkwaputJuliet Nalukenge goes for goal with a left footed shot during the match against DjiboutiDespite being tightly marked, Nalukenge eluded herself to net five times in the matchThe celebrations for one of the 13 goals at Chamazi Stadium on SundayCrested Cranes skipper Ruth Aturo (second right) with the match officials and the Djibouti captain prior to kick offCrested Cranes head coach Faridah Bulega (right) with the Djibouti counterpart during the post match press conferenceAisa Nakibuuka in action for Crested CranesCrested Cranes players celebrate one of the 13 goals on the eveningCrested Cranes head coach Faridah Bulega has now set focus and attention towards the next game against Ethiopia on Tuesday
Uganda Ladies National football team, the Crested Cranes humbled Djibouti 13-0 during a 2019 CECAFA Women Challenge Cup group B game played at the Chamazi stadium in Tanzania on Sunday.
Sharp on form forward Juliet Nalukenge scored five goals, the most goals by a single player at the championship thus far.
Hasifa Nassuna and Fazila Ikwaput each added a hat trick as Uganda extended a comfortable lead.
Fauzia Najjemba and Amina Nababi got the other goals apiece for the massive and comprehensive victory.
Crested Cranes players celebrate one of the 13 goals on the evening
Crested Cranes head coach Faridah Bulega was delighted by the excellent performance on the day, a stepping stone towards the rest of the matches in the championship.
However, Bulega demands more from the players especially great possession of the ball and affluent finishing.
‘We managed to beat Djibouti 13-0 and this is splendid. It is an impressive start to the tournament as we look forward to further improving upon the grey areas. We need to possess the ball more as we plan for penetration of the opposition final third, and we shall work upon more shooting drills in training on Monday’Faridah Bulega attested.
The earlier group B encounter witnessed Kenya defeat Ethiopia 2-0.
Jentrix Shikangwa and Cynthia Shilwatso Musungu scored for Kenya
The Crested Cranes will return to action on Tuesday against Ethiopia.
The team captains’ mandatory photo moment with the match officials before kick off
Uganda National Women Football team (Crested cranes) technical team released the final list of 20 players for the forthcoming CECAFA SENIOR Women CHALLENGE CUP from 16th to 25th November 2019 in Tanzania.
Ruth Aturo (UCU Lady Cardinals) is the team captain. She is assisted by Bridget Nabisaalu (She Corporate) and Fazila Ikwaput (Lady Doves) as first and second assistants respectively.
The team will travel to Tanzania on Thursday 14th November after completing 10 days camped at the FUFA Technical Centre, Njeru.
On Sunday 17 th November 2019, Uganda will play the first group B match against Djibouti at Chamazi Stadium.
The second game will come against Ethiopia on Tuesday 19th November before finalizing the group matches with a hot duel against rivals Kenya on Thursday 21st November at Chamazi Stadium
The top two teams in group A and B will qualify for the semifinals.
Final Squad:
Goalkeepers: Daisy Nakaziro (Lady Doves), Ruth Aturo (UCU Lady Cardials), Namusisi Joan (Isra soccer Academy)
Defenders: Viola Namuddu (Makerere University), Shadia Nankya (UCU Lady Cardinals), Bridget Nabisaalu (She Corporate), Eunice Ariokot (Olila High School ) Grace Aluka ( Kawempe Muslim SS Ladies FC), Aisha Namukisa (Kampala Queens).
CECAFA Women Challenge Cup (16th-25th November 2019)
Another win for the Uganda Women National team- Crested Cranes in the last practice match against UCU Lady Cardinals played on Wednsday afternoon at the FUFA Technical Centre in Njeru.
The team that has spent 7 days in residential camp gearing up for preparations played their last practice game ahead of the 2019 CECAFA Women’s Challenge Cup that will take place from 16th to 25th November in Tanzania.
Crested Cranes second Assistant Coach Ayub Khalifah hails a practice match the National team has played against UCU Lady Cardinals today as a platform has exposed what’s done and lucking ahead of the 2019 CECAFA championship.
‘The Practice Match has given us the exact image of the team’ Ayub Kalifah noted.
Action between Crested Cranes and UCU Lady Cardinals in white
Khalifah pointed out strikers’ lack of concentration in the goal mouth as an area to fine tune before the championship and louds the creativity of the team as a big boom.
“We create a lot and that gives hope for goals. We only need to shape our forwards and much concentration is need in front of the goal to convert these chances”, he added.
Juliet Nalukenge scored a hat-trick for the national side during the 5-0 win.
Fazila Ikwaput and Hasifah Nasuuna each netted one goal during the warm up game.
Hasifah Nassuna (center) takes on the oppositionFazila Ikwaput (right) in action
A total of twenty (20) players will leave Uganda to Dar-es-salaam in Tanzania, for a tournament that starts on 16th November 2019.
Uganda will start her group B campaign against Djibouti on 17th, Ethiopia on the 19th and will end with East African giants Kenya on 21st November.
Uganda finished second (2nd ) behind Tanzania on a goal difference goal disadvantage, a tourney held in Kigali-Rwanda.
Mutesa I Royal Univ WFC 0-4 Kawempe Muslim Ladies FC
Uganda Martyrs HS WFC 2-1 Kampala Queens FC
Lady Doves FC 1-0 She Corporate FC
FUFA Women Elite League (2nd Division League)
Saturday 9th November 2019
Isra Soccer Academy 2-0 Tooro Queens
Vision FC 0-2 Town View
Dynamic Jjeza 1-0 Wakiso Hills
Amuria HS WFC 0-4 Makerere Univ WFC
Sunday 10th November 2019
She Maroons FC 0-0 Bunyaruguru Girls FC
Lango Queens 1-0 Town Views SS Bugiri
Rines SS WFC 1-1 Asubo Gafford Ladies
Kampala Queens forward Resty Nanziri (R) trying to take on Uganda Martyr’s defender in FUFA Women Super League match
It was a busy weekend for Women Football in the country as the top and 2nd leagues had games played that entertained the followers of the game in different areas over the weekend.
In the top tier, FUFA Women Super League, Kawempe Muslim Ladies FC registered its second win with a convincing 4-0 victory against Mutesa I Royal University WFC 4-0 away from home. Anita Namata, Shamirah Nalujja, Asia Nakibuuka, and Juliet Nalukenge were on target for Kawempe.
Kampala Queens suffered the first loss when they were edged by Uganda Martyrs HS WFC 2-1 in Lubaga. Latifa Nakasi scored the winning goal for Uganda Martyrs 12 minutes to time. Kampala Queens captain Fauzia Najjemba had leveled matters through a spot-kick but wasn’t enough to secure any point for the Queens. Brenda Munyana scored the first goal for the hosts.
Uganda Martyrs WFC Team that started against Kampala Queens in the FUFA Women Super League on Saturday
In Masindi, Fazila Ikwaput’s lone strike in the 78th minute was enough to hand Lady Doves Maximum points against She Corporate FC. It is the second successive win for Lady Doves in the league while She Corporates have suffered a second loss.
Lady Doves FC forward Fazila Ikwaput in action during the match against She Corporate FC
Lady Doves Forward Ikwaput leads the top scorer’s chart with 4 goals followed by Kawempe Muslim striker Juliet Nalukenge with 3 goals as well as Kampala Queens’ Fauzia Najjemba.
She Corporate FC midfielder (White) Phionah Nabbumba surrounded by Lady Doves players
FUFA Women Elite League Season
Meanwhile, in the FUFA Women Elite League (2nd Tier League), Makerere University WFC overcame Amuria HS WFC 4-0 away in Amuria. Crested Cranes and former Women Cup MVP Aminah Nababi hit the back of the net together with Yudaya Nalubega, Jemima Twesigye, and Mayi Nayiga.
In the other games, Isra Soccer Academy started on a high note with a 2-0 win over Tooro Queens at Kawempe Muslim SS Ground. Younger star Hadijah Nandago and Deborah Alworongo scored both goals.
Kitgum based Vision WFC lost 2-0 to Town View SS WFC. Saluwa Nakayima and Esther Nabaigwa made it for the visitors on the scoresheet with a goal each.
Daphine Nalubowa was the hero for Dynamic Jjezza when her magnificent strike hit the target to secure three points against Wakiso Hills.
Wakiso Hills team that lost to Dynamic Jjeza
In Wakiso, Rines SS WFC settled for a 1-1 draw with Asubo Gafford Ladies. Yuster Kayesu scored for Rines before Claire Namatovu’s equaliser in stoppage time.
Lango Queens defeated Town View 1-0 on Sunday evening in Lira. Zam Akullu scored the only goal of the match.
She Maroons and Bunyaruguru Girls game ended in a barren draw at Luzira.
Action for both leagues resumes this Saturday 16th November with 4 fixtures for FUFA Women Super League and 7 games for FUFA Women Elite League.
MAIN PHOTO: Kampala Queens Captain Fauzia Najjemba making her way through Uganda Martyrs defenders
CECAFA Women Challenge Cup (16th-25th November 2019)
Uganda Women National team- Crested Cranes put up a good performance to overcome Mukono High School 8-0 during a practice match played on Thursday evening at the FUFA Technical Centre in Njeru.
The team that has spent 2 days in residential camp gearing up for preparations played their practice game ahead of the 2019 CECAFA Women’s Challenge Cup that will take place from 16th to 25th November in Tanzania.
The spirited display by the team under Head Coach Bulega Faridah and his second assistant Coach Ayub Kalifah saw their goals scored by Nambatya Favour through a penalty in the 5th minute before adding another 15 minutes later.
The battle for the ball during the warm up training game
Fazila Ikwaput, Margaret Kunihira, Asia Nakibuuka, Nassuna Hasifah (brace) and Juliet Nalukenge got their names on the score sheet.
Early in the game, Nambatya converted from the spot kick to hand Crested Cranes the lead following a foul by Mukono High defender Akuku Peninah fouled Zaina Namuleme in the penalty area.
Nambatya’s second of the day was a joy to watch as she beat the entire defence to double her team’s lead.
Zaina Nandede shoots during the friendly game
Nandede Zaina, with her calmness, dribbles and long passes outclassed her opponents in the middle of the park after creating a number assists that eventually turned into goals
There were changes for the National team made before the break as Hasifah Nasun, Asia Nakibuuka, Juliet Nalukenge and Margaret Kunihira came in for Zaina Namuleme, Nandede Zaina, Nambatya fovour and Reticia Nabbosa respectively.
The duration of the game was two hours- with each half lasting 60 minutes.
Ayub Khalifan- the 2nd assistant coach of the Crested Cranes was happy with the match.
‘It was a good performance by the team and we the opponents provided real test. We shall plan for another build up match before departure for Tanzania’ noted Ayub.
Fazila Ikwaput (right) races to the ball during the game
Crested Cranes will face Kenya, Ethiopia and Djibouti in the group B during the CECAFA Women tournament whose new dates have been confirmed as 16th-25th November 2019.
Twenty players will make the final trip to Dar es Salaam.
The first-ever FUFA Women Super League kicked off on a high note with a flurry of goals in the four (4) fixtures played on the opening weekend for match Day 1 action.
Reigning league Champions UCU Lady Cardinals defeated She Corporate 1-0 at UCU Grounds in Mukono on Saturday.
UCU forward Maureen Kinavudori (R) trying to shield the ball during the match against She Corporate
Kenyan born forward Maureen Kinavudori’s header in the 78th minute was enough to secure three points for the home side.
On the same day, Kampala Queens came from a goal down to overcome Olila HS WFC by 2-1 at the IUIU Ground in Kabojja.
Kampala Queens forward Resty Nanziri (R) trying to close in Olila HS WFC defender Maurice Ariokot
Olila got the lead through Sharon Achen in the 34th Minute before Kampala Queens pulled off an equalizer in the 61st minute with a well-taken spot-kick from new signing Fauzia Najjemba.
With only 4 minutes to full time, Amangat Marion brought down Kampala Queens forward Liilian Mutuuzo inside the area. Skipper Fauzia Najjemba was again given the duty to step up and take the penalty which duly converted.
In the other matches, Kawempe Muslim Ladies FC managed to beat the visitors Uganda Martyrs HS WFC by 2-0 at Kawempe Muslim SS Ground. Juliet Nalukenge got the lead for the four (4) time league champions in the 23rd minute. Nalukenge completed her double with another strike in the 75th minute.
Kawempe Muslim forward Juliet Nalukenge in action against Uganda Martyrs HS WFC
At IUIU Kabojja, Fazila Ikwaput handed the visitors Lady Doves three points with the first hattrick of the Leauge in the 16th, 78th, 90th minutes.
Lady Doves lead the log with 3 points and 3 goal difference after Match Day 1. Kawempe Muslim Ladies FC in second place, Kampala Queen in Third while UCU Lady Cardinals in the fourth position.
Kawempe Muslim Ladies FC defender Grace Aluka challenged by Uganda Martyrs forward Catherine Nagadya
Fazila Ikwaput leads the scorers’ chart with 3 goals followed by teenagers Fauzia Najjemba (Kampala Queens) and Juliet Nalukenge (Kawempe Muslim) on 2 goals each.
The opening fixtures registered nine (9) goals. Six Clubs managed to hit the net. Only two clubs failed to score (Mutesa I Royal University and Uganda Martyrs)
Action will resume next weekend on 9th November 2019 with three fixtures on card. Mutesa I Royal taking on Kawempe Muslim Ladies at IUIU Ground in Kabojja, Uganda Martyrs WFC host Kampala Queens at UMHS Ground in Rubaga, while Lady Doves shall host She Corporate in Masindi at Katusabe Dove Stadium.
The inaugural FUFA Women Super League for the top eight clubs in Uganda kicks off this weekend with four (4) fixtures on card.
Last season’s Champions UCU Lady Cardinal (from the FUFA Women lite League) will kick off their season at home in Mukono on Saturday 2nd November with a game against She Corporate who have just secured the services of defender Bridget Nabisaalu and Phionah Nabbumba from Ajax Queens.
Former Ajax Queens midfielder Phionah Nabbumba
UCU Lady Cardinals have an array of stars in their squad and have brought on board National team player defender Shadia Nankya from Uganda Martyrs Rubaga.
Defender Shadia Nakya closing up Makerere University forward Aminah Nababi in last season league match
More so UCU Lady Cardinals retained most of the key players that won them their first-ever League title last season. Playmaker Hasifah Nassuna, goalkeeper Ruth Aturo, defender Mercy Nabulobi, midfielder Teddy Najjuma, Phoebe Banura, Kadondi Esther, Najjuma Teddy, and Captain Maureen Kinavudori are still with the team.
UCU Lady Cardinal’s Hassifa Nassuna (L) taking on Juliet Nalukenge of Kawempe
Farida Bulega’s Kampala Queens is at home at IUIU Kabojja on Saturday 2nd November playing against North-Eastern region giants Olila High School WFC. Kampala Queens goes into the opening fixture with new faces in their squad. The likes of Fatumah Nakasumba (Makerere University WFC), Docus Nabuufu (Uganda Martyrs ), Brenda Kwaka (Riness), goalkeeper Resty Nalweyiso (Masaka SS), Fauzia Najjemba (Isra Soccer Academy), Milly Ntambi (Rines) are the new signings.
Olila maintained most of their players and will rely on the services of skipper Eunice Ariokot in the defense together with Gillian Akadinda and Bira Naddunga who are fresh from the COSAFA Girls U17 Championship. Uganda won the title in Mauritius.
In the other fixtures, on Sunday 3rd November, last season’s league runners-up Lady Doves visit Mutesa I Royal University at IUIU Kabojja. Lady Doves signed former BIIK-Kazygurt (Kazakstan) forward Fazila Ikwaput. She was the 2017 Airtel-FUFA Female player of the year in Uganda.
Fazila Ikwaput dribbling during the match between Uganda and Ethiopia
Lady Doves also secured the signature of goalkeeper Irene Paska Akiteng from Lango Queens. Akiteng was named the best goalkeeper in the 2019 FUFA Women’s Independence Cup in Mukono while playing for her University Nkumba.
Despite losing their head coach Olive Mbekeka who played a key role in the team’s success last season, they have managed to keep the nucleus of the team. Goalkeeper Nakaziro Daisy, midfielder Leticia Nabbosa and striker Nuulu Nakyanzi are still with the club.
Lady Doves midfielder Leticia Nabbosa during the FWEL final Playoff last season
However, Muteesa I Royal University will depend mainly on players who have served for a long period at the Buganda Kingdom-based team.
Omara Josephine, Birabwa Margaret, Nayiga Sharifah, Anyango Caroline, Nakayobyo Habiibah, Nakigozi Elizabeth, Nakagwa Florence, Namuyanja Judith, Nambalirwa Mariam, Torach Immaculate, Nakyeyune Angellah, Nakato Angellah, Tugabire Ann, Mbabazi Aisha, Nakachwa Bridget, Naggujja Benita, Mirembe Ruth and Nampeera Imelda are some of the players that will form the team.
Meanwhile, four (4) time League champions Kawempe Muslim Ladies will host Uganda Martyrs HS WFC on Sunday 3rd November. With the immense variety of talented players at their disposal, Kawempe still went into the transfer market and signed Crested Cranes and Isra Soccer Academy midfielder Shamirah Nalujja and Uganda U17 National Team and Arsubo Gafford Ladies FC forward Margret Kunihira. They also promoted younger star Shakira Nyinagahirwa from the structures.
Shamirah Nalujja in action for Isra Soccer Academy last Season
Goalkeeper Adeke Juliet, Nazizi Florence, Aluka Grace, Musibika Stella, Nakabugo Mariam, Nakibuuka Asia, Namata Anita, Nalukenge Juliet, Onabikoa Miriam, Mushimire Rita, Atimaku Fiona, Nadunga Sharon, Nakacwa Samalie, Nantongo Aisha, Nabulya Rehema, Natukunda Diana, Nanziri Rhoda, Nakku Mastula, Nakayenga Brenda, Nalukoda Suzan are some of the players head coach Ayub Khalifa will pick from for his best team against Uganda Martyrs HS WFC.
Margret Kunihira switched to Kawempe Muslim LFC
On the other hand, Uganda Martyrs HS WFC brought in a new defender Nabuloobi Patience from Makerere University to replace Nankya Shadia who joined UCU Lady Cardinals. Catherine Nagadya is another new signing for Uganda Martyrs from Makerere University WFC.
Key players Nakacwa Spencer, Nakacwa Kevin, Nankya Rashida, Namusoke Esther, and captain Namugerwa Gloria are expected to put up a strong resistance against Kawempe.
The format for the Women’s League was changed from the sixteen (16) teams to eight teams (FUFA Women Super League) while the other eight teams now compete in the FUFA Women Elite League.
MAIN PHOTO: Lady Doves FC 2019/2020 Squad in a group photo
The Uganda National Senior Women team (Crested Cranes) is back for duty- with all eyes on representing the country in the highly anticipated CECAFA Championship due 14th to 23rd November in Dar-es-salaam, Tanzania.
The team started non-residential training at the Luzira Prisons playground and will continue with the same programme on Friday morning at 11 O’clock in Lugogo- StarTime Stadium.
The Crested Cranes players during Thursday’s training session in Luzira
A total of 28 players out of 35 summoned turned up for training.
The head coach Faridah Bulega is hopeful the seven players who missed training on day one will show up in the subsquent days.
some of the players who missed training are Fazila Ikwaput, Esther Beatrice Adokole, Vanessa Karungi, Reticia Nabbosa, Daisy Nakaziro and Zaina Nandede.
Fitness trainer Oliver Mbekeka conducts a session with the players.
Faridag Bulega
‘We are hopeful players will improve and more emphasis is on ball work, combination and fitness levels. Our main aim in this Championship is to shine because we have a good squad’ noted Bulega
Bulega while addressing players at Luzira Prisons Ground
Assistat coach Ayub Khalifan passing on tactics to the players
The team will have a five-day non-residential training before heading to the FUFA Technical Centre, Njeru for residential camp.Training resumes on Friday morning 11 am StarTimes Stadium, Lugogo.
Girls stretching during training at Luzira
Players who trained:
Goalkeepers:
Ruth Aturo (UCU Lady Cardinals), Irene Paska Akiteng (Lady Doves),
Defenders:
Viola Namuddu (Makerere University), Shadia Nankya (UCU Lady Cardinals), Bridget Nabisaalu (She Corporate), Mercy Nabulobi (UCU Lady Cardinals), Marion Amangat (Olila High School), Brendah Nandagire (Uganda Martyrs), Stella Musibika (Kawempe Muslim Ladies FC ), Eunice Ariokot (Olila High School), Grace Aluka ( Kawemep Muslim SS Ladies FC), Aisha Namukisa (Kawempe Queens).
Midfielders:
Asia Nakibuuka (Kawempe Muslim Ladies FC), Sarah Nakuya (Nkumba University), Norah Alupo (Saviors), Teddy Najjuma (UCU Lady Cardinals), Harriet Nakuba (Kampala Queens), Phiona Nabumba (She Corporate), Amina Nababi (Makerere University), Fauzia Najjemba (Kampala Queens)
14th – 23rd November 2019 in Dar es salaam, Tanzania
Uganda Crested Cranes head coach Faridah Bulega has named a provisional squad of 35 players to start preparations for the 2019 CECAFA Women Challenge Cup in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
Bulega who was joined by the second assistant coach Ayub Khalifa confirmed the provisional squad to the media during a press conference held at FUFA House in Mengo on Wednesday morning.
‘I thank the Executive of FUFA for entrusting me with the team and beefing up the technical side with Ayub Khalifan. Together with him, we are going to achieve as we seek to win the championship’ Bulega noted.
L-R: Ayub Khalifa, Faridah Bulega and FUFA Communications Director, Ahmed Hussein
In total, there are 35 players summoned and non residential training will commence on Thursday, 31st October 2019 at Luzira for five days before the team enters residential camp at FUFA Technical Centre, Njeru.
By 12th November 2019, the final team will be named to travel to Dar es Salaam.
Ruth Aturo will be captain and the assistant captain will be confirmed in due course.
The fixtures for the first round of the newly created FUFA Women Super League have been released. The eight team league to be played over three rounds kicks off on 2nd November 2019.
Reigning League champions UCU Lady Cardinals will open their campaign with a match against She Corporate in Mukono while Kampala Queens play host to Olila High School at IUIU Kabojja Campus.
No playoffs will be considered this season. The team that accumulated the highest points after the three rounds (21 games per club) will be declared Champion.
The bottom two teams get relegated to the FUFA Women Elite League.
Uganda National Senior Football Team the Crested Cranes has been drawn in group B of the CECAFA Senior Women Challenge Cup from 14th – 23rd November 2019 in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
Crested Cranes is grouped with Ethiopia, Kenya and Djibouti.
The first group game for Crested Cranes will be against Djibouti on Friday 15th November at Chamanzi Stadium.
Crested Cranes team that beat Ethiopia 2-1 in CECAFA 2018: L-R (Back Row) Ruth Aturo (GK), Yudaya Nakayenze, Fiona Nabbumba, Grace Aluka, Nankya Shadia, and Viola Namuddu. (Front Row) Tracy Akiror Jones (Capt), Zaina Namuleme, Lillian Mutuuzo, Juliet Nalukenge and Norah Alupo.
On Sunday 17th November, Crested Cranes will battle against rivals Ethiopia before entertaining neighbors Kenya on Tuesday 19th November at Chamanzi Stadium.
The best two teams from each group will progress to the semifinals to be played on 21st November while the third-place playoff and the final is slated for Saturday 23rd November at Chamanzi Stadium.
Crested Cranes defeated both Ethiopia and Kenya 2-1 and 1-0 respectively during the last CECAFA Women Championship in Kigali, Rwanda last year (2018).
The tournament will have eight National teams. The hosts and defending Champions Tanzania, Burundi, Zanzibar and South Sudan are in Group A.
Crested Cranes technical team
FUFA has appointed Kawempe Muslim SS and U-17 Girls’ National team coach Ayub Khalifan to reinforce the technical team of the Crested Cranes headed by Faridah Bulega, Edward Kaziba (1st Assistant) and goalkeeping coach James Magala.
The appointment is for the period the Crested Cranes will be in Tanzania for the CECAFA Women Senior Challenge cup in Tanzania from 14th-23rd November 2019.
Ayub will be one of the two assistant coaches during the CECAFA Women Senior Challenge cup in Tanzania.
Crested Cranes has been drawn in Group B with Ethiopia, Kenya and Djibouti.
Crested Cranes Team Officials
Faridah Bulega-Head Coach
Edward Kaziba-Assistant Coach
Ayub Khalifan- 2nd Assistant coach
Olive Mbekeka-Fitness Coach
James Magala-Goal keeping coach
Paul Ssali-Team Coordinator
Mable Kabatalindwa-Team Doctor
Prossy Nalwada-Equipment Manager
CECAFA WOMEN CHALLENGE CUP 2019
Group A
Uganda, Kenya, Ethiopia, and Djibouti.
Group B
Tanzania, Burundi, Zanzibar and South Sudan.
Full Fixtures:
14th November 2019
Burundi – Zanzibar (Chamanzi)
Tanzania – South Sudan (Chamanzi)
15th November 2019
Ethiopia – Kenya (Chamanzi)
Uganda– Djibouti (Chamanzi)
16th November 2019
South Sudan – Zanzibar (Chamanzi)
Burundi – Tanzania (Chamanzi)
17th November 2019
Kenya – Djibouti (Chamanzi)
Uganda – Ethiopia (Chamanzi)
18th November 2019
South Sudan – Burundi (Chamanzi)
Zanzibar – Tanzania (Chamanzi)
19th November 2019
Djibouti – Ethiopia (Chamanzi)
Kenya – Uganda (Chamanzi)
MAIN PHOTO:Crested Cranes Team that played against Ethiopia in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics qualifiers: L-R (Back row) Ruth Aturo (GK), Hasfa Nassuna, Grace Aluka, Yudaya Nakayenze, Shadia Nankya, and Viola Namuddu. L-R (Front row) Captain Tracy Johns Akiror, Fazila Ikwaput, Resty Nanziri, Fauzia Najjemba and Aisha Namukisa.
