Category: Women

Uganda Senior Women’s National Football Team, the Crested Cranes will face Algeria in two friendly games slated for the end of this month.

Uganda will face Algeria on 27th and 30th November 2024 with both games taking place in Algeria.

Consequently, Head Coach Sheryl Ulanda Botes has named a provisional squad of 33 players that will enter camp on Thursday, 21st November.

After training for the next couple of days, the team is expected to travel to Algeria on Sunday, 24th November.

Summoned squad

Provisional Squad

Goalkeepers

Ruth Aturo (Vihiga Queens FC), Daisy Nakaziro (Kampala Queens FC), Molly Naava Nabitaka (She Corporate FC), Sharon Kaidu (Uganda Martyrs Lubaga WFC)

Defenders

Shadia Nankya (FC Masar), Bridget Nabisaalu (Modern Sports FC), Phiona Nabulime (Kawempe Muslim Ladies FC), Maureen Kimono (Kampala Queens FC), Shakirah Nankwanga (Kampala Queens FC), Jolly Kobusinge (Kawempe Muslim Ladies FC), Angel Awuki Kigongo (Uganda Martyrs Lubaga WFC), Zabinah Namboozo (Amus College WFC), Zaina Nandede (Kampala Queens FC), Hasifah Patricia Namboozo (Makerere University WFC)

Midfielders

Joan Nabirye (FC Spartak Moscow), Phiona Nabbumba (Boldklubben Af 1893), Yuster Kayesu (Rines SS WFC), Shamirah Nalugya (Kampala Queens FC), Brenda Munyana (Uganda Martyrs Lubaga WFC), Doreen Nakayiwa (She Maroons FC), Violah Nambi (Napoli FC), Peace Muduwa (Kampala Queens FC),Ronah Regina Nantege (She Corporate FC), Shamim Kilikumwino (Jinja City Queens FC), Rinah Aruho (Boni Consili Girls Vocational School), Margret Kunihira (Ceseaa Queens FC)

Forwards

Fazilah Ikwaput (Gokulam Kerala FC), Joanita Ainembabazi (New Heroes Queens FC), Resty Nanziri (Boldklubben Af 1893), Sylvia Kabene (St. Noa WFC), Agnes Nabukenya (Kawempe Muslim Ladies FC), Mastulah Atuhaire (FC Tooro Queens), Sharon Namatovu (Makerere University WFC)

Uganda Senior Women’s National Team, the Crested Cranes put up a spirited performance to edge DR Congo in the international friendly game played on Sunday at Stade De Martyrs Stadium – Kinshaaha.

Sunday’s encounter was the first of the two games that the two teams are supposed to face off with the other slated for Wednesday, 30th October at the same venue.

Fazila Ikwaput gave Uganda the lead in the 22nd minute, lobbing the ball past Congolese goalkeeper Khonde

However, in the second half the hosts returned revamped and levelled matters in the 61st minute through Flavine Mawete.

Despite conceding, Uganda remained calm and composed, dominating proceedings with relative ease.

Coach Sheryl Botes made a double change, introducing Slyvia Kabene and Joanita Ainembabazi for Viola Nambi and Sandra Nabweteme respectively.

Kabene who was making her debut made instant impact, helping Uganda to regain the lead in the 77th minute.

Zaina Nandede started the attack on the right wing, beating her opponent for pace before laying a cutting back for onrushing Kabene who made no mistake to slot home.

Angel Auki Kigongo, Zabinah Nambozo and Agnes Nabukenya all promoted from the under-age teams were also handed their debut on the senior team later on.

The Crested Cranes held on in the closing minutes to secure victory. The two teams will face off again this Wednesday.

The games are part of preparations for the team ahead of competitive fixtures next year.

Crested Cranes Head Coach Sheryl Botes has named a squad of 20-players that will travel to Democratic Republic of Congo for the two International friendlies.

Uganda will take on DR Congo on 27th and 30th October 2024 with both games to be played in Kinshasa.

The team will depart Uganda on Friday morning at (5am) with FUFA Executive Committee Member Agnes Mugena serving as the Leader of Delegation.

The team has been undergoing rigorous training in Kampala and will use the two friendlies as part of preparations for the next engagements.

Travelling Squad

Goalkeepers

Daisy Nakaziro (Kampala Queens FC), Ruth Aturo (Vihiga Queens FC)

Defenders

Shadia Nankya (Tutankhamun FC), Bridget Nabisaalu (Modern Sports FC), Phiona Nabulime (Kawempe Muslim Ladies FC), Jolly Kobusinge (Kawempe Muslim Ladies FC),Angel Awuki Kigongo (Uganda Martyrs Lubaga WFC)

Midfielders

Joan Nabirye (FC Spartak Moscow), Phiona Nabbumba (Boldklubben Af 1893), Zabina Namboozo (Amus College WFC), Brenda Munyana (Uganda Martyrs Lubaga WFC), Violah Nambi (Napoli FC), Zaina Nandede (Kampala Queens FC)

Forwards

Fazilah Ikwaput (Gokulam Kerala FC), Sandra Nabweteme (Santos Laguna Femenil), Joanita Ainembabazi (New Heroes Queens FC), Resty Nanziri (Boldklubben Af 1893), Sylvia Kabene (St. Noa WFC), Agnes Nabukenya (Kawempe Muslim Ladies FC)

Officials

Agnes Mugena – Leader of Delegation

Sheryl Botes – Head Coach

David Ribeiro – Goalkeeping Coach

Ashley Clifford De Beer – Sports Scientist

Allan Nsubuga Magunda – Video Analyst

Team Doctor – Mable Kabatalindwa

Darlian Kyasiimire – Team Physiotherapist

Cissy Gaudensia – Equipment Manager

Joan Namusisi – Team Manager

Julius Mutebi – Media Officer

Finance Trust Bank FUFA Women Super League

Matchday Four| Results

Kampala Queens FC 0-0 Uganda Martyrs Lubaga WFC

Kawempe Muslim Ladies FC 1-0 Makerere Women FC

Lady Doves FC 2-1 She Corporate FC

FC Tooro Queens 0-1 Rines SS WFC

Amus College WFC 4-0 Wakiso Hill WFC

Olila High School WFC 0-0 She Maroons FC

She Corporate FC and Kampala Queens FC had a weekend to forget following their dismal performance on matchday four.

Kampala Queens failed to find a breakthrough against a resilient Uganda Martyrs side with the game ending in a barren statement.

With just four games played, the Queens of Soccer have already dropped four points.

In the same breath, She Corporate suffered their second defeat of the season, falling to Lady Doves in Masindi.

Despite taking the lead at halftime through Jesca Namanda, She Corporate conceded twice with Evelyn Nandera and Dorcus Kwikiriza scoring a goal each for the home side.

Newcomers Amus College outwitted Wakiso Hill at with a 4-0 score line. Shayline Ikalakala and Doreen Aujat scoring a brace each.

Rines fought hard to earn a 1-0 win over FC Tooro Queens courtesy of Phionah Arach’s goal.

Elsewhere, Olila High School and She Maroons FC played out a goalless draw in Soroti while reigning ChamChampions Kawempe Muslim maintained their perfect start with a 1-0 win over Makerere University, the goal that came from Hadijjah Nandago.

Uganda Women’s National Football Team Head Coach, Sheryl Botes has named a provisional squad of 38 players ahead of the two friendly games against Democratic Republic of Congo.

The Crested Cranes will face DR Congo on 27th and 30th October with both games to be played in Kinshasa.

The team summoned has five goalkeepers, ten defenders, thirteen midfielders and nine forwards.

The players will enter residential camp on Saturday, 19th October and training will commence the next day.

The coach confirmed that the foreign based players are expected to join the squad by 21st October.

Botes believes the two games will help the team get in perfect shape ahead of CECAFA Women’s Championship slated for November in Ethiopia.

“We last had an engagement in December last year and I believe we needed competitive games to see the level of players. Unfortunately, we couldn’t compete at the COSAFA Championships due to reasons beyond us but thankfully, DR Congo allowed to have two friendly games with us.” She stated.

Goalkeepers

Ruth Aturo (Vihiga Queens FC), Daphine Nyayenga (Fortuna Hjorring), Daisy Nakaziro (Kampala Queens FC), Molly Naava Nabitaka (She Corporate FC), Sharon Kaidu (Uganda Martyrs Lubaga WFC), Hadijah Nalongo (She Corporate FC)

Defenders

Shadia Nankya (Tutankhamun FC), Bridget Nabisaalu (Modern Sports FC), Phiona Nabulime (Kawempe Muslim Ladies FC), Jamirah Nabulime (Kampala Queens FC), Maureen Kimono (Kampala Queens FC), Cissy Nakate (She Corporate FC), Shakirah Nankwanga (Kampala Queens FC), Jolly Kobusinge (Kawempe Muslim Ladies FC), Docus Lwalisa (Olila High School WFC), Angel Awuki Kigongo (Uganda Martyrs Lubaga WFC)

Midfielders

Joan Nabirye (FC Spartak Moscow), Phiona Nabbumba (Boldklubben Af 1893), Teddy Najjuma (Kampala Queens FC), Zabina Namboozo (Amus College WFC), Yuster Kayesu (Rines SS WFC), Shamirah Nalugya (Kampala Queens FC), Brenda Munyana (Uganda Martyrs Lubaga WFC), Sandra Nantumbwe (Athletic Club Bihor), Doreen Nakayiwa (She Maroons FC), Violah Nambi (Napoli FC), Peace Muduwa(Kampala Queens FC), Hadijah Nandago (Kawempe Muslim Ladies FC)

Forwards

Fazilah Ikwaput (Gokulam Kerala FC), Sandra Nabweteme (Santos Laguna Femenil), Joanita Ainembabazi (New Heroes Queens FC), Resty Nanziri (Boldklubben Af 1893), Sylvia Kabene (St. Noa WFC), Agnes Nabukenya (Kawempe Muslim Ladies FC), Immaculate Kizza (She Maroons FC), Mastulah Atuhaire (FC Tooro Queens), Jesca Namanda (She Corporate FC)

Meanwhile Botes has confirmed that for every National team camp, a local coach (male or female) attached to women football will be invited to join the squad for knowledge sharing starting with this international break. For this particular camp, Collins Ahumuza of UCU Lady Cardinals was considered.

The Team Officials

Head coach: Sheryl Ulanda Botes

Assistant Coach – Ayikoh Charles Lukula

Goalkeeping Coach – David Ribeiro

Sports Scientist-Ashely Clifford De Beer

Assistant Coach- Ahumuza Collins (Trainee for Knowledge sharing)

Video analyst- Nsubuga Allan Magunda

Sports Scientist-Kyesimira Arthur

Team Doctor – Kabatalindwa Mable

Team Physiotherapist – Kyasiimire Darlian

Team Manager/Safeguarding Officer – Namusisi Joan

Equipment Manager – Nakiguba Cissy Gaudensia

Media Officer – Mutebi Julius

Finance Trust Bank FUFA Women Super League
Matchday Three Results

Makerere University WFC 0-0 Kampala Queens FC
Rines SS WFC 1-1 Amus College FC
Wakiso Hill WFC 1-1 Lady Doves FC
Uganda Martyrs Lubaga WFC 1-0 FC Tooro Queens FC
She Maroons FC 0-1 Kawempe Muslim Ladies FC

Uganda Martyrs finally picked their first win of the season, after overcoming newly promoted FC Tooro Queens on matchday three.

In the game played on Saturday at the Bugolobi Coffee Grounds, Uganda Martyrs nicked a hard fought 1-0 win courtesy of Auki Kigongo.

The result gave Lubaga a sigh of relief following their dismal performance in the opening two games which they lost to She Corporate FC and She Maroons FC.

Reigning Champions continued with their impressive start to the new season, picking their third win in as many games.

The Valley Warriors overcame She Maroons 1-0 in Luzira on Sunday thanks to Shadia Nabirye’s early strike.

Agnes Nabukenya had an opportunity to get onto the score sheet for Kawempe but she missed her strike from the spot.

The other games played on Matchday three ended in draws with Kampala Queens playing out a barren draw at Makerere University.

Rines SS had to rally from a goal down to salvage a point against Amus College. Shayline Opisa had given Amus the lead but Phiona Arach levelled matters in the second half.

Wakiso Hill WFC and Lady Doves also played out a one-all draw with Anita Tezikya scoring for the former while Lydia Nyandera got the goal for visiting Lady Doves.

Action continues this weekend with matchday four action from various grounds.

Finance Trust Bank FUFA Women Super League

Matchday Two

Wakiso Hill WFC 0-3 Kawempe Muslim Ladies FC

She Corporate FC 0-1 Kampala Queens FC

FC Tooro Queens FC 0-1 Makerere University FC

Amus College WFC 1-3 Lady Doves FC

She Maroons FC 0-2 Uganda Martyrs Lubaga WFC

Rines SS vs Olila High School (To be determined later)

Matchday Two of the Finance Trust Bank FUFA Women Super League witnessed teams post victories on the road.

Kawempe Muslim remain the only perfect team in the League after posting yet another comprehensive victory.

The Valley Warriors brushed aside Wakiso Hill at St. Mary’s Stadium, Kitende on Sunday with a 3-0 win.

The goals came from Agnes Nabukenya, Sumaya Nabbuto and Hadijjah Nandago.

The result meant Kawempe Muslim took an early lead at the top of the table with six points from two games.

Kampala Queens managed to snatch a hard fought 1-0 win over She Corporate FC on Saturday thanks to Shamirah Nalugya’s well taken corner kick that went straight to the back of the net.

In the other games played over the weekend, Lady Doves stunned Amus College at their own backyard, winning 3-1.

Doreen Aujat scored for Amus College but the visitors had Resty Kobusobozi, Dorcus Kwikiriza and Cecilia Apiding.

She Maroons pilled more misery on Uganda Martyrs condemning them to a second successive loss. The Prison Sentries won 2-0 with goals coming from Norah Alupo and Rachael Nassimbwa.

Jemimah Twesigye was the heroine for Makerere University as they picked a 1-0 win over FC Tooro Queens at Buhinga Stadium.

The game between Rines SS WFC and Olila High School was not played to completion and now pending a decision from the FUFA Competitions Department.

Kawempe Muslim Ladies FC began their title defence on a high note after registering a comprehensive win over Rines SS on matchday one of the 2024/25 Finance Trust Bank FUFA Women Super League.

The Valley Warriors routed Rines, 3-0 thanks to a hat trick from last season’s MVP Agnes Nabukenya.

The result ensured Kawempe laid down a marker right from the start and will be one of the favorites to win the title this season.

In the other games played on Matchday one, new comers Amus College edged Olila High School 1-0 in the Teso derby courtesy of Shafiga Tamisi’s goal.

Another new comer in She Corporate FC earned a hard fought 1-0 win over Uganda Martyrs Lubaga WFC with the solitary goal coming from Whisper Alomo.

Elsewhere, Judith Mawuwa scored a stoppage time free kick to help Wakiso Hill salavage a point against Kampala Queens who had taken the lead through new signing Shamusa Najjuma.

The Kitara derby between FC Tooro Queens and Lady Doves FC ended in a one all draw with Resty Kobusobozi scoring for Lady Doves while Imelda Kesimiire got the goal for Tooro Queens.

The encounter between Makerere University and She Maroons ended in a barren stalemate.

FUFA Competitions Department has released the Finance Trust Women Super League fixtures for the 2024/25 season.

The new season will commence on Friday, 27th September 2024 with Kampala Queens FC hosting Wakiso Hill WFC at MTN-Omondi Stadium.

Matchday One will continue on Saturday with three fixtures. Lady Doves FC will be at home to FC Tooro Queens, newly promoted teams Olila High School WFC and Amus College WFC (formerly Byafaayo Queens) will face off in Soroti while reigning Champions Kawempe Muslim Ladies FC will start their title defence at home to Rines SS WFC.

On Sunday, 29th September, Uganda Martyrs Lubaga will host She Corporate FC in Bugolobi while Makerere University WFC will play She Maroons FC.

It should be noted that the League has changed name from FUFA Women Super League to Finance Trust Women Super League, following the unveiling of Finance Trust Bank as title sponsors for both the top tier and second division.

The new season also comes with an increase in the number of teams from ten to twelve, following the promotion of She Corporate FC, Amus College WFC, FC Tooro Queens FC and Olila High School WFC.

With majority of the teams having attachments to Clubs in the StarTimes Uganda Premier League, selected fixtures have been highlighted to be played on the same day as the men’s League. This has been done in a bid to promote Women’s Football in the country.

The first round will run up to 15th December 2024 and the League will break off up to 1st February 2025 when the second round will begin.

The 2024/25 season is expected to end on 3rd May 2025.

These fixtures were drawn in line with the FUFA 2024/2025 Activity Calendar and may change due to TV Schedules and National team engagements.

Full Fixture

Women’s Football in Uganda continues to make strides and the latest landmark was registered on Thursday as FUFA announced a partnership with Finance Trust Bank.

In an event held at Finance Trust Bank Headquarters on Lumumba Avenue, Kampala, a sponsorship package worth two billion shillings was revealed.

The function was attended by FUFA President Hon. Magogo Moses Hassim and FUFA Executive Committee Member Rogers Byamukama.

Finance Trust Bank was ably represented by the Managing Director Annet Nakawunde and Executive Director Annette Kiggundu.

FUFA President was exceedingly elated about the partnership indicating the process to develop women’s football has been gradual.

“In 2013, FUFA took a painful decision to withdraw our U20 Women National Team that had eliminated South Sudan 22-0 on aggregrate. At the time, we did not have any formal Leagues and thus we decided to go back to the drawing board, created the FUFA Women Elite League first, then the FUFA Women Super League. That painful decision has bore fruits and we are grateful that we have Finance Trust Bank on board to support Women’s Football,” he stated.

“Under this partnership, Finance Trust Bank is now the title sponsor of both the Finance Trust Women Super Leaue and the Finance Trust Women’s Elite League and as FUFA we are very excited about this partnership and we believe it will to go very far in uplifting the standard of our Leagues and eventually the Women National Teams,” the President added.

Finance Trust Bank Managing Director Annet Nakawunde believes supporting Women’s Football is in line with their core principles.

“I am pleased to formally announce Finance Trust Bank’s two billion shillings sponsorship of the FUFA Women’s Football programme. Finance Trust Bank was first established in 1984 to support women in business and management to achieve their financial dreams. The bank has grown since then and today we have a network of over 35 branches supporting over half a million women across the country. We are excited to now extend our support to women in sports.” She stated before adding “We are excited to explore opportunities for women in football to join our team at Finance Trust Bank, leveraging their skills and passion to drive success both on and off the pitch.”

Under this partnership, one billion seven hundred thousand shillings (UGX 1,700,000,000) will be going directly to FUFA over a period of four years i.e. three hundred fifty million per year (350m per annum) with the rest being spent on sponsorship activation.

The 2024/25 Finance Trust Women Super League is expected to kickoff next month while the Finance Trust Women Elite League following suit.

Football is the most popular sport in the world and part of daily life for millions of men, women, boys and girls.

The beautiful game creates unique experiences, promotes the values of respect, fairness, fun, inclusion and team building.

However, the game has increasingly been exposed to risks of abuse, with consequences that can last a lifetime.

It is upon this background that FIFA is coming up with proactive action to protect people from harm or abuse through appropriate prevention and response measures and promoting their wellbeing.

Training sessions have been held where CAF and 23 Safeguarding officers from a number of African Member Associations including Uganda attended the successful first edition of the FIFA Safeguarding Summit  held between 25th-30th October 2023 at the FIFA Headquarters in Zurich, Switzerland. All 23 of CAF’s Member Associations’ Safeguarding Officers graduated from the FIFA Safeguarding Sport Diploma – a 24-month programme designed to equip participants with the necessary skills and knowledge of safeguarding in football.  

Equally FUFA, the football governing body in Uganda shares similar sentiments and doing everything possible to identify and address risks in order to prevent any kind of harm or abuse from happening such as physical, sexual, emotional abuse, neglect, trafficking and exploitation. The programme will be supported by FIFA and CAF for its Member Associations.

The Federation has called clubs both in the FUFA Women Super League and FUFA Women Elite League to nominate Safeguarding Officers.

The nominated individuals will be responsible for ensuring that female footballers have a safe environment to live and play football.

The roles of Safeguarding Officers will be;

1- To implement Safeguarding policies and procedures.

2- To report any concerns or incidents.

3- To provide support and guidance to players, staff and officials.

4- To collaborate with FUFA in making sure there is compliance.

Each club is required to nominate a suitable candidate and provide their information to FUFA on safeguarding@fufauganda.com by Friday, 19th July 2024 (deadline).

The nominees will be trained by FIFA certified Safeguarding trainers Sarah Birungi and Phiona Nsubuga Namutebi.

She Corporate FC are the Winners of the 2023/24 FUFA Women Elite League after edging Olila High School WFC in the final on Saturday at Standard High School Zzana, Ndejje campus.

The Sharks overcame Olila 6-5 on penalties after a closely contested game ended goalless in normal time.

She Corporate had several scoring chances in normal time but failed to put them away but eventually claimed the coveted title after a tense penalty shootout.

The game was watched by FUFA 1st Vice President Justus Mugisha who also officiated the crowning ceremony alongside FUFA Executive Committee Member Rogers Mulindwa.

In the shootout, Grace Nassongo was the only player who failed to convert for She Corporate while Marion Amangat and Esther Aanyu missed on Olila’s side.

Penalty Shootout Summary

Eunice Ariokot – Olila HS WFC – Scored

Grace Nassongo- She Corporate FC – Missed

Dorcus Lwalisa – Olila HS WFC – Scored

Stella Musibika – She Corporate FC -Scored

Mary Lotyang – Olila HS WFC -Scored

Anita Arinda – She Corporate FC – Scored

Marion Amangat – Olila HS WFC -Missed

Spencer Nakacwa – She Corporate FC – Scored

Doreen Apio – Olila HS WFC – Scored

Brenda Munyana – She Corporate FC – Scored

Oliver Adong – Olila HS WFC -Scored

Lucy Fiona Atono – She Corporate FC- Scored

Esther Aanyu -Olila HS WFC – Missed

Joweria Nagadya – She Corporate FC- Scored

In the third place playoff, Byafaayo Queens defeated FC Tooro Queens 2-0 courtersy of Shayline Opisa’s brace. This meant the Bukedea based side sealed the third promotional slot to FUFA Women Super League.

Individual Awards

Fair Play Award – FC Tooro Queens FC

Golden Glove – Esther Akite (Olila HS WFC)

Golden Boot – Shayline Opisa

MVP – Dorcus Lwalisa

Kawempe Muslim Ladies FC are the Champions of the 2023/24 FUFA Super League season after overcoming Kampala Queens FC on the final day of the season.

In the game played on Sunday at the Kawempe Muslim Valley Ground and watched by a mammoth crowd, the hosts earned a 2-0 win to clinch the title.

An impressive number of fans turned up to bear witness of the fine finish to what has been a closely contested season.

FUFA EXCO Member Ronnie Kalema was the guest of honour and also oversaw the crowning moment to the Champions.

Other dignitaries included FUFA CEO Edgar Watson, FUFA Deputy CEO-Football Decolas Kiiza, Uganda Women Football Associtation (UWFA) Chairperson Margret Kubingi and Crested Cranes coach Sheryl Botes among others.

The first half saw Kampala Queens dominate in the opening exchanges but could not find the breakthrough.

Hadijjah Babirye had the ball in the back of the net after 15 minutes but her effort was cancelled for offside.

Both teams made changes before the break with Kawempe replacing Mary Kabaculeezi with Allen Nassaazi while Winfred Kwatulira got injured and was replaced by Asia Nakibuuka for Kampala Queens.

In the second half, the hosts came back better and indeed utilized their chances.

First, it was Agnes Nabukenya who struck home from a well taken free kick in the 67th minute.

Substitute Nassaazi doubled Kawempe’s advantage with her headed effort beating goalkeeper Daisy Nakaziro.

Victory meant Kawempe Muslim ended the season with 40 points while Kampala Queens stopped at 36 points.

This is the fifth League title for Kawempe Muslim in history, but their first since the name changed to FUFA Women Super League in 2019.

Individual Accolades

Most Valuable Player – Agnes Nabukenya (Kawempe Muslim Ladies FC)

Top Scorer – Agnes Nabukenya (Kawempe Muslim Ladies FC) and Sharon Namatovu (Makerere University WFC) – 10 Goals

Best Goalkeeper – Juliet Adeke (Kawempe Muslim Ladies FC)

Fair Play Award – She Maroons FC

Team Uganda (Kawempe Muslim Secondary School) have qualified for the semi final stage in the girls category at the on-going CAF Schools Football Championship in Zanzibar.

After picking a draw against South Africa in their first game on Tuesday, Team Uganda was ruthless on Wednesday, securing two wins against Togo and The Gambia to top Group B.

The identical 2-0 wins registered against each of the two aforementioned teams and the goalless draw against ensured Uganda topped the Group with 7 points, while South African finished second with 5 points.

In the first game today, Shadia Nabirye and Cynthia Kirenga scored a goal each against Togo.

Nabirye was once again on the scoreboard alongside Berinda Hope Nabawanuka in the game against The Gambia.

The Girls will now face Morocco at the semi final stage on Thursday.

Ayub Kiyingi Khalifa, head coach of Uganda was happy for his team picking maximum points from the two games.

”I am happy that we have progressed to the semifinals. We just need technical motivation of the girls mostly infornt as we head to the knock out stage,” he said.

Shadia Nabirye the team captain praised her side for being clinical in every game and promised to score more goals.

The Champions will recieve a cash prize of USD 300 000 prize money, runners-up each receiving USD 200 000, and the third placed team USD 150 000, courtesy of CAF’s partnership with the Motsepe Foundation.

The Amaani Stadium in Zanzibar witnessed an electrifying match today morning as Uganda and South Africa played out a draw in their CAF African Schools Championship opener.

Shadia Nabirye put Uganda ahead in the 4th minute, and the team dominated the first half with several scoring opportunities but could not add to their lead.

South Africa’s Rithabile Molefe came close to equalizing in the 25th minute, but goalkeeper Huda Ayikoru made a crucial save.

However, South Africa was awarded a penalty in the 36th minute, which Molefe converted to level the score.

Ayub Khalifa, Team Uganda’s Head Coach believes the team will perform better in the upcoming games.

“It’s unfortunate that we didn’t win this game, but we shall try to win our upcoming games.” Ayub Khalifa, Head Coach Kawempe Muslim Secondary School stated.

Kawempe Muslim faces Togo on Wednesday (tomorrow) at 9:00 am, while South Africa takes on Gambia at the same time.

Uganda’s final group fixture against Gambia is scheduled for 11:00 am tomorrow, with a spot in the semi-finals on the line.

Uganda U17 Women’s National Team journey in the FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup Qualifiers came to an agonizing end on Friday at St. Mary’s Stadium Kitende.

Teen Cranes won the return leg 1-0 today but a 2-0 defeat in the first leg meant, Zambia progressed to the final qualification phase.

Sylvia Kabene scored the lone goal of the game with her strike coming in the 73rd minute.

Before the start of the game, a momentum of silence was observed in honor of the Late Coach Fred Kajoba who passed on early this week.

Right from kickoff, Uganda proved the better side and made several inroads in order to score an early goal.

Agnes Nabukenya set up Kabene in the 20th minute but the latter failed to shot on target.

Moments later, she had a one on one opportunity at goal but she shot direct at Zambian goalkeeper Mwila Chisala Mufunte.

The first half ended goalless but Uganda kept surging forward and eventually got the breakthrough 17 minutes from time.

Kabene fought through three defenders before scoring from a rebound to give Ugandan fans hope.

There were further chances for Uganda inside the closing stages but the much needed composure in front of goal was lacking.

Uganda U17 Starting XI
Lillian Nakiirya (GK), Charity Katusiime, Agnes Nabukenya, Shadia Nabirye, Desire Katisi Natooro (C), Esther Nangendo, Sylvia Kabene, Dorine Aujat, Faridah Namirimu, Ritah Anitah Nambuusi, Joyce Kainza

Substitutes
Angella Adeke (GK), Bethany Kaluya, Mariam Namataka, Bushira Muhammad Nalunkuuma, Tamisi Shafiga, Fahima Babirye, Vanessa Namazzi

Zambia U17 Starting XI
Mwila Chisala Mufunte (GK), Nana Malanda, Blessing Maluba, Bwalya Namute Chileshe, Zangose Blessing Zulu (C), Nkaka Natasha, Margret Gondwe, Ruth Mukoma, Saliya Mwana, Ruth Muwowo, Mary Mukupa

Substitutes
Eunice Mutonyi, Harriet Angela Matipa, Mercy Chipasula, Eunice Doreen Bwalya, Cynthia Mushili, Taonga Mubanga