26 October 2023 | Crested Cranes

The Crested Cranes of Uganda started their journey to the Paris 2024 Olympic Games with a hard-fought 2-0 win against Cameroon at the Fufa Technical Center in Njeru.

Catherine Nagadya and Fazila Ikwaput were on target for the hosts in either half of the first competitive match handled by interim head coach Charles Ayeikoh.

In the tenth minute of the game, Nagadya gave Crested Cranes the lead. The Kampala Queens forward followed up on Shamirah Nalugya's freekick that was spilt by the Cameroon goalkeeper and Nagadya made no mistake with the rebound.

The hosts came close again in the 26th minute after skipper Fauzia Najjemba was fouled on a sole counterattack. Sumaiyah Komuntale swung in the resultant freekick that was nodded by skipper Fauzia Najjemba in Shamirah Nalugya's path but the big midfielder couldn't find the target.

At the half-hour mark, Cameroon awarded a penalty after Joan Nabirye was judged to have fouled following a foul on Kevin Osobo. However, Vanessa Karungi stood big in goal saving Ajara Njoya's kick and the Cameroon skipper skied the rebound.

After the break, Karungi made a save at the near post in the 60th minute as Cameroon raised the intensity in search of the equaliser.

Fazila Ikwaput got her name on the scoresheet, doubling the lead for Uganda with 15 minutes to play. Following good interplay with Najjembe on the left, the Crested Cranes skipper left her marker behind before setting up Ikwaput whose first shot was blocked before getting a second bite that she took after Nagadya and Nalugya's efforts were blocked too.

Crested Cranes' back line stayed solid to take a two-goal lead to the return leg that will be played in a week's time.

Crested Cranes XI: Vanessa Karungi, Justine Najjuko, Sumayah Komuntale, Shadia Nankya, Joan Nabirye, Zaitun Namaganda (Bridget Nabisaru), Phiona Nabbumba, Shamirah Nalugya, Fazila Ikwaput, Catherine Nagadya (Elizabeth Nakigozi) and Fauzia Najjemba (C)

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