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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 that started against Cameroon

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)

Charles Ayiekoh Lukula officially started business with the Crested Cranes ahead of the 2024 Paris Olympic Games qualifiers.

Uganda will host Cameroon in the first leg of the qualifiers at FUFA Technical Centre, Njeru on Thursday, October 26, 2023.

Ayiekoh was appointed on an interim basis that will last for a month but the result against Cameroon will be vital in making a decision on whether the contract is made permanent or not.

Preparations Start

The preparations ahead of the doubleheader against Cameroon have kicked started with 18 players turning up for the first training at MTN Omondi Stadium.

However, the gaffer is confident that the numbers will increase in the coming days ahead of the clash.

“We had a very low turn up in the first training. It might be so because most of the ladies had games over the weekend and so they choose to rest,” he said after a training session at MTN Omondi Stadium.

“I am happy we have started the journey ahead of Cameroon. The game will not be easy but we shall continue preparing so that we get ready,” he added.

Confident of what lies ahead

Ayiekoh is confident that he and the ladies will get the job done because he is not new in the field and he has worked with the ladies before.

“I am glad to work with the ladies once again. I know them and what they are capable of. I am not new in the field so, I together with the ladies will try to do our best.

“I am glad we play many games here in Uganda. This helps the ladies to have good fitness levels but also have a chance to better their craft.

“I want to call upon all Ugandans to support the ladies because we are going to make them proud,“ he concluded.

Shamirah Naluggya

Uganda Crested Cranes Squad

Goalkeepers

Karungi Vanessa (FC Nordasjaelland, Denmark), Nakaziro Daisy (Kampala Queens), Namakula Gloria (Kampala Queens), Adeke Juliet (Kawempe Muslim), Kaidu Sharon (Uganda martyrs HS Lubaga)

Defenders

Kobusinge Jolly (Kawempe Muslim SS LFC), Nankwanga Shakirah (Kawempe Muslim SS LFC), Nakibuuka Asia (Kampala Queens FC), Komuntale Sumaya (Kampala Queens), Nankya Shadia (UCU Lady Cardinals FC), Nabisaalu Bridget (UCU Lady Cardinals), Lwalisa Dorcus (Olila High School WFC), Akiror Patricia (Kampala Queens FC), Natooro Desire Katisi (Asubo Gafford Ladies),

Midfielders

Nabirye Joan (FC Minsk, Belarus), Nalugya Shamirah (Kampala Queens), Ndagire Josephine (Kampala Queens), Nabbumba Phiona (Boldklubben AF 1893, Denmark), Nanziri Rhoda (Kawempe Muslim SS LFC), Nababi Amina (Rines SS WFC), Namaganda Zaitun (Wakiso Hill WFC)

Forwards

Ikwaput Fazilah (Kampala Queens), Kunihira Margret (Kampala Queens), Najjemba Fauzia (ZFK Dynamo Moscow, Russia), Ainembabazi Joanitah (Simba Queens, Tanzania), Nambi Violah (Pomigliani Women, Italy), Nagadya Catherine (Kampala Queens), Namata Anitah (Vihiga Queens, Kenya), Nakigozi Elizabeth (Kampala Queens), Kivumbi Ritah (Mallbackens, Sweden), Nandede Zaina (Kampala Queens), Lilian Mutuuzo (Kampala Queens).

Charles Ayiekoh Lukula, the Crested Cranes’ interim head coach, has summoned a squad of 32 players that will regroup and start preparations for the CAF 2024 Olympic Games Qualifiers.

Crested Cranes are set to take on the Lionesses of Cameroon in the second round of the qualifiers having eliminated Rwanda at the first round.

Uganda will host the first leg on 26th October at the FUFA Technical Centre in Njeru with the return leg to be played five days later in Douala, Cameroon.

Ayiekoh who is steering the senior women’s National team on a one-month interim basis named five goalkeepers, nine defenders, seven midfielders and 11 forwards.

Notably missing from the squad are forwards Hasifa Nassuna and Sandra Nabweteme as well as goalkeeper Ruth Aturo.

Full Summoned Squad

Goalkeepers

Defenders

Midfielders

Strikers

The Federation of Uganda Football Association (FUFA) has appointed an interim Technical Team for the Uganda Senior Women’s National Football Team, Crested Cranes.

According to the federation, the interim period is a month.

Charles Ayiekoh Lukula has been appointed the head coach and will be assisted by Eric Ndifuna and Olive Mbekeka.

Ayiekoh has vast experience in women’s football having coached She Corporate and Tanzanian side Simba Queens.

The other members of the technical team are; Stephen Kigundu (Goalkeeping Coach), Felix Ayobo (Fitness Trainer), Mable Kabatalindwa (Team Doctor) and Darlian Kyasiimire (Physiotherapist).

The technical team has been tasked to start work with immediate effect by handling activities around the Crested Cranes.

Crested Cranes will face Cameroon this month in the Qualifiers for the 2024 Paris Olympics and the appointed technical team will summon the squad to enter the camp later this week.

Crested Cranes star forward Juliet Nalukenge is back in action after nearly a year out.

The former Kawempe Muslim WFC star had been out since November last year after sustaining a knee injury that was followed by surgery.

Nalukenge who plies her trade with Apollon Ladies Football Club in Cyprus was sent on in the last ten minutes of the match against Aris Limassol.

“I have spent the past months thinking about this moment, the day I would return to the field of play. I’m very delighted to play again. It’s been a tough journey to recovery but God is great!” Nalukenge said through her social media account.

Nalukenge’s Apollon Ladies FC whitewashed Aris Limassol 5-0 in the Limassol Derby at Yermasoyia Stadium.

Apollon Ladies will play Omonia Nicosia on Saturday, 7th October before playing Benfica on Wednesday 11th October in the Champions League.

Uganda Women’s National Football team, Crested Cranes, suffered a major blow after their journey to the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.

After being part of last year’s continental tournament, Crested Cranes were seeking a third appearance at the grand stage but Algeria halted the dream.

Uganda was held by Algeria in a one-all draw at Stade Olympic D’oran in a night fiesta on Tuesday.

Three minutes into the game, Naima Bouhani gave the hosts a lead through a simple finish at the far post.

Uganda fought back in search for a leveller but it could not come in the first 45 minutes.

Six minutes past half an hour mark, Fauzia Najjemba pulled back one from the spot after she was fouled in the dangerous zone.

Due to the 2-1 loss in the first leg at Njeru, Uganda’s journey came to an end retrieving with a 3-2 victory for Algeria on aggregate.

Algeria will face Burundi in the next and final stage.

How they lined up

Algeria XI: N’gazi Chloe (GK), Belkhiter Morgane, Khezami Roselene, Guellati Sofia, Chebel Imane, Dafeur Marine, Oulo Braham Amira, Boussaha Lina, Boutaleb Ines, Bouhenni Naima, Batouri Shana

Uganda XI: Vanessa Karungi (GK), Asia Nakibuka, Shadia Nankya, Phiona Nabbumba, Sumaya Komuntale, Joan Nabirye, Hasifa Nassuna, Sandra Nabweteme, Violah Nambi, Joanitah Ainembabazi, Fauzia Najjemba