Friendly Match | Result

• DRC 1-2 Uganda

Crested Cranes secured a 2-1 victory against Demecratic Republic of Congo in a Friendly Match played in Kinshasha.

Fazila Ikwaput and Sylivia Kabene were on target as Uganda claimed the bragging rights.

Ikwaput fired the Crested Cranes in the lead after 22 minutes ensured that Uganda go into the break with a narrow margin.

Congo restored parity in the second half after finding an equaliser which pumped up the home side.

Kabene reclaimed Uganda’s lead in the 77th minute. The youngster was quick to slice the ball into the back of the net.

Despite, Congo’s hardwork and fight to return into the game it hardly yielded a positive take.

The two sides will face off again in the second friendly on Wednesday, October 30.

Uganda Women’s Football National team (Crested Cranes) has departed to Democratic Republic of Congo.

The Crested Cranes travelling squad is made up of 20 players, as confirmed by the head coach Sheryl Botes.

Uganda will take Democratic Republic of Congo in two friendlies scheduled for Sunday, October 27, and Wednesday, October 30.

Both games will be played in Kinshasa as Crested Cranes seek to sharpen their tools ahead of the Women Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.

The team has held training for a week in preparations of the forthcoming two games.

The team welcomes new faces and young faces as Botes looks forward to building a new but strong national side to compete at a bigger stage.

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)

Maureen Kimono, a Kampala Queens player is excited after receiving her first call up on the national women’s team.

The defender is part of the squad of 38 players that is preparing for two friendlies against Democratic Republic of Congo.

“I am so happy to be sermoned on the provisional national team of the Crested Cranes,” she stated.

“I am excited to work with this team and all the coaches here. I want to work so hard so that am among the travelling team,” she added.

“I encourage all players across the country to work so hard because the national team is open for anyone who meets the coach’s requirements.”

The two friendly games will be played on Sunday, October 27th and 30th.

The games aim at shaping the team ahead of the CECAFA Women’s Championship slated for November in Ethiopia.

The Crested Cranes Provisional Squad

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)

Crested Cranes head coach Sheryl Botes has named the final squad to play Morocco in two friendlies early next month.

Uganda is set to play Morocco on Friday, December 1 at Le Mardi Stadium, Casablanca before they meet again on Tuesday, December 5 at Stade Moulay El Hassan, Rabat.

The two encounters will be Botes’ first tests since taking over office to reshape and build a strong Crested Cranes side.

Botes was employed on a three-year employment contract and among her wishes was to ensure that the Women’s side kept engaged to get better.

Among the notable misses on the squad are forward Fazila Ikwaput and midfielder Shamirah Nalugya who are sidelined due to injuries.

The squad is expected to depart on Tuesday evening (5:30 PM).

The friendlies are meant to improve the quality of the squad and also increase the exposure of the whole contingent at large.

Travelling Squad

Goalkeepers: Daisy Nakaziro (Kampala Queens FC, Uganda), Gloria Namakula (Kampala Queens FC, Uganda), Proscovia Adongo (She Maroons FC, Uganda)

Defenders: Shadia Nankya (UCU Lady Cardinals FC, Uganda), Bridget Nabisaalu (UCU Lady Cardinals FC, Uganda), Desire Katisi Natooro (Asubo Ladies FC, Uganda), Jolly Kobusinge (Kawempe Muslim Ladies FC, Uganda), Shakirah Nankwanga (Kawempe Muslim Ladies FC, Uganda), Justine Najjuko Kizza (She Maroons FC, Uganda), Sumaya Komuntale (Kampala Queens FC, Uganda)

Midfielders: Phiona Nabbumba (Boldklubben AF 1893, Denmark), Joan Nabirye (FK Minsk, Belarus), Jackline Adong (She Maroons FC, Uganda), Zaitun Namaganda (Wakiso Hill WFC, Uganda), Viola Nambi (Pomigliano CF, Italy)

Forwards: Fauzia Najjemba ( ZFK Dynamo Moscow, Russia), Catherine Nagadya (Kampala Queens FC, Uganda), Zaina Nandede (Kampala Queens FC, Uganda), Amina Nababi (Rines SS WFC, Uganda), Joanitah Ainembabazi (Simba Queens FC, Tanzania), Lillian Kasuubo (She Maroons FC, Uganda), Kamiyati Naigaga (Asubo Ladies FC, Uganda)

Crested Cranes head coach Sheryl Botes explains the great need for Uganda to engage in more trial games with better teams.

This comes shortly after the Crested Cranes’ failure to qualify for the upcoming Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).

After today’s training session at MTN Omondi Stadium, Lugogo the South African gaffer highlighted that the upcoming friendlies will improve the quality of the squad at large.

“The friendlies against Morocco will help us test some players. It’s evident that some players have improved but even in the practice match the squad looked better,” Botes highlighted.

“But there is still much to do about our game and how I would like us to play. That is why the friendlies against Morocco is very important,” he added.

Botes further noted that the team should mind more about growth and learning than minding results.

“It’s not all about winning or losing but also allowing the learning process to take place so that we build a team for the future.

“We have a young team but there is much that needs to be invested in them. Going forward we need to improve and ensure that we get better.”

Uganda is set to take on Morocco on December 1 and 5 in trial games as Botes further analyses her troops after getting into office.

The Uganda Women’s National Team, Crested Cranes, will play two friendly games against Morocco in December.

FUFA confirmed the development via its official website on Tuesday, November 21, 2023.

“The Crested Cranes will have two friendly games against Morocco in the upcoming international break,” the statement partly read.

Crested Cranes will take on Morocco on Friday, December 1 at Le Mardi Stadium, Casablanca before the second game is played on Tuesday, December 5 at Stade Moulay El Hassan in Rabat.

In the same spirit, Crested Cranes head coach Sheryl Botes has summoned a provisional squad of 31 players.

The summoned players are set to enter camp at Cranes Paradise Hotel in Kisasi on Thursday, November 23.

Provisional Squad

Goalkeepers: Daisy Nakaziro (Kampala Queens FC, Uganda), Hadijah Nalongo (UCU Lady Cardinals FC, Uganda), Gloria Namakula (Kampala Queens FC, Uganda), Proscovia Adongo (She Maroons FC, Uganda)

Defenders: Shadia Nankya (UCU Lady Cardinals FC, Uganda), Bridget Nabisaalu (UCU Lady Cardinals FC, Uganda), Desire Katisi Natooro (Asubo Ladies FC, Uganda), Jolly Kobusinge (Kawempe Muslim Ladies FC, Uganda), Shakirah Nankwanga (Kawempe Muslim Ladies FC, Uganda), Justine Najjuko Kizza (She Maroons FC, Uganda), Samalie Nakacwa (Kampala Queens FC, Uganda), Asia Nakibuuka (Kampala Queens FC, Uganda), Dorcus Lwalisa (Olila High School WFC, Uganda)

Midfielders: Phiona Nabbumba (Boldklubben AF 1893, Denmark), Joan Nabirye (FK Minsk, Belarus), Sarah Nakuya (Asubo Ladies FC, Uganda), Jackline Adong (She Maroons FC, Uganda), Zaitun Namaganda (Wakiso Hill WFC, Uganda), Viola Nambi (Pomigliano C.F., Italy), Rhoda Nanziri (Kawempe Muslim Ladies FC, Uganda), Elizabeth Nakigozi (Kampala Queens FC, Uganda), Lillian Mutuuzo (Kampala Queens FC, Uganda)

Forwards: Fazila Ikwaput (Kampala Queens FC, Uganda), Fauzia Najjemba ( ZFK Dynamo Moscow, Russia), Catherine Nagadya (Kampala Queens FC, Uganda), Zaina Nandede (Kampala Queens FC, Uganda), Amina Nababi (Rines SS WFC, Uganda), Barbara Adweru (She Corporate FC, Uganda), Joanitah Ainembabazi (Simba Queens FC, Tanzania), Lillian Kasuubo (She Maroons FC, Uganda), Kamiyati Naigaga (Asubo Ladies FC, Uganda)

The Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA) has unveiled Sheryl Botes as the new Crested Cranes’ head coach.

FUFA confirmed the appointment of the Botes during a press conference held at FUFA House in Mengo on Wednesday, November 15.

FUFA has awarded Botes with three-year employment with an assignment to take the Crested Cranes to the next level.

During the press conference, Botes assured that she is ready for the assignment and that she will do all it takes to improve Crested Cranes.

“I am looking forward to this journey and I want to make a commitment that there will be an improvement in the way we play football,” Botes said.

“The main objective is to make sure that the Crested Cranes becomes one of the most competitive teams in Africa. We want to compete in every competition so that we become a winning nation once again,” she added.

The gaffer is expected to take over all the National Women’s Teams including the Junior sides hence allowing her to have a clear image of women’s football in the country.

Botes comes with impressive experience after handling the South Africa U-20 National Team. She also holds the CAF A and SAFA Pro coaching certificates.

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.

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).

Uganda Women’s National Team Crested Cranes coach Ayub Khalifa has named the travelling squad comprising 20 players.

However, the names on the sheet have left the football fraternity in deep discussions after notable names missing out on the list.

Among the notable names dropped is Crested Cranes captain and former UCU Lady Cardinals goalkeeper Ruth Aturo.

Reports indicate Aturo is nursing a painful shoulder and she will be excused to allow smooth and quick recovery.

On the travelling squad, the coach has named Vannessa Edith Karungi, Daisy Nakaziro and Gloria Namakula as the three goalkeepers.

The other player who attracted the attention of women football enthusiasts is Simba SC’s midfielder Riticia Nabbosa. In the recently concluded game against Algeria, Nabbosa was called off the field as the coach made his first change of the game.

The squad will travel on Saturday morning aboard Turkish Airlines.

Uganda suffered a narrow 2-1 loss to Algeria and will seek to overturn the result so that the Crested Cranes return to WAFCON next year.

Travelling Squad

Goalkeepers
Daisy Nakaziro, Vanessa Edith Karungi, Gloria Namakula

Defenders
Asia Nakibuuka, Jolly Kobusinge, Sumaya Komuntale, Shadia Nankya, Aisha Nantongo, Shakirah Nankwanga

Midfielders
Joan Nabirye, Hasifah Nassuna, Phiona Nabbumba, Aminah Nababi

Forwards
Fauzia Najjemba, Fazila Ikwaput, Catherine Nagadya, Joanita Ainembabazi, Viola Nambi, Margret Kunihira, Sandra Nabweteme

• 2024 WAFCON Qualifiers | Results
• Wednesday, September 20, 2023
• Uganda 1-2 Algeria

Uganda Women’s National Team, Crested Cranes, fell to Algeria in a 2-1 loss in the 2024 WAFCON Qualifiers at FUFA Technical Centre, Njeru on Wednesday evening.

It was a tight second half as both sides limited space hence keeping the ball glued in the middle park.

Fazila Ikwaput tried to widen to field of play but she was outpaced by her marker limiting her runs on the right flank.

In the 47th minute, Morgan Belkhiter curled in a chilly corner kick for Imane Chebel to node home despite being surrounded by a forest of bodies.

Three minutes later, Inter Millan forward Habiba Gouthia beat Crested Cranes defender Shadia Nankya after a quick turn before she released a powerful effort for Algeria’s second.

Bouhani Naima guided the ball into the net after Crested Cranes custodian Vanessa Karungi fumbled with a cross but the goal was cancelled after an offside call.

With three minutes left on the clock, Aminah Nababi was pulled back in a dangerous area by Emma Sabrina, and Crested Cranes were awarded a penalty.

Fauzia Najjemba pulled one back for the Crested Cranes from the 12-yard mark to give Uganda hope going into the second leg.

The two sides will meet in the return leg on Tuesday, September 26 to decide who goes into the final lap of the qualification.

How Uganda lined up

Crested Cranes XI: Vanessa Karungi (GK), Phiona Nabbumba, Sumaya Komuntale, Shadia Nankya, Aisha Nantongo, Joan Nabirye, Riticia Nabbosa, Hasifah Nassuna, Fazila Ikwaput, Sandra Nabweteme, Fauzia Najjemba