2024 WAFCON Preview | Fixture

• Uganda vs Algeria

Uganda Women’s National Team Crested Cranes will be taking on the assignment of Algeria in the 2024 WAFCON Qualifiers.

The two sides will lock horns at the FUFA Technical Centre, Njeru on Wednesday, September 20, 2023.

After squeezing past Rwanda, the Crested Cranes have to deal with Algeria to go to the final round of the qualification stage.

While talking in the Press Conference ahead of the Algeria clash, Crested Cranes head coach Ayub Khalifa expressed readiness for the game.

“We have trained well and we are ready for the game,” Khalifa told the press in the press conference at Njeru.

“We are facing a good side which ranks miles above us. They rank 10th and that gives them confidence going into the game. But it’s not upon us to mind them but rather prepare ourselves,” he added.

“Yes we have faced a few challenges but as a coach I have talked to the ladies and I have asked them to keep calm and play for the team.”

“I want to assure all the fans that there is nothing that will halt us from picking a victory against Algeria,” he concluded.

The team welcomes a number of professionals who are expected to add quality and give the Khalifa more options ahead of the game against Algeria.

The Crested Cranes will be glad to return home having played both its previous games against Rwanda in Rwanda.

Head to head

In the last three games, Uganda has one only two games while Algeria has won all its previous games.

Rwanda 0-0 Uganda
Uganda 3-3 Rwanda
Uganda 3-1 Tanzania

Algeria 4-0 Tanzania
Algeria 3-0 Tanzania
Senegal 4-0 Algeria

Crested Cranes assistant coach Ayub Khalifa will be placed in a world of thought after learning that five of the members of the called-up squad will not make it.

The five players set not to join the camp are Hadijah Nandago, Samalie Nakacwa, Phionah Nabulime, Shamirah Nalugya and Tracy Akiror.

However, after today’s morning training session at the FUFA Technical Centre, Njeru the gaffer exhibited confidence noting he will work with the rest of the ladies.

“Our numbers have been reduced due to players who asked to withdraw so that they settle onto their books while the other is injured,” Khalifa to the press after a training session.

“Among the girls who request to concentrate on their books are Hadija Nandago, Samalie Nakacwa, and Phionah Nabulime who are candidates in Senior Six. The other people who will not make it to the camp are Shamirah Nalugya who is injured as well as Tracy Akiror who is putting her papers right,” he added.

It’s clear that the roaster will weaken by reducing the options from which the coach can choose due to the absence of the five but Khalifa is confident going forward.

“We shall miss them but the remaining options will be fit to take on the assignment at hand. Looking at it from where we come from, it’s crucial for the girls to prepare well ahead of their forthcoming examinations as they set a strong foundation for their future.

“We have had a good training session ahead of Algeria in the clash that gives us a ticket to WAFCON next year. We are doing all it takes to see that the girls’ fitness levels improve. We surely need their services but cannot attempt to neglect their education. So we shall stick to the remaining players,” he concluded.

Crested Cranes Provisional Squad

Goalkeepers
Ruth Aturo (Vihiga Queens FC, Kenya), Vanessa Edith Karungi (FC Nordsjaelland, Denmark), Daisy Nakaziro(Kampala Queens FC, Uganda), Sharon Kaidu (Uganda Martyrs Ladies FC, Uganda)

Defenders
Jolly Kobusinge (Kawempe Muslim Ladies FC, Uganda), Asia Nakibuuka (Kampala Queens FC, Uganda), Sumaya Komuntale (Kampala Queens FC, Uganda), Samalie Nakacwa (Kampala Queens FC, Uganda), Shakira Nankwanga (Kawempe Muslim Ladies FC, Uganda), Shadia Nankya (UCU Lady Cardinals FC, Uganda), Bridget Nabisaalu (UCU Lady Cardinals FC, Uganda), Dorcus Lwalisa ( Olila High School WFC, Uganda), Patricia Akiror (Kampala Queens FC, Uganda), Desire Katisi Natooro (She Kataka FC, Uganda), Aisha Nantongo (Aalborg BK, Denmark)

Midfielders
Joan Nabirye (FK Minsk, Belarus), Phiona Nabbumba (B93 FC, Denmark), Phionah Nabulime (Kawempe Muslim Ladies FC, Uganda), Josephine Nandigire (Makerere University WFC, Uganda), Ritica Nabbosa (Simba Queens FC, Tanzania), Shakirah Nyinagahirwa (Kampala Queens FC, Uganda), Shamirah Nalugya (Kampala Queens FC, Uganda), Hasifah Nassuna (Kampala Queens FC, Uganda), Hadijah Nandago (Kampala Queens FC, Uganda), Rhoda Nanziri (Kawempe Muslim Ladies FC, Uganda), Tracy Jones Akiror (AFC Ann Arbor, USA)

Forwards
Fazila Ikwaput (Kampala Queens FC, Uganda), Sandra Nabweteme (Kdz. Ereğli Belediye Spor, Turkey), Fauzia Najjemba (ZFK Dynamo Moscow, Russia), Joanita Ainembabazi (Simba Queens FC, Tanzania), Catherine Nagadya (Kampala Queens FC, Uganda), Elizabeth Nakigozi (Kampala Queens FC, Uganda), Anita Namata (Vihiga Queens FC, Kenya), Amina Nababi (Rines SS WFC, Uganda), Margaret Kunihira (Kampala Queens FC, Uganda), Viola Nambi (Pomigliano FC, Italy)

Uganda Senior Women’s Football National Team head coach Ayub Khalifa Kiyingi has called up 36 players ahead of the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) Qualifiers.

In Uganda’s way to WAFCON, lies Algeria in the first round of the qualifiers.

The two sides will face in a two-legged clash to see who goes to play WAFCON next year.

Uganda will be home for the first leg on Saturday, September 16 at FUFA Technical Centre, Njeru.

The return leg will be played in the city of Algiers a week later.

After playing at the continental level last year in Morocco, Uganda will attempt to repeat the achievement come next year.

The winner between the two sides will play the victor between Burundi and Ethiopia at the final stage of the qualification.

Crested Cranes Provisional Squad

Goalkeepers
Ruth Aturo (Vihiga Queens FC, Kenya), Vanessa Edith Karungi (FC Nordsjaelland, Denmark), Daisy Nakaziro(Kampala Queens FC, Uganda), Sharon Kaidu (Uganda Martyrs Ladies FC, Uganda)

Defenders
Jolly Kobusinge (Kawempe Muslim Ladies FC, Uganda), Asia Nakibuuka (Kampala Queens FC, Uganda), Sumaya Komuntale (Kampala Queens FC,Uganda), Samalie Nakacwa (Kampala Queens FC, Uganda), Shakira Nankwanga (Kawempe Muslim Ladies FC, Uganda), Shadia Nankya (UCU Lady Cardinals FC, Uganda), Bridget Nabisaalu (UCU Lady Cardinals FC, Uganda), Dorcus Lwalisa ( Olila High School WFC, Uganda), Patricia Akiror (Kampala Queens FC, Uganda), Desire Katisi Natooro (She Kataka FC, Uganda), Aisha Nantongo (Aalborg BK, Denmark)

Midfielders
Joan Nabirye (FK Minsk, Belarus), Phiona Nabbumba (B93 FC, Denmark), Phionah Nabulime (Kawempe Muslim Ladies FC, Uganda), Josephine Nandigire (Makerere University WFC, Uganda), Ritica Nabbosa (Simba Queens FC, Tanzania), Shakirah Nyinagahirwa (Kampala Queens FC, Uganda), Shamirah Nalugya (Kampala Queens FC, Uganda), Hasifah Nassuna (Kampala Queens FC, Uganda), Hadijah Nandago (Kampala Queens FC, Uganda), Rhoda Nanziri (Kawempe Muslim Ladies FC, Uganda), Tracy Jones Akiror (AFC Ann Arbor, USA)

Forwards
Fazila Ikwaput (Kampala Queens FC, Uganda), Sandra Nabweteme (Kdz. Ereğli Belediye Spor, Turkey), Fauzia Najjemba (ZFK Dynamo Moscow, Uganda), Joanita Ainembabazi (Simba Queens FC, Tanzania), Catherine Nagadya (Kampala Queens FC, Uganda), Elizabeth Nakigozi (Kampala Queens FC, Uganda), Anita Namata (Vihiga Queens FC, Kenya), Amina Nababi (Rines SS WFC, Uganda), Margaret Kunihira (Kampala Queens FC, Uganda), Viola Nambi (Pomigliano FC, Italy)

• 2024 Olympic Women’s Football Qualifiers
• Wednesday, July 12, 2023
• Uganda 3-3 Rwanda

Uganda’s Crested Cranes and Rwanda shared spoils in a 3-3 stalemate in the first leg of the 2024 Women Olympics Football Qualifiers at Pele Stadium, Kigali on Wednesday evening.

Both sides exhibited a poor show in their backline as they gave away very avoidable goals.

In the sixth minute, Fauzia Najjemba had the chance to put Uganda ahead but she struck wide with the goal at her mercy.

Minutes later, Margaret Kunihira and Sandra Nabweteme combined to hurt She Amavubi but the latter’s first touch was far from required.

Najjemba was fouled in the box but the centre referee placed the ball on the edge of the box indicating it was a freekick instead.

In the 33rd minute, Florence Mukahirwa’s effort guided the ball past the Crested Cranes’ custodian Ruth Aturo to put She Amavumbi ahead.

As the first stanza neared the end, Shakirah Nyinagahirwa restored parity through a stunner that was pulled off through a long-range shot.

Seven minutes into the second half, Najjemba was tripped in the dangerous area by She Amavumbi’s custodian Angeline Ndakimana resulting into a penalty for Uganda. Hassifah Nassuna stepped up to the occasion and smartly converted from the 12-yard mark.

In the 68th minute, Libelle Nibagirwe gave the Rwandan crowd something to smile about after Aturo failed to calculate a powerful direct freekick.

Lethal forward Fazila Ikwaput came off the bench to restore Uganda’s lead. It was Ikwaput’s first touch as she directed Samalie Nakacwa’s delivery into an empty net.

In no minute, Aisha Natongo gifted Usanase Zawadi who converted from close range to level matters once again.

The two sides will meet in the second leg of the tie on Sunday, July 16, 2023.

Starting XIs

Crested Cranes XI: Ruth Aturo (Gk), Samalie Nakacwa, Sumaya Komutale, Aisha Natongo, Shadia Nankya, Joan Nabirye, Hasifah Nassuna, Shakirah Nyinagahirwa, Sandra Nabweteme, Fauzia Najjemba, Margaret Kunihira.

She Amavubi XI: Angeline Ndakimana (Gk), Joselyne Mukantaganira, Lydia Usayisenga, Uwase Andersene, Mukahirwa, Gloria Nibagwire, Dorothe Mukeshimana, Uwase Umwali, Aloide Kayitesi, Florence Imanizabayo, Libelle Nigabwire

• Friday, July 7 | Friendly Game | Result
• Crested Cranes 3-1 Twiga Stars

Uganda Cranes registered a 3-1 victory against Tanzania in a friendly game played at MTN Omondi Stadium on Friday evening.

Catherine Nagadya, Fauzia Najjemba and Margaret Kunihira were on target for Crested Cranes.

In the third minute, Clement Opa placed the visiting side ahead after she was paid to her aggressiveness and willingness to win possession.

Crested Cranes custodian delayed to attack a loose ball that had bounced off defender Sandra Nankya.

Sandra Nabweteme pulled off some magic on the right flank before she released Hassifah Nassuna whose chilly effort beat Tanzania’s goalkeeper Husna Mtunda but only sailed out.

In the 22nd minute, Najjemba laid a powerful cross from the left flank and Tanzania’s Eneika Kasonga nearly directed the ball into her net.

At half an hour, Nagadya restored parity after tapping home Najjemba’s low cross.

Five minutes to the end of the first stanza, Sandra Nabweteme set up Najjemba but the forward was slow to make a decision. Her resultant effort was smartly blocked by Fatuma Issa from close range.

After recess, Crested Cranes goalkeeper and skipper Ruth Aturo paved the way for Daisy Nakaziro.

Three minutes past the hour mark, Hasifah Nassuna nearly gave the home side a lead after she passed through a forest of legs but her effort rattled off the frame.

In the 85th minute, Najjemba finally gave the home side a well-deserved lead, Tanzania’s custodian failed to punch the ball before the forward tapped into the net.

A minute later, second-half entrant Kunihira’s long ball beat the goalkeeper before it dropped into the net.

The victory will give Crested Cranes motivation ahead of their doubleheader against Rwanda in Kigali.

How they lined Up

Crested Cranes XI: Ruth Aturo (Gk), Samalie Nakacwa, Sumaya Komutale, Aisha Natongo, Shadia Nankya, Shakirah Nyinagahirwa, Shamirah Nalugya, Hasifah Nassuna, Catherine Nagadya, Fauzia Najjemba, Sandra Nabweteme

Twiga Stars XI: Husna Mtunda (Gk), Aisha Mnuka, Eneika Kasonga, Noela Luhala, Valieth Nicholaus, Fatuma Issa, Koku Kipanga, Diana Lucas, Oppa Clement Hasnat Ubamba, Winfrida Gerald

Ahead of the Women’s Olympic Football qualifiers, Crested Cranes will face off against Twiga Stars in a Friendly duel at MTN Omondi Stadium, Lugogo on Friday.

Uganda’s Women’s senior football team will use the game to sharpen their troops ahead of a tough game against Rwanda in the preliminary round of the qualifiers.

Crested Cranes assistant coach Ayub Khalifah has preached readiness ahead of the friendly duel.

“We are ready for this game and fully aware of how important it is in our preparation,” the gaffer said during the pre-match press conference.

“Having a game of such a magnitude against a very good team definitely helps us to know where we stand and what we need to improve before facing Rwanda,” he added.

Between Uganda and Rwanda, the winner on aggregate will later face Cameroon on the qualification ground.

Rwanda will have an advantage since both games will be played in Kigali but Khalifah says that should not be a reason to fear since it hardly came as a surprise.

“Yes, it’s a situation we find ourselves in as a country buts it’s not a surprise. It does not mean we should not prepare,” he underlined.

“We shall go into both games with the same spirit in order to attain our target of going to the next round.”

After the withdrawal of Congo, Tanzania progressed onto the next round where they will be playing Botswana who as well received a bye for the preliminary round.

Uganda’s Senior Women’s National Football Team, Crested Cranes, is set to play the doubleheader of the Women’s Olympic Qualifier games against Rwanda in Kigali.

On Wednesday morning FUFA via its official website, confirmed that the Crested Cranes will play both games in Kigali since the country has so stadium meeting the requirements needed by the tournament organisers.

The football governing body in Uganda FUFA confirmed the development after getting a green light from the Federation of Rwanda Football Association (FERWAFA) of the availability of the Stadium.

“The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has granted FUFA’s request to host the 1st leg of the 2024 Women’s Olympic qualifier against Rwanda at Kigali Pele Stadium,” a post on the FUFA website read.

“FUFA has already received confirmation from the Federation of Rwanda Football Association (FERWAFA) of the availability of the Stadium.”

In the same breath, FUFA Communications Director, Ahmed Hussein further went on to confirm the move.

“With the unavailability of CAF standard Stadiums for hosting matches of this magnitude, our option is to implore using venues outside the country until the Mandela National Stadium is completed,” Ahmed was quoted.

“The other option St. Mary’s stadium Kitende is not available for use as it is undergoing renovation works,” he added.

However, before the highly anticipated duel, Uganda will play against Tanzania on Friday, July 6 in a match to weigh how prepared they are ahead of the Olympics qualifiers.

The first leg between Crested Cranes and She Amavubi will see the two sides lock horns on 12th July 2023 at 5:00 pm EAT.

Preparations for the Paris 2024 Women’s Olympic Football Tournament Qualifiers are underway a provisional squad of 35 players has been called.

The summoned squad will be handled by Ayub Khalifa Kiyingi who doubles as the assistant coach of the senior team as well as the head coach of the U-20 Women’s National Team.

Khalifa is expected to work alongside Mubaraka Kiberu (goalkeeping coach) and Felix Ayobo (fitness coach) in the technical wing.

Mable Kabatalindwa (Team doctor), Joan Namusisi (Team Coordinator), and Prossy Nalwadda (Equipment Manager) will beef up the squad as backroom staff.

According to FUFA, the evaluation of the applications for the role and appointments will be confirmed soon.

The squad is expected to enter camp on Thursday, June 29 at Cranes Paradise Hotel, Kisasi. In the first round of the qualifiers, Uganda is set to face Rwanda in a doubleheader.

The Crested Cranes will host Rwanda on Tuesday, July 11, 2023, before they lock horns in a week’s time.

Crested Cranes Provisional Squad

Goalkeepers
Ruth Aturo (Alshabab FC Women, Saudi Arabia), Daisy Nakaziro (Kampala Queens FC, Uganda), Daphine Nyayenga (She Corporate FC, Uganda), Hadijah Nalongo (UCU Lady Cardinals, Uganda), Sharon Kaidu (Uganda Martyrs Lubaga WFC, Uganda)

Defenders
Jolly Kobusinge (Kawempe Muslim Ladies FC, Uganda), Asia Nakibuuka (Kampala Queens FC, Uganda), Sumaya Komuntale (Kampala Queens FC, Uganda), Lukiya Namubiru (Kampala Queens FC, Uganda), Shakira Nankwanga (Kawempe Muslim Ladies FC, Uganda), Stella Musibika (She Corporate FC, Uganda), Shadia Nankya (UCU Lady Cardinals FC, Uganda), Desire Katisi Natooro (Kataka She FC, Uganda), Patience Nabulobi (Uganda Martyrs Lubaga WFC, Uganda), Aisha Nantongo (Kawempe Muslim Ladies FC, Uganda), Samalie Nakacwa (Kampala Queens FC, Uganda)

Midfielders
Joan Nabirye(FC Minsk, Belarus), Zaituni Namaganda (Asubo Gafford Ladies FC, Uganda), Shamirah Nalugya (Kampala Queens FC, Uganda), Shakirah Nyinagahirwa (Kampala Queens FC, Uganda), Phiona Nabbumba (Boldklubben AF 1893, Denmark), Hadijah Nandago (Kampala Queens FC, Uganda), Rhodah Nanziri (Kawempe Muslim Ladies FC, Uganda), Elizabeth Nakigozi (Kampala Queens FC, Uganda)

Forwards
Fauzia Najjemba (ZFK Dynamo Moscow, Russia), Hasifah Nassuna (Kampala Queens FC, Uganda), Zaina Nandede (Kampala Queens FC, Uganda), Sandra Nabweteme (Maccabi Kishronot Hadera WFC, Israel), Resty Nanziri (Kampala Queens FC, Uganda), Ashiat Naluggwa (UCU Lady Cardinals FC, Uganda), Fazila Ikwaput (Kampala Queens FC, Uganda), Joanita Ainembabazi (Ceasiaa Queens FC, Tanzania), Catherine Nagadya (Uganda Martyrs Lubaga WFC, Uganda), Margaret Kunihira (Kampala Queens FC, Uganda), Anita Namata (Vihiga Queens, Kenya)

Uganda National Women’s Football Team, Crested Cranes, is set to face Rwanda in the upcoming CAF Women Olympics Qualifiers.

During the draws conducted on Tuesday afternoon in Egypt, Cairo, the Crested Cranes were pitted in pot 4.

Among the pot were Mozambique, Namibia, Tanzania and Ethiopia in a mixture of COSAFA and CECAFA nations.

While Rwanda was in Pot 3 with CHAD, Congo Brazzaville, DRC and Equatorial Guinea.

The winner between Rwanda and Uganda will face Cameroon who will not play in the first round since they have a bye due to their thrilling show in the previous WAFCON tournament.

Crested Cranes will host the first leg before they travel to Kigali for the return leg. The games will be played on July 10 and 18 respectively.

Only two countries from Africa will be part of next year’s Olympics which will take place in Paris.

First Round Fixtures

• Uganda vs. Rwanda
• Congo vs. Tanzania
• Guinea vs. Ghana
• Burkina Faso vs. Mali
• Ivory Coast vs. Sierra Leone
• Namibia vs. Equatorial Guinea
• Ethiopia vs. Chad
• Mozambique vs. DR Congo
• Guinea Bissau vs. Benin