2022AWCONQ: Crested Cranes Pass First Test against Ethiopia with flying Colors
The Uganda’s Women football national team, The Crested Cranes beat Ethiopia 2-0 in the first leg of the 2022 Morocco Africa Women’s Nations Cup Qualifier game held at St Mary’s Stadium Kitende on Wednesday.
Riticia Nabbosa who limped off the pitch in the 32nd minute, gave Uganda an early lead with a sweet goal in the second minute of the game.
Thanks to debutant Sumaya Komuntale well calculated long pass from the left flank of the pitch.
Uganda enjoy the first 15 minutes of the first have before the visitors adopted into the game. The Crested Cranes had a number of chances not forgetting two chances Sandra Nabweteme missed.
The last ten minutes of the game, Ethiopia looked very dangerous before Uganda’s goal mouth and I’m space of five minutes, Cranes custodian and skipper, Ruth Aturo was forced into three world class saves.
In second stanza, Lutalo made changes on his team, putting off Sandra Nabweteme, and Hasifah Nassuna for Juliet Nalukenge and Sheebah Zalwango, Uganda continued to be strong and comfortable with the ball even though Ethiopia has been good in passing the ball.
The brilliant attacking midfielder, Sheebah Zalwango, dodged off one Ethiopian player 40 yards from the goal, with a teasing pass, she released well positioned Fauzia Najjemba who doubled Uganda’s leader with a spectacular header in the 75th minute.
In second half Uganda looked more better than Ethiopia and Margaret Kunihira, Sumaya Komuntale, Joan Nabirye and Asia Nakibuuka displayed a wonderful performance on the day.
“I thank my players for adopting into the system and play a good game but we are not Celebrating, the war is still on until it is over.
We knew our opponents, we arrangement the strategy and we achieved it.” Said George Lutalo, Crested Cranes tactician.
The return leg is set to be held on 26th October 2021 in Addis Ababa in Ethiopia, the winner of the tie will be facing either Kenya or South Sudan in the last hurdle of Qualifiers.
Crested Cranes starting list:
Ruth Aturo (GK)©, Sumaya Komuntale, Nakibuuka Asia, Shadia Nankya, Viola Namuddu, Margret Kunihira, Sandra Nabweteme, Hasifah Nassuna, Joan Nabirye, Fauzia Najjemba, Riticia Nabbosa.
Substitutes:
Nalukenge Juliet, Phoebe Banura, Rhoda Nanziri, Daisy Nakaziro (GK), Sharon Nadunga, Nalugya Shamirah, Sheebah Zalwango.
Coach: George Lutalo
Ethiopia starting list:
Tarikua Bargena Balcha (GK), Meskerem Kanko, Emeber Adisu Asfaw, Medina Awol Busser, Loza Abera Geinore ©, Aregash Kalsa Tadesse, Nardos Getenet Mekonnen, Buwoli Hiwot Dengiso, Birra Etsegenet, Senaf Wakuma Demise, Hasabe Muso Gila.
Substitutes:
Emiwedsh Yirashewa Alemayhu (GK), Eden Shiferaw, Tizita H/Mikael W/Meskel, Senayt Bogale Boyzo, Rediet Assresahagn Matios, Mesay Temesgent Tanga, Alemnesh Gere