WAFCON 2024Q: Administratively, Technically Disorganized Crested Cranes Perfectly Fall in Hands of Serious Algerians at Njeru
WAFCON Qualifier R1 result:
Uganda 1-2 Algeria
The Uganda National Women football team, the Crested Cranes lost their round one WAFCON qualifier game 2-1 against Algeria on Wednesday at FUFA Technical Centre in Njeru, Buikwe District.
The team that has no head coach nor assistant fell in hands of the Algerians who took the first leg advantage away from home.
Uganda Crested Cranes who had an helper in U20 head coach Ayub Khalifa Kiyingi, started the game on a high note wanting to secure an early goal against experienced side of Frenchman Farid Benstiti but the idea couldn’t work out for the side.
The pacey trio of Fauzia Najjemba, Sandra Nabweteme and Fazila Ikwaput failed to have any clear cut chance that could give Uganda momentum, the same applied to the visitors, also never got any thinkable chance before Uganda’s goal mouth and the first stanza before the few fans at Njeru ended in a barren draw.
In second half the visitors came all out with we have nothing to lose mentality and secured two quick goals in the first five minutes of the second half.
Inter Milan’s striker Habiva Gouthia gave the visitors a lead before Imane Chebel headed in the second for Algeria converting from a well curled in corner kick laid by Morgan Belkhiter.
The visitors almost stretched the lead to three goals but Bouhani Naima goal was ruled offside six minutes later.
At an hour mark, Kiyingi made changes and brought on Viola Nambi and Asia Nakibuuka for Fazila Ikwaput who was out of the game and captain Hasifa Nassuna who lost the possession in a danger place and costed Uganda a goal.
Before having a consolation in the 87th minute, Sandra Nabweteme had a chance to score but her effort hit the crossbar and the rebound from Fauzia Najjemba yielded no positive.
Uganda almost got one back through Sandra Nabweeteme who calmly controlled Phiona Nabbumba before powering a shot but could only rattle the crossbar.
Fauzia Najjemba from a spot kick handed Uganda a consolation in the 87th minute. Substitute Aminah Nababi was fouled in the forbidden area and the Tanzanian centre referee Tatu Nuru awarded Uganda a penalty that was calmly converted by Fauzia.
The return leg in Algiers is on Tuesday next week and to go to the next round, Uganda has to over turn the result.
However, the Crested Cranes loss is partly blamed to the Uganda’s FA that failed to settle the issue of the Crested Cranes head coach before the crucial Match.
For starters, Crested Cranes started her preps with Ayub Khalifa Kiyingi as their assistant coach but along the way FUFA announced Abdallah Mubiru as the assistant coach replacing Ayub who was announced as the head coach of U20 [Queen Cranes], however, with three days to the game, FUFA boss, Eng. Moses Magogo came out with a statement claiming that Abdallah turned down Crested Cranes job due to personal reasons.
Then on the match day, Ayub Khalifa turned up as the coach, Ugandans who follow women football asserted that Uganda lost the game even before playing due to FA’s failure to settle the issue of the technical team at Crested Cranes.
Uganda XI
Vanessa Karungi (G), Sumaya Komuntale, Aisha Nantongo (72’ Margaret Kunihira), Sandra Nabweeteme, Fazila Ikwaput (60’ Viola Nambi), Hassifa Nassuna (60’ Aisha Nakibuuka), Joan Nabirye, Fauzia Najjemba, Shadia Nankya, Riticia Nabbosa, Phiona Nabbumba.