Uganda’s Crested Cranes beat Cameroon in 2024 Olympic Qualifiers
The Ugandan Women’s football team, Crested Cranes emerged victorious against Cameroon in a crucial match that could determine their fate in the qualifiers for the Paris 2024 Olympics Football Tournament at FUFA Technical Centre in Njeru, yesterday Thursday 26th October 2023.
The Ugandan women’s football team, the Crested Cranes, defeated Cameroon on Thursday, October 26, 2023, at the FUFA Technical Centre in Njeru. This was a pivotal encounter that might decide their fate in the qualifiers for the Paris 2024 Olympics Football Tournament
The game held at the FUFA Technical Centre in Njeru marked the first for interim head coach Charles Ayiekho Lukula, who introduced new faces to the starting lineup, including defender Justine Najjuko and midfielder Zaitun Namaganda.
From the start, the Crested Cranes exhibited a collective and spirited effort, earning themselves a 2-0 lead against their formidable Catherine Nagadya and Fazila Ikwaput were the heroes of the match, scoring a goal each in different halves to ensure the Crested Cranes go into the second leg with a two-goal lead.
The game was witnessed by FUFA President Hon. Magogo Moses Hassim and some of the FUFA Executive Members.
Nagadya struck gold for Uganda in the 11th minute, taking advantage of a goalkeeping error by Cameroon’s Michaely Bihina.
Bibina failed to control Shamirah Nalugya’s powerful free kick, allowing Nagadya to pounce on the rebound and send the ball into the back of the net.
Cameroon had a chance to level the playing field when they were awarded a penalty in the 30th minute after Justine Najjuko was adjudged to have handled the ball in the box.
However, Cameroon captain Ajara Njoya’s penalty hit the base of the post, and her subsequent attempt from the rebound failed to find the target.
Throughout the match, the Crested Cranes demonstrated a resilient defence, with goalkeeper Vanessa Edith Karungi making remarkable saves to deny the visitors any chance of a comeback.
As the second half began, Coach Lukula made strategic changes, bringing in Bridget Nabisaalu and Asia Nakibuuka to replace Najjuko and Namaganda, respectively.
When Phiona Nabbumba got injured, she was substituted by Jackline Adong, who made her debut.
