Tokyo 2020 Olympics Qualifier
First Round
1st Leg 3rd April 2019: Ethiopia vs Uganda @National Stadium, Addis Ababa
2nd Leg 6th April 2019: Uganda vs Ethiopia @StarTimes Stadium Lugogo, Kampala
NJERU – The Uganda Women’s National Football team, the Crested Cranes are continuing their preparations ahead of the Olympic qualifiers next week.
On Wednesday, the team takes on Ethiopia in the first leg of their first round clash in Addis Ababa.
On Thursday evening, the two remaining players on the lost of 30 that was summoned to start preparations, arrived and joined camp.
US based duo of Sandra Nabweteme and Yudaya Nakayenza were that two that arrived on Thursday, taking the tally of players currently in camp to 30.
Earlier in the week, Kazakhstan based Fazila Ikwaput, had also joined camp on Monday.
With a full squad at her disposal, head coach Faridah Bulega believes her team is now set to engage their opponents next week.
“My team is well set and I am sure the final 20 that I will name for this tie, will do the needful in Addis Ababa, said Bulega on Saturday.
“The arrival of the trio gave us a boost and we hope for the best in this assignment.
The team has been in residential camp since Friday last week and Bulega says they have gained in terms of fitness and skill.
Saturday’s training session was boosted by the services and guidance of Uganda Cranes goalkeeping coach Fred Kajoba, who took the four goal keepers into more technical education, with the help of their coach James Magala.
Saturday was the second last day in camp as the team will be leaving for Ethiopia on Monday night ahead of the 1st leg encounter with the return leg set for 6thApril in Kampala.
The winner from the two legs will meet Cameroon in yet another double legged showdown to battle for the slot at the Tokyo Games in 2020.
The Crested Cranes squad:
Goal keepers:
Ruth Aturo (UCU Lady Cardinals), Diasy Nakaziro (Lady Doves), Vannessa Kalungi (She Cooperates) Juliet Adeke (Kawempe Moslem).
Defenders:
Shadia Nankya (Uganda Martyrs), Aisha Namukisa (Kampala Queens), Vola Namuddu (She MAK-Makerere), Phaobe Banura (UCU Lady Cardinals), Margret Birabwa (Muteesa I Royal University), Wilmer Nantumbwe (She Corporates), Yudaya Nakayenze (Seminole Sate College, USA), Gladys Nakitto (Lady Doves), Grace Aluka (Kawempe SS Muslim Ladies FC), Marion Amangat (Olila High School).
Midfeilders:
Phionah Nabbumba (Ajax Queens), Tracy Jones Akiror (Kawempe Moslem), Teddy Najjuma (UCU Lady Cradinals), Shamilah Nalujja (Isra Academy), Fausia Najjemba (Isra), Lilian Mutuuzo (Kampala Queens), Anitah Namata (Kawempe SS Muslm Ladies), Susan Atim (Olila High School), Ritah Nabbosa (Lady Doves).
Strikers:
Juliet Nalukenge (Kawempe Moslem), Monica Namwase (Kampala Queens), Hasifa Nassuna (UCU Lady Cardinals), Zainah Namuleme (Kampala Queens), Resty Nanziri (Kampala Queens), Sandra Nabweteme (SW Oklahoma University, USA) and Fazira Ikwaput (BIIK Kazygurt, Kazakhstan).
