The Uganda U20 Women’s Football National Team, the Queen Cranes, defeated Senegal to win the bronze medal in a game played on Thursday night at Cape Coast stadium.
Queen Cranes and Senegal played to a goalless draw in normal time before Uganda edged the Senegalese 6-5 on penalties.
Captain Catherine Nagadya, Shamirah Nalugya, Shakirah Nankwanga, Harima Kanyago, Catherine Wujja, and Shamusa Najjuma all converted from the spot. Only defender Docus Lwalisa missed after hitting a post.
After winning the first silverware for any women national team ever since she was appointed, coach Sheryl Ulanda Botes applauded her entire team.
“I’m extremely happy for winning the bronze, the girls fought from the first minute to last minute of the game. We deserved to win because we planned well and we dominated the game,” started happy Botes.
“Winning the bronze at our first appearance means that, we are building the winning culture that will help us win big titles. I thank the entire team, the federation and all our fans for supporting us,” concluded Botes.
FUFA President Eng. Moses Magogo also congratulated the Queen Cranes via his famous and education TV show ‘Tutegere Omupiira’ on FUFA TV.
“I want to congratulate the Queen Cranes for winning bronze at the 2023 All Africa Games. We brought a coach, one of the best on the continent and we allowed her to build a team. It is going to take time but we can already see certain things are working out,” said Magogo.
Queen Cranes became the first ever Uganda women’s national team to win silverware at the continent level.
Meanwhile, hosts Ghana came from behind to beat Nigeria 2-1 after extra time to win the 2023 All Africa Games title in the U20 women’s football category.
How Uganda Lined up: Sharon Kaidu (GK), Catherine Wujja, Docus Lwalisa, Halima Kanyago, Shakirah Nankwanga, Krusum Namutebi, Shamusa Najjuma, Catherine Nagadya, Margret Kunihira, Claire Kebirungi.
Courtesy Photos
