The Uganda U20 Women’s Football National Team, the Queen Cranes, will be in action this evening in an away encounter against Senegal at 5PM (8PM EAT) in the first leg of the FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup qualifiers.
Uganda reached this stage by defeating Mozambique 8-0 on aggregate, while Senegal eliminated Benin 2-0 on aggregate.
Both teams have a mixed record in recent home and away games in this competition. Senegal have won only one of their last four home games, while Uganda have won only two away games in the same period.
In the last edition of the FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup qualifiers, Uganda was eliminated by Ghana on 7-1 aggregate at this same stage, while Senegal lost 7-2 to Nigeria on aggregate, despite being only 180 minutes away from the final tournament.
Uganda’s camp was boosted by the return of captain Hadijah Nandago, who traveled with the team to Senegal.
However, England-based defender Bethany Kaluya, who joined the team on Wednesday evening, was left behind but is likely to feature in the return leg.
Head coach Ayub Khalifah Kiyingi and captain Hadijah Nandago had the following to say about the match
Ayub Khalifah Kiyingi: “We have had enough and good preparations and all the girls are fully fit and ready to overcome Senegal and take the first leg advantage.”
Hadijah Nandago: “The coaches have prepared us well and it’s now our task to play according to the tactics and come out with positive results.”
The winner on aggregate between Uganda and Senegal will face either Eswatini or Ghana in the next qualifying stage.
Only four qualified teams from Africa will play at the finals of the 2024 FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup, to be hosted by Colombia from September 5-22, 2024.
Uganda’s Probable Lineup: Sharon Kaidu (GK), Harima Kanyago, Sharifah Nakimera, Desire Katiisi Natooro, Patricia Nakato Nanyanzi, Krusum Namutebi, Agnes Nabukenya, Hadijah Nandago, Catherine Nagadya, Margaret Kunihira, Hairat Babirye.
Courtesy Photos
