The Uganda Women’s Football National Team, the Crested Cranes, will host Cameroon in the first leg of the 2024 Olympic Women’s qualifier at the FUFA Technical Centre in Njeru on Thursday at 4pm.
Interim Crested Cranes head coach Charles Ayeikoh Lukula will be tested by the Indomitable Lionesses in the quest for Olympic qualification.
Inter Milan’s experienced forward Ajara Nchout Njoya is expected to lead the striking line against Uganda.
Lukula is targeting a first-leg home advantage.
“We have had enough preparations, all the needed professional players are here with the team, I believe in the squad I have and we have to utilize the home advantage and win the game.”
“The team is injury free, giving us a chance to have more options to select the best squad to finish the job,” he said.
Captain Fauzia Najjemba believes they can overcome Cameroon.
“Coaches have prepared us well, it’s now upto us the players to execute the game plan and win the first leg so that we play the second leg without pressure.”
“I also call upon our fans to come in a big number and rally behind us,” she said.
Uganda reached this stage of the qualifiers by eliminating neighbors Rwanda on a 3-2 aggregate scoreline.
The second leg will be played five days later in Douala and the winner on aggregate between Uganda and Cameroon will play either Ethiopia or Nigeria.
In the first leg played on Wednesday evening, Nigeria and Ethiopia played to a 1-1 draw in Ethiopia.
Cameroon is looking to qualify for the second time while Uganda targets a maiden appearance in the final competition that will be held in Paris, France next year.
Probable lineup: Vanessa Karungi (GK), Asia Nakibuuka, Sumayah Komuntale, Shadia Nankya, Akiror Patricia, Joan Nabirye, Phiona Nabbumba, Shamirah Nalugya, Fauzia Najjemba, Fazilah Ikwaput, Joanitah Ainembabazi.
Courtesy Photos
