The Uganda Crested Cranes will begin their 2024 TotalEnergies Women’s Africa Cup of Nations Qualifiers journey today when they take on Algeria at 4PM, at the FUFA Technical Centre in Njeru.
The Crested Cranes will be looking to make home advantage count before they visit Algeria in the return leg that will determine who advances to the next round.
With all the expected professional players already in camp, coachAyub Khalifahhas a full squad from which he should select a strong team to get the job done in front of the home fans.
With Viola Nambi who scored on her Pomigliano debut over the weekend, Fauzia Najjemba who has been an outstanding performer, Sandra Nabweteme, Fazila Ikwaput and others, coach Ayub will have a headache deciding his starting forward three, as he is known for his 4-3-3 system.
Captain Ruth Aturo is ruled out through injury and goalkeeper Vanessa Edith Karungi is expected to start ahead of Daisy Nakaziro in today’s encounter.
Recently, Ayub managed to lead the team to defeat Tanzania 3-1 in a friendly game before ejecting Rwanda in the 2024 Paris Olympics Qualifiers.
He will be hoping to continue with the fine winning streak.
Crested Cranes Coach and Captain’s Quotes
Ayub Khalifah- Crested Cranes Coach
“My area of concern is what is in my control and that is the Crested Cranes and I believe we have had the best of preparations to make sure we win at home,”
“It will be important that we take a good result from the home game and that is our target. In such games, you must do well at home and we shall fight to get a positive result here.”
Ruth Aturo- Crested Cranes Captain
“We have had smooth preparations and the attitude from everyone is perfect and the players are willing to give their best for the country and we are ready to produce the best result against Algeria.”
Uganda to Face Burundi or Ethiopia in Second Round
Algeria will host Uganda on 26th September, 2023 in the return leg in Oran in a game that will determine the fate of the two sides.
The winner between Uganda and Algeria will take on either Burundi or Ethiopia in the second round.
Uganda eliminated Ethiopia in the last edition to qualify for the final tournament that was held in Morocco in 2022 and they’ll be hoping to return to the championship for the second time in a row.
Courtesy Photos
