The Uganda Women’s Football National Team, the Crested Cranes, defeated Cameroon 2-0 in the first leg of the 2024 Olympic Women’s qualifier at the FUFA Technical Centre in Njeru on Thursday evening.
Catherine Nagadya and Fazila Ikwaput scored Uganda’s goals in the 11th and 77th minutes respectively to give the hosts a comfortable first-leg advantage.
Nagadya’s goal came from a rebound after Cameroon goalkeeper Bihina Michaely mishandled Shamirah Nalugya‘s free kick.
Ikwaput doubled Uganda’s lead with a close-range finish, eventually converting a chance created by captain Fauzia Najjemba‘s low cross. Her initial effort, Nagadya’s and Nalugya’s were all blocked.
Cameroon was awarded a penalty in the first half after Justine Najjuko was adjudged to have handled the ball in the box.
However, Cameroon captain Ajara Njoya‘s penalty was saved by Uganda goalkeeper Vanessa Karungi and her rebound went wide.
Crested Cranes midfielder Phiona Nabbumba was forced off the field with an injury in the second half and is likely to miss the second leg in Douala.
What the coach said
Crested Cranes interim head coach Charles Ayeikoh Lukula was pleased with his team’s performance after the match.
“I’m extremely happy for the performance of the team,” he said.
“It’s hard for girls to adapt to the system in a few days after changing the technical team, but I’m glad the girls adapted to the system, played to the game plan and won the game.”
“We have got the results we wanted and we deserved it but it’s not yet over, we have to avoid the defeat in Cameroon and progress to the next game.”
The second leg of the tie will be played on Tuesday 31st October in Douala. The winner on aggregate will face either Ethiopia or Nigeria in the next round.
Uganda is looking to make their maiden appearance at the Olympic Games, which will be held in Paris, France next year.
How both teams lined up
Uganda: Vanessa Karungi (GK), Justine Najjuko, Sumayah Komuntale, Shadia Nankya, Joan Nabirye, Zaitun Namaganda, Phiona Nabbumba, Shamirah Nalugya, Fauzia Najjemba, Catherine Nagadya, Fazilah Ikwaput.
Cameroon: Bihina Michaely, Meffometou Tcheno, Essimi Ewoudou, Mariane Maague, Ngasseh Mbele, Eto Naomi, Brigitte Omboudou, Kome Aretouyah, Kevin Ossol, Ngah Manga, Ajara Njoya.
