The Uganda Women Football National Team, the Crested Cranes, were eliminated from the 2024 CAF Women’s Olympic qualifying following a 3-0 defeat in the second leg to Cameroon on Tuesday evening in Douala, Cameroon.
Despite carrying a 2-0 first leg advantage, Uganda conceded in the 27th minute to Njara Nchout Njoya‘s thunderbolt.
Monique Ngock doubled Cameroon’s lead immediately into the second half, heading home a well-delivered free kick.
Uganda defended well to force the game into extra-time, but Cameroon scored the winning goal in the last 4 minutes through Claudine Meffometou.
However, there was a foul on goalkeeper Vanessa Edith Karungi before Cameroon scored the third goal.
Karungi needed serious medical attention and was taken to the hospital for further treatment. Daisy Nakaziro replaced her.
Cameroon progressed on a 3-2 aggregate score and Uganda’s road to Paris painfully came to an end.
Crested Cranes interim head coach Charles Ayiekoh Lukula was left disappointed with the poor officiating, which he believes helped Cameroon to progress.
“I want to commend my team for giving their all. Although we’re exiting, we have a solid foundation to grow from. We’ll focus on refining specific areas with our strong team,” said Lukula.
“While they’ve secured qualification, deep down, they recognize our team’s strength. No team on this continent can defeat us without referee assistance as this game has proved.”
“Out of their three goals, only one was legitimate. These West African teams seem determined to win by any means.”
Cameroon will now shift focus on the third qualifying stage where they’ll meet Nigeria, who ejected Ethiopia 5-1 on aggregate.
Only Two African teams will qualify for the final tournament that will be held in Paris, France next year.
How Uganda lined up
Vanessa Karungi (GK), Desire Katiisi Natooro, Sumayah Komuntale, Shadia Nankya, Bridget Nabbisalu, Joan Nabirye, Jackline Adong, Shamirah Nalugya, Fauzia Najjemba, Catherine Nagadya, Fazila Ikwaput.
Courtesy Photos
