The Uganda Women Senior National Team, the Crested Cranes, defeated Tanzania’s Twiga Stars 3-1 in a friendly game played on Friday 7th July, 2023 at MTN-omondi Stadium, Lugogo.
Tanzania’s Oppa Clement scored the opening goal of the game in just two minutes but Catherine Nagadya, Fauzia Najjemba and Margret Kunihira scored for Crested Cranes to complete an impressive comeback, but how did Ugandan players rate on the day?
Ruth Aturro– 5/10
Ruth is a talented goalkeeper and as team captain she is expected to command her area, but was sloppy, conceding an early goal due to miscommunication with her defenders.
Aturo was substituted at the beginning of the second half with Kampala Queens goalkeeper Daisy Nakaziro replacing her.
Samalie Nakacwa – 6/10
Defender Nakacwa was handed her senior debut against rivals Tanzania and she had to deal with a very talented Enekia Kasonga Lunyamila.
In the first stanza of the game, Nakacwa failed to make any complete cross and also lost possession when Uganda conceded, but as the game was growing, she managed to be confident and even made an assist in the game.
Sumaya Komuntale – 5/10
The left back had an evening to forget losing possession to the opponents several times, and failed to make an impact defensively or offensively.
It should however be noted that Komuntale is just coming back from an injury.
Shadia Nankya – 6/10
Despite spending two years without playing for the National team, Shadia Nankya is one of the highly rated Crested Cranes defenders, but last evening she cut a frustrated figure, yet her team was in the control of the game.
Coming from a long term knee Injury, Nankya managed to avoid any individual errors.
Aisha Nantongo – 6.5/10
Aisha recovered possession three times from deadly Oppa Clement in dangerous positions and made more clearances than any defender. However, she wasn’t confident on the ball and yet the team’s style of play was to build from the back.
Shamirah Nalugya – 8/10
The intelligent midfielder played in a defensive role but bossed the midfield with beautiful passes.
Nalugya helped the team going forward and also brought balance to the midfield.
Shakirah Nyinagahirwa – 8.5/10
The teenager showcased her abilities in front of many fans as she was handed a senior debut.
Nyinagahirwa covered Nalugya well, making many interceptions and tackles and also managed to attack, recording an assist.
Hasifah Nassuna – 8/10
Talented Nassuna played as the offensive midfielder, she had a slow start but managed to pick up the pace afew minutes after her side conceded an early goal.
She added urgency to the attack and combined well with Nalugya, Nyinagahirwa, Nabweteme and Najjemba. Hasifah found time to showcase skills that left a smile on the faces of the fans.
With her known abilities, Nassuna had very few shots on the goal as expected and her only close effort hit the post.
Fauzia Najjemba – 9/10
Crested Cranes best player on the day was Fauzia Najjemba who kept asking questions to Tanzania’s defense with fantastic skills and runs.
Apart from the moves and skills, Najjemba scored a goal and registered an assist.
Catherine Nagadya – 7.5/10
Nagadya was making her senior debut. She held her nerves well and managed to score the equalizing goal. She could have got a memorable brace if Fauzia Najjemba wasn’t selfish on a particular play.
Sandra Nabweteme – 6/10
As a ball player, Nabweteme was played in a ‘false nine’ position and struggled to deal with aerial balls against the taller Twiga Stars defenders, yet the full backs Samalie Nakacwa and Sumaya Komuntale kept swinging in crosses.
She later involved herself in play, creating spaces and chances though two of her good chances were wasted.
SUBSTITUTES
Daisy Nakaziro (on for Ruth Aturo, 45 minutes) – 6/10
Nakaziro wasn’t tested since her side was in the control but she managed to communicate with her defense to avoid errors and congributed to the build up play from the back.
Hadijah Nandago (on for Catherine Nagadya, 60 minutes) – 6/10
The little magician was playing her first game on the senior team, however she played in the central midfield as Nyinagahirwa was shifted to right wing forward.
Nandago is known for her silky skills and composure on the ball, but she endured a tough debut playing out of position. She’s more adept to playing as an attacking midfielder or a ‘false nine’.
Fazila Ikwaput (on for Sandra Nabweteme, 80 minutes)- N/A
She had no impact on the game and rarely touched the ball.
Margret Kunihira (on for Hasifah Nassuna, 83 minutes) – 8/10
Played few minutes but managed to score a stunner to seal the victory for Uganda and also managed two good crosses.
