The Uganda Women’s Football National Team, the Crested Cranes, will be in action today against Cameroon in the second leg of the 2024 CAF Women’s Olympic qualifying tournament at the Bonamoussadi Stadium in Douala at 7PM (EAT).
Uganda come into the game with a 2-0 first leg advantage thanks to goals from Catherine Nagadya and Fazila Ikwaput, and a penalty save by goalkeeper Vanessa Karungi to deny Ajara Nchout Njoya to secure a vital clean sheet.
Cameroon head coach Jean-Baptiste Bisseck is under pressure to win the game and keep his job, after his side was ejected by Kenya in the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.
Cameroon will need to win the game with a three-goal margin, or win 2-0 to force extra time and penalties.
What the Crested Cranes coach said
Speaking to the media, Crested Cranes interim head coach Charles Ayieko Lukula said he expects a tough game but is confident his team is ready to qualify for the next round.
“We won the first leg 2-0 at home but we shouldn’t be in a comfort zone. Cameroon will do whatever is needed to overturn the results but we are ready enough to frustrate them and qualify for the next round.”
Both teams will be eager to show their quality on the field and get a crucial result in qualifying for the Women’s Olympic Games.
Uganda reached this stage of the qualifiers by eliminating neighbors Rwanda on a 3-2 aggregate scoreline. The winner on aggregate between Uganda and Cameroon will play either Ethiopia or Nigeria.
The third round of qualifiers will be played between 19-28 February 2024, while the fourth and final round will be played between 1-9 April 2024.
Only two African teams will qualify for the final tournament in Paris, France next year.
Cameroon is looking to qualify for the second time, while Uganda is targeting a maiden appearance in the final competition.
Uganda’s Fazila Ikwaput, Ghana’s Evelyn Badu and South Africa’s Thembi Kgatlana are currently the top scorer with 3 goals each.
Uganda’s Probable Lineup: Vanessa Karungi (GK), Asia Nakibuuka, Sumayah Komuntale, Shadia Nankya, Bridget Nabbisalu, Joan Nabirye, Phiona Nabbumba, Shamirah Nalugya, Fauzia Najjemba, Catherine Nagadya, Fazilah Ikwaput.
