The Uganda U20 Women’s Football National Team, the Queen Cranes, are in action tonight at 8PM (EAT) against giants Nigeria in the semifinals of 2023 All Africa Games, at the Cape Coast stadium in Ghana.
Nigeria, the defending champions, topped group B after winning all their games while Uganda finished second in group A behind hosts Ghana. Nigeria will be aiming for a fourth appearance in the final from seven editions.
Speaking to media, Uganda head coach Sheryl Ulanda Botes is optimistic that her team will fight to overcome the opponents.
“We know how strong Nigeria is, we are developing a culture of winning and to achieve it we must beat giants. The girls must believe in themselves and fight to beat Nigeria,” said Botes
“We badly want to win this game and we have to plan better how (the) players will execute our tactics. We will field the best team to complete the mission,” concluded Botes.
Uganda will miss the the services of defender Docus Lwalisa and utility player Krusum Namutebi in today’s semifinal encounter after the duo accumulated two yellow cards each.
In a positive development for Uganda, defender Shakirah Nankwanga, who sustained an injury during the Ethiopia match, has recovered and is expected to start tonight.
The winner between Uganda and Nigeria will become the first side to reach the final before Senegal and Ghana face each other later at 11PM (EAT) to determine the team that will complete the final puzzle.
Uganda’s probable line up:
Probable lineup: Sharon Kaidu (GK), Catherine Wujja, Shakirah Nankwanga,Patricia Akiror, Phionah Nabulime, Shamusa Najjuma, Latifah Nakasi, Catherine Nagadya, Margret Kunihira, Zaina Nandede, Juliet Nalukenge.
Courtesy Photos
