U-20 Women World Cup
Caf Third Round Qualifiers
December 3: Uganda vs. South Africa, St. Mary’s Stadium – Kitende
*Return leg in South Africa expected two weeks after.
KAMPALA: Uganda’s U-20 women’s football team is confident that they can leave their Cecafa failure behind them and beat South Africa in the World Cup qualifiers’ third round next month.
The squad, led by coach Ayub Khalifa and captain Fauzia Najjemba, will report to Cranes Paradise Hotel in Kisaasi today saturday and begin training Sunday in preparation for the first leg match against South Africa on December 3 at St. Mary’s Stadium in Kitende.
Their invisibility was shattered, however, when what appeared to be a fantastic Cecafa competition at Fufa Technical Centre – Njeru culminated in a disheartening 3-2 loss to Ethiopia on the last day of the tournament on November 8, costing them the title.
“What counts now is proving that we can bounce back and start another strong run of great outcomes,” says coach Ayub Khalifa.
Khalifa headed to Cecafa with a well-known starting lineup that he seldom changes, but national team defender Asia Nakibuuka was in camp for the tournament and shown that she can play central defense and left back.
However, Khalifa continues to rely on and trust Shamirah Nalugya, Shakirah Nyinagahirwa, and Hadijah Nandago in the midfield, while Kevin Nakacwa and Catherine Nagadya battle for consistency.
South Africa will “attempt to avenge the 2-1 setback we inflicted on them two years ago,” according to Khalifa, who expects the squad to “consolidate its positives and work on its shortcomings” in the next two weeks.
Goalkeepers
Daphine Nyayenga (Lady Doves), Joan Namusisi (Kampala Queens), Diana Natukunda (Kawempe Muslim), Saida Namwanje (Luweero Giant)
Defenders
Sumayah Komuntale (Tooro Queens), , Grace Aluka, Biira Nadunga (Olila HS), Aisha Nantongo, Asia Nakibuuka, Samalie Nakacwa, Stella Musibika (Kawempe Muslim), Harima Kanyago (Lady Doves)
Midfielders
Shamirah Nalugya, Margaret Kunihira, Shakirah Nyinagahirwa (Kawempe Muslim), Phiona Nabulime (Devine Soccer Academy), Catherine Nagadya, Kevin Nakacwa (Uganda Martyrs HS), Zaituni Namaganda (Taggy HS), Eva Naggayi (Rines SS)
Forwards
Fauzia Najjemba (Kampala Queens), Hadijah Nandago (Kawempe Muslim), Juliet Nalukenge (Chrysomolia), Olivia Babirye, Joweria Nagadya (Lady Doves), Kamuyati Naigaga (Taggy HS), Ronah Regina Nantege (She Corporate), Zaina Nandede (Kataka SHE)