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The victory against Tanzania Twiga Stars serves as a confidence booster for the Uganda Crested Cranes as they gear up for the Olympic qualifiers.
Uganda’s Crested Cranes emerged victorious with a 3-1 win over Tanzania's Twiga Stars in an international friendly.
The game, played at the MTN Omondi Stadium in Lugogo on Friday, provided an excellent warm-up for the Crested Cranes as they prepare for the upcoming 2024 Olympic qualifiers.
Tanzania got off to a quick start, scoring within three minutes as Oppa Clement Tukumbuke prodded in a header from close range.
The Crested Cranes struggled to deal with a low cross, resulting in an early setback. However, Uganda remained undeterred and gradually asserted their dominance in the game.
Fueled by the support of a passionate crowd, Fauzia Najjemba and Hasifah Nassuna became influential figures in Uganda's attacking play.
Najjemba, in particular, posed a constant threat with her powerful runs down the left wing. She even had a penalty appeal waved off by the referee, showcasing her impact on the game.
In the 31st minute, Najjemba's deep run led to the Crested Cranes finding the equalizer. She delivered a precise cross to Catherine Nagadya, who tapped in from close range to finish the move.
Uganda continued to dominate proceedings for the remainder of the first half but failed to convert their advantage into a lead, entering the halftime break on level terms.
At the start of the second half, Crested Cranes coach Ayub Khalifah made a strategic change, replacing captain Ruth Aturo with goalkeeper Daisy Nakaziro.
The second half followed a similar pattern to the first, with the Crested Cranes enjoying the lion's share of possession but struggling to create clear-cut chances.
As the game progressed, Uganda grew more potent in their attacking play, and their efforts paid off in the 86th minute. Najjemba capitalized on a goalkeeping mistake to tap in from close range, giving Uganda the lead.
Just two minutes later, the Crested Cranes extended their advantage. Second-half substitute Margret Kunihira's deep cross looped over the goalkeeper, finding the back of the net and sealing the victory for Uganda.
The victory against Tanzania Twiga Stars serves as a confidence booster for the Uganda Crested Cranes as they gear up for the Olympic qualifiers.
Uganda plays neighbours Rwanda in the first leg of their preliminary round qualifier for the 2024 Olympics in Paris.
The Crested Cranes will be hosting Rwanda on July 12th at Kigali Pele Stadium, with the two teams meeting for the second leg five days later at the same venue.
The winner on aggregate from that encounter will advance to the second qualification round to face Cameroon.
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