CECAFA Women Challenge Cup 2018: Uganda holds hosts Rwanda

Posted on July 26, 2018 - 2:18 pm by Ahmed Marsha

CECAFA Women Challenge Cup

FT: Uganda 2-2 Rwanda

Stade de Kigali, Nyamirambo

The Crested Cranes’ hopes of clinching their maiden 2018 CECAFA Women Challenge Cup Rwanda was brought to an end on Wednesday following a 2-2 draw with Rwanda.

Despite dominating possession and taking the lead on two occasions at Stade de Kigali, Nyamirambo, the Crested Cranes couldn’t get the much needed three points.

Teenager Lilian Mutuuzo gave Uganda the lead in the 54th minute butlater cancelled by Ibangarye Anne Marie in the 62nd minute. As the game progressed, Alupo Norah who features for Olila Women Football club doubled the lead with a stunning header from Zaina Namuleme’s cross in the 75th minute. Mukeshimana Jeanette scored late in the game with three minutes to go.

Lilian Mutuuzo )L) has been a revelation at the tournament. She is seen here taking on a Rwandese player during the clash on Wedneday.

Though the result leaves Uganda at the top of the standings with 7 points in 4 matches, the odds of clinching the championship are vanished but can finish 2nd.

Crested Cranes captain Tracy Jones Akiror in control of the ball against Rwandan opponent

Crested Cranes players celebrate Lilian Mutuuzo’s goal in style

The match was graced by the Deputy Head of Mission-Uganda High Commission Kigali H.E Anne Katusiime, FUFA CEO Edgar Watson and FUFA Exco Member Agnes Mugena (who is in Rwanda as Ciommissioner) and FUFA Finance Director Decolas Kiiza.

From L-R; Kalema Muhamood ( FUFA Cash Officer), Agnes Mugena (FUFA Exco Member) andf FUFA CEO Edgar Watson during the match at Nyamirambo

While talking to Crested Cranes players, Katusiime took pride in the performance of the girls.

‘We were watching and you did wonders. We are really very proud of you, keep it up’

FUFA CEO Edgar Watson applauded the courtesy visit of the Deputy Head of Mission-Uganda High Commission Kigali H.E Anne Katusiime.

‘Our Embassy, Ambassador and Deputy ambassador, this vist to the camp is a proper sign and a good gesture not only to the players but all of us and the entire football fraternity in Uganda’ said Edgar Watson.

He urged the players to put their heads up as FUFA is proud of them.

‘You did your best and showed us we have a team. On behalf of the entire FUFA we are proud of you. We have done our best and we are winners’.

Deputy Head of Mission-Uganda High Commission Kigali H.E Anne Katusiime (Holding bag) and FUFA CEO Edgar Watson (2nd R) while addressing the players

Crested Cranes starting XI;

Standing L-R; Ruth Aturo 18 (GK), Yudaya Nakayenze 7, Phiona Nabbumba 13, Grace Aluka 16, Shadia Nankya 5, Viola Namuddu 6, Front row L-R; Tracy Jones Akiror 8 (C), , Ziana Namuleme 10, Lilian Mutuuzo 17, Juliet Nalukenge 9, Norah Alupo 15.

Substitutes:

Daisy Nakaziro 19 (GK), Aisha Namukisa 2, Bridget Nabisalu 4, Namwase Monica 11, Daniela Favour Nambatya 12, Winnie Babirye 14, Esther Naluyimba 3, Spencer Nakachwa 20.