Regional Tours 2019:
- Crested Cranes 2-1 Kampala Region Select
The Uganda Crested Cranes overcame Kampala region select 2-1 in the first ever regional tour match for the ladies at the Star Times Stadium, Lugogo on Saturday, 16 March 2019.
A goal in each half Anita Namata and Resty Nanziri inspired Faridha Bulega’s coached side to victory under very hot conditions.
Sophia Nakiyingi got the consolation for a resilient Kampala side via a well taken kick from the penalty mark.
Namata gave the national side the lead on 27 minutes.
The lead lasted only 13 minutes before Sophia Nakiyingi’s equalizer off a well taken kick from the penalty mark.
Nanziri, one of the 10 second half substitutes for the national side struck home a beautiful long range shot off an acute angle on the left.
The winning goal had arrived moments after Zaina Namuleme’s weak penalty effort was saved by goalkeeper Esther Akujo.
Earlier, Hasifa Nassuna had missed target inside opening minute from kick off.
Crested Cranes left back, Margret Birabwa tested Kampala region goalkeeper Esther Akujo with a weak shot from 20 yards on five minutes.
Kampala region’s first threat towards goal arrived after 6 minutes when Sumaya Kyomhendo’s weak effort from over 30 yards was a routine collection for Ruth Aturo in Crested Cranes goal.
On the quarter hour mark, Juliet Nalukenge headed over with a diving effort before Monica Namwase missed from long range.
The long awaited break through arrived three minutes from the half hour mark when Namata rounded the advancing goalie before tapping the ball in empty net for the opener.
On 30 minutes, there was a water break breather to allow the players cool off the scorching sun.
Moments after the break, Kampala select’s Shakira Nyinagahirwe registered an attempt off target.
The equalizer came five minutes to the end of the opening stanza.
Nakiyingi scored from the penalty spot following a foul in the forbidden area on Nyinagahirwe.
Upon restart, the Crested Cranes made nine changes.
Four minutes into the half, Fauzia Najjemba hit the cross bar with a long range effort
There were then changes for Kampala when goal scorer Sophia Nakiyingi, Sumaya Kyomuhendo and Regina Nantege were all rested for Rebecca Nakato, Allen Nassozi and Naiga Mayimuna respectively.
Najjemba hit the cross bar with a header off Lillian Mutuuzo’s cross from the right.
On 69 minutes, Zaina Namuleme missed her penalty that was awarded following a foul on Mutuuzo.
Latifa Nakasi replaced Hadijja Nandago in Kampala Region’s other change before Crested Cranes’ Aisha Namukisa paved way for Damali Matama.
Nanziri struck the match winner via decent shot off an acute angle on the left wing, 20 yards from goal.
With 15 minutes to play Allen Nassozi was replaced by Sandra Nakamya as the Kampala Select pushed numbers upfront for the equalizer that never arrived.
This was the first regional tour game organized for the female players intended to take the national team (Crested Cranes) closer to the populous.
Airtel Uganda in conjunction with Nile Breweries Limited sponsors the regional tours organized by Kibo Media Limited.
Team Line Ups:
Uganda Crested Cranes XI:
Ruth Aturo (G.K), Viola Namuddu, Margret Birabwa, Aisha Namukisa, Shadia Nankya, Tracy Jones Akiror, Anita Namata, Phiona Nabbumba, Juliet Nalukenge, Hasifa Nassuna, Monica Namwase
Subs:
Daisy Nakaziro, Wilmer Nantumbwe, Phoebe Banura, Teddy Najjuma, Lillian Mutuuzo, Shamirah Nalugya, Resty Nanziri, Zaina Namuleme, Fauzia Najjemba, Damalie Matama, Vanessa Karungi, Juliet Adeke
Head coach: Faridah Bulega
Assistants: Oliver Mbekeka and Edward Kaziba
Goalkeeping Coach: James Magala
Kampala Region XI:
Esther Akujo (G.K), Uditer Basemere, Juliet Namubiru, Rita Mushimire, Immaculate Abba, Regina Nantege, Halima Kanyago, Sumaya Kyomuhendo, Sophia Nakiyingi, Hadijja Nandago, Shakira Nyingaghirwe
Subs:
Brenda Kasana, Rebecca Nakato, Allen Nassozi, Justine Namuli, Latifa Nakasi, Sandra Nakamya, Josephine Nalule, Naiga Mayimuna, Olivia Nassali, Monica Nalubega, Patricia Busingye, Shanita Nalubwama
Head coach: Ayub Khalifa
Match Officials:
- Center Referee: Anna Akoyi
- Assistant Referee 1: Elizabeth Nassolo
- Assistant Referee 2: Babra Nayebale
- Fourth Official: Tina Nakibombo
- Referees’ Assessor: Harriet Natabi
