Wednesday, September 20
*Uganda 1-2 Algeria
(First Leg)
Uganda Senior Women’s Football National team, the Crested Cranes, suffered a 2-1 loss to Algeria in the first leg of the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations Qualifiers at Njeru.
Habiba Karchouni and Imane Chabel scored a goal each in the second half for Algeria while Fauzia Najjemba pulled one back for Uganda in the closing stages through the spot.
It was a bad day in office for Uganda, who are seeking to make a return to the continental showpiece for a third time.
The team without a head coach, now under Assistant Coach Ayub Khalifa, looked a shadow of themselves despite having foreign based players like Fauzia Najjemba and goalkeeper Vanessa Karungi, who started in goal.
After a goalless first half, it was the visitors who returned the better side and they scored two quick goals.
Chabel opened the scoring in the 47th minute when she headed in from a corner before Karchouni scored from a distance two minutes later to make it two for the Visitors.
Late in the game, Najjemba got Uganda’s goal from the spot after Amina Nababi was fouled in the area, but her goal only proved to be a consolation.
The result puts Ayub Khalifa’s charges in a tough situation ahead of the second leg.
The two sides will meet next week on Tuesday in Oran, and a huge mountain awaits the Crested Cranes in Algeria.
The winner on aggregate between Uganda and Algeria will face either Burundi or Ethiopia at the final qualification stage.
How they Started
Uganda- Vanessa Karungi GK, Phiona Nabumba, Sumaya Komuntale, Shadia Nankya, Aisha Nantongo, Joan Babirye, Hasifa Nasuuna, Fazila Ikwaput, Sandra Nabweteme, Fauzia Najjemba
Algeria – Chloe Yamina GK, Guellati Sofia, Roselene khezami, Mogan Belkhiter, Ghouthia Habiba, Lina Bousaha, Ines Bentaleb, Marine Alfreda, Imane Chebel, Naima Ben, Amira Ould
