Uganda Crested Cranes fall to Senegal in Women’s Nations Cup opener

? Uganda’s Group Fixtures
✳ July 3 – Uganda 0 Senegal 2

✳ July 5 – Uganda Vs Morocco
✳ July 8 – Burkina Faso Vs Uganda

KAMPALA, UGANDA: The Uganda Crested Cranes started their campaign for for glory in the TotalEnergies Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) 2022 on a false note, falling 2-0 to Senegal in their opening match in Morocco.

Ndeye Awa Diakhate and Nguenar Ndiaye scored in each half for Senegal at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium.

The Crested Cranes came into the match with lots of confidence having stopped Zambia 5-0 in an international friendly match few days ago. But the Senegal team proved a harder opponent as they used the 4-2-3-1 system of play against Uganda’s 4-3-3.

After 39 minutes Diakhate converted a penalty after some poor defending by Uganda Crested Cranes.

In the second half coach George William Lutalo made some changes and the Ugandan team looked more lively.

But after 50 minutes Ndiaye made it 2-0 after she run and beat Uganda’s goalkeeper Ruth Arturo. The referee had to consult the VAR system to check for a probable off-side, but the goal stood.

“We need to go back to the drawing board and plan for the second match against Morocco,” said coach Lutalo after the match.

While Senegal now top Group A with three points and two goals, hosts Morocco who beat Burkina Faso 1-0 on Saturday are second, while Uganda are bottom of the log.

The Crested Cranes will shift focus to Tuesday’s game against hosts Morocco.

Starting XI
Ruth Aturo (GK), Asia Nakibuuka, Sumaya Komuntale, Yudaya Nakayenze, Aisha Nantongo,Joan Nabirye, Shamirah Nalugya, Hasifah Nassuna, Rita Kivumbi, Violah Nambi, Fauzia Najjemba

Substitutes
Daisy Nakaziro(GK), Vanessa Edith Karungi(GK), Margaret Namirimu, Sandra Nabweteme, Lillian Mutuuzo, Fazila Ikwaput, Joan Ainembabazi, Phiona Nabbumba, Sheebah Zalwango