However, on the basis of what these girls showcased, it was testament of how women’s football in Uganda is coming of age. Although the scoreline was a complete annihilation, Tanzania also had a good command of the game, dominating for protracted spells, and keeping Uganda on the back-foot.
Yet, even with those moments causing real scare, the girls were steadfast and defended doggedly, giving little away. Girls have been known to crack when the pressure is on, but the Crested Cranes were unfazed. Even goalkeeping, which has been a big problem in women’s football globally, Daphine Nyayenga appeared assured in goal.
Although centre-back Grace Aluka found herself on the score-sheet by accident, following her defensive clearance, all the other goals were of sheer genius. Margaret Kunihira’s 20-yard curler, that opened Uganda’s account, came on the back of some delightful crosses and dribbles by her.
In addition, Fauziah Najjemba’s over the wall and under the cross-bar free-kick, would make KCCA FC’s Mustafa Kizza take a bow while the skipper Juliet Nalukenge’s brace; a neck twisting header and a curling strike on the edge of the box, as she lost her balance, were markings of a true finisher.
Former Crested Cranes coach Majidah Nantanda said, that constant exposure and practice has brought women’s football in Uganda this far: “There is no more stigma towards women’s football across the country, and therefore so many schools have promoted the game.”
In fact, these under-17 girls won the Cosafa and Cecafa championship last year. That has given them a lot of confidence and expedited their technical and tactical development. The girls played a well coordinated and organized game; a mark of how well coached they are.
Such is the reason, KCCA FC vice-chairman, Aggrey Ashaba was left in awe. Apart from harbouring the idea, that in future, KCCA should have a women’s side playing in the Fufa Elite Women’s League, Ashaba was impressed by midfielder Shamirah Naluggya. “She is strong and domineering; a real gem with the ball. A classic midfielder,” Ashaba said.
Brut strength and fitness is a major quality the girls showed. No wonder, even after running ninety minutes, they mustered the energy to run towards the pavilion, to celebrate with the Fufa President Moses Magogo while punching the air, before carrying their Ayub Khalifa, who is really huge, aloft in celebration without much strain.
That said, the downturn to the milestone women’s football in Uganda has realized, is the accusation made by the Tanzanian coach Bakari Shime, that some of Uganda’s team members were way and above 17. For the many fans that turned up to watch the girls exhibit such good football, will hope that uncouth allegation is dead on arrival.
Uganda squad vs Tanzania: 1. Daphine Nyayenga (gk); 9. Samalie Nakacwa (2. Gillian Akandinda), 5. Sumaya Komuntale, 17. Bira Naddunga and 11. Grace Aluka; 7. Catherine Nagadya (16. Zaituni Namaganda), 14. Shamira Naluggya and 12. Hadija Nandago (15. Gloria Namugerwa); 13. Fauziah Najjemba, 10. Juliet Nalukenge (c) and 6. Margaret Kunihira Unused substitutes: 18. Joan Namusisi (gk), 4. Moureen Nangonzi, 3. Patricia Akiror and 20. Eva Naggayi
