Uganda Crested Cranes head coach George William Lutalo on Thursday named his final squad ahead of the TotalEnergies Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) 2022.
Fresh from winning the CECAFA Senior Women’s Championship, Lutalo says his team is well prepared and confident of getting good results when the tournament takes place in Morocco from 3-23 July.
“I am happy with the hard work the players have showed me and I believe we have what it takes to put up a good show in Morocco,” said Lutalo.
The Uganda Crested Cranes, who make their second appearance in WAFCON, are placed in Group A alongside Burkina Faso, Senegal and hosts Morocco.
“We had smooth preparations since last year. We played in the COSAFA and recently CECAFA where the team emerged champions. I believe these tournaments have helped us to get the skeleton of the team and I’m confident the final squad named will help us attain the set targets,” added Lutalo.
First choice goalkeeper Ruth Aturo has been named captain of the team, Aturo, who plies her trade with Katkan Tyovaen Palloillija FC in Finland, made it clear that they know it is a huge task ahead in Morocco.
“We are determined as a team and prepared to carry the national flag high. We know every match will be very important in this tournament and we shall give our best,” added Aturo.
Missing from the squad however is talented youngster Juliet Nakulenge who has not enjoyed good form lately. The 2019 Women’s Footballer of the Year in Uganda did not enjoy a lot of playing time during the recent CECAFA Senior Women’s Championship that Uganda hosted in Njeru.
The Uganda Crested Cranes will fly to Marrakech for a 10-day training camp where they are also expected to play a friendly match against Moroccan side Feminine Phoenix.
Lutalo’s team will kick start their campaign with a game against Senegal on 3 July.
Crested Cranes Squad
Goalkeepers: Ruth Aturo (Katkan Tyovaen Palloillija FC, Finland), Vanessa Edith Karungi (B93, Denmark), Daisy Nakaziro(Uganda Martyrs H/S Lubaga, Uganda)
Defenders: Asia Nakibuuka (Kawempe Muslim LFC, Uganda), Sumaya Komuntale (Tooro Queens FC,Uganda), Yudaya Nakayenze (Lindey Wilson College, USA), Aisha Nantongo (Kawempe Muslim LFC, Uganda), Margret Namirimu (She Corporate FC, Uganda), Bira Nadunga (Olila High School, WFC, Uganda), Lukia Namubiru (Kampala Queens FC, Uganda)
Midfielders: Hasifah Nassuna (UCU Lady Cardinals FC,Uganda), Joan Nabirye (Vihiga Queens, Kenya), Phionah Nabbumba(She Corporate FC, Uganda), Riticia Nabbosa (Lady Doves FC, Uganda), Shamirah Nalugya (Kampala Queens, Uganda), Sheeba Zalwango (FC Amani, DR Congo), Tracy Jones Akiror (AFC Ann Arbor)
Forwards: Viola Nambi (FC Dornbirn Ladies, Austria), Sandra Nabweteme (Unattached), Fazila Ikwaput (Lady Doves FC, Uganda), Ritah Kivumbi (Mallbackens IF, Sweden), Fauzia Najjemba (BIIK Shymkent, Kazakhstan), Joanita Ainembabazi (Rines SS WFC, Uganda), Lillian Mutuuzo (Kampala Queens FC, Uganda), Margret Kunihira (Kampala Queens, Uganda), Zaina Nandede (Kampala Queens, Uganda)
???? Uganda’s Crested Cranes looked stylish for their #TotalEnergiesWAFCON2022 squad announcement ?? pic.twitter.com/mWSIqYTwAg
— SuperSport ?? (@SuperSportTV) June 24, 2022