The Crested Cranes have Friday settled for a bronze medal in the ongoing Confederation of Southern Africa Football Association (COSAFA) in South Africa, when they beat Zambia 1-0 in the fight for the third position.
The goal for the women national football team, came in the 32nd minute from outstanding captain Tracy Akiror, who converted a spectacular penalty kick, won by Juliet Nalukenge, in a match played at the Wolfson stadium.
The Shepolopolo of Zambia started the game with a high tempo prompting them to get several free kicks in the 6th and 14th minutes, only to be taken wider by striker Mweemba Lushomo.
In the 24th minute, Zambia’s Nachula made a wonderful run and passed the ball to Barbara Banda in the penalty box but Banda’s weak shot was comfortably collected by shotstopper Ruth Aturo, before Akiror converting the spot kick in the 32nd minute, ending first half with the Ugandans in the lead.
Second half was not any different with both sides attempting to score but with no success, before ending the match 1-0 in favour of Uganda, availing them with a bronze medal.
Uganda was one of the two guest nations in the tournament but surprisingly humbled Swaziland, had a goalless draw with Namibia and beat last year’s defeated finalists Zimbabwe before losing to hosts and defending champions South Africa at the semi finals yesterday.
Banyana Banyana of South Africa will tomorrow entertain another guest nation Cameroon in the finals.
Crested Cranes XI vs Zambia
Ruth Aturo (GK), Viola Namuddu, Grace Aluka, Shadia Nankya, Aisha Namukisa, Tracy Jones Akiror (Captain), Shamira Nalugya, Phionah Nabbumba, Juliet Nalukenge, Resty Nanziri, Lillian Mutuuzo