WAFCON 2022: Crested Cranes Fall to Senegal, Date Morocco

Uganda started its expedition at the TotalEnergies Women Africa Cup of Nations on a sloppy note, falling to Senegal on Sunday.

In the game played at Moulay Abdellah Sports Complex, Rabat Senegal scored a goal in either half.

Diakite Ndeye and Nguenar Ndiaye scored the goals for the West African side.

The opening goal came in the 39th minute with Ndeye converting from the spot after Aisha Nantongo fouled in the box.

Five minutes after restart, Senegal doubled their advantage with Ndiaye capitalizing on a mistake by defender Yudaya Nakayenze.

Coach Lutalo maintained the team that had started against Zambia in a friendly on Tuesday.

The closest Uganda to scoring in the first half was when Najjemba headed from Violah Bambi’s corner kick delivery but she was unlucky with her effort hitting the base of the goal post.

At the start of the second half coach Lutalo made changes bringing on Fazila Ikwaput and Phiona Nabbumba for Viola Nambi and Hasifah Nassuna.

There was another change with Sandra Nabweteme replacing Shamirah Nalugya.

Nabbumba almost scored when she shot from far but her strike hit the upright.

Uganda kept surging forward and was the better side in the second stanza.

Ikwaput had a glorious effort when she went through on goal but failed to fire the ball beyond the goalkeeper.

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.