Crested Cranes head coach Firew Hailegebreal Asefa has named a 23-player squad for the Olympics Qualifiers return leg against Zambia in Lusaka on Tuesday. Uganda carry a 2-1 lead from the first leg played at Hams Stadium Nakivubo. The squad departed Entebbe International Airport on Sunday morning and will train in the evening. The aggregate winner faces either Mauritius or Ghana in the next round. The selection includes three goalkeepers, seven defenders, six midfielders and seven forwards.
Goalkeepers Vanessa Edith Karungi of Brøndby IF Women and Ruth Aturo of Simba Queens FC join home-based Lillian Nakirya.
Defenders feature Shadia Nankya from HAC Féminines Women FC France and Zainah Nandede of Simba Queens alongside five local players.
Midfielders include Denmark-based Phiona Nabbumba and Belarus-based Shamira Nalugya with four domestic options.
Forwards are led by Fazila Ikwaput of East Bengal WFC India and Sylvia Kabene of Mġarr United Women FC Malta.
The argument doing the rounds in Kampala is whether the three foreign-based goalkeepers give enough match sharpness compared to the domestic alternatives.
The Copper Queens will need to overturn the deficit at home to keep their Paris dreams alive.
Crested Cranes travelling squad:
- Goalkeepers: Vanessa Edith Karungi (Brøndby IF Women Denmark), Ruth Aturo (Simba Queens FC Tanzania), Lillian Nakirya (St. Noa Girls FC Uganda)
- Defenders: Shadia Nankya (HAC Féminines Women FC France), Bridget Nabisaalu (She Maroons FC Uganda), Barbara Anomo (St. Noa Girls FC Uganda), Hadijah Babirye (Kawempe Muslim Ladies FC Uganda), Jamilah Nabulime (KCCA Women FC Uganda), Jane Nantongo (UCU Lady Cardinals FC Uganda), Zainah Nandede (Simba Queens FC Tanzania)
- Midfielders: Phiona Nabbumba (FC Midtjylland Denmark), Joan Nabirye (Yanga Princess FC Tanzania), Agnes Nabukenya (Kawempe Muslim Ladies FC Uganda), Kamiyati Naigaga (KCCA Women FC Uganda), Peace Muduwa (KCCA Women FC Uganda), Shamira Nalugya (FC Dynamo Brest Belarus)
- Forwards: Fazila Ikwaput (East Bengal WFC India), Sylvia Kabene (Mġarr United Women FC Malta), Jesca Namanda (She Corporate FC Uganda), Joanitah Ainembabazi (KCCA Women FC Uganda), Laki Otandeka (Coamo FC), Marrion Amangati (KCCA Women FC Uganda), Angel Auki Kigongo (Uganda Martyrs Lubaga WFC Uganda)
Source: Kawowo Sports
