By 
Crested Cranes bow out of the 2022 Total Energies Women Africa Cup Of Nations group stages in Casablanca, Morocco.
This came about after the team lossing and drawing one in their three group stage games against fellow Group A teams (Hosts Morocco, Senegal and Burkina Faso) ending the journey pre maturely with three (3) goals.
Uganda’s goals at the tournament were scored by Sumaya Komuntale (against Morocco) both Magret Kunihira and Sandra Nabweteme who scored (against Burkina Faso)
About the last group game.
Uganda started off brightly scoring their first goal in the 8th minute through Kampala Queens’ forward Magret Kunihira after a beautiful switch from her club team mate Shamirah Nalugya.
Magret Kunihira celebrating the first goal of the game.
In the 17th minute matters continued to get worse for the Burkina Faso women as Madinatou Rouamba’s initial Yellow Card turned into Red after an initial VAR check after bringing down Fauzia Najjemba as the last defender, stopping a goal opportunity.
With ten minutes left on the clock to end the first half, the Burkina Faso ladies grabbed an equaliser through Adama Congo’s solo effort after dribbling past five Ugandan players to strike a low effort into the back of the net.
Three minutes later, Sandra Nabweteme restored Uganda’s lead to bring in more interest for the Ugandan Football players, Fans and top Officials whose thought was to head to the quarterfinal stage.
As it looked like it was over for the first stanza, Burkina Faso didn’t seize the fire as they got back for the second time in the game, Naomi Adele Kabre placing home a cross brought in from the right in the 41st to settle the first half 2-2.
After squandering lots of chances in the opening half, the head coach Lutalo made a few changes to the game in the second half bringing on Rita Kivumbi and Lukia Namubiru for Fazila Ikwaput and Aisha Nantongo respectively to put the first half faults right.
The Cranes contined to get lots of spaces and chances with Captain Fauzia Najjemba the 53rd minute shooting the ball inside the box only to be deflected out for a corner.
Three minutes after Uganda made their third change in attempt to win the game calling upon Lilian Mutuuzo to replace fellow Kampala Queens forward and goalscorer Magret Kunihira. Lilian came into the game with more life and a couple of drives to the box but still no goal was there to show.
As the hopes faded more and more, Lutalo decided to give a lot of players bringing on Ritticia Nabbosa(On debut for the tournament) for Shamirah Nalugya who made two assists on the day just like Joanita Ainembabazi who too made her appearance after coming on for Sandra Nabweteme.
The game ended as the second half started meaning that Uganda were out of the tournament with a point to their name and goal difference of – 4.
Starting line up.
Daisy Nakaziro (GK), Phionah Nabbumba, Aisha Nantongo, Magret Namirimu, Asia Nakibuka, Joan Nabirye, Shamirah Nalugya, Sandra Nabweteme, Magret Kunihira, Fazila Ikwaput, Fauzia Najjemba (C)
Crested Cranes team that face Burkina Faso.
In the other group A game, Ghizlane Chebbak scored the only goal for Morocco as the won against Senegal 1-0. Chebbak is now the leading goalscorer at the tournament with 3 goals in 3 games keeping the hosts top of Group A.
Chebbak celebrating her goal against Senegal women.
The Moroccan captain, looks to replicate father Larbi Chebbak who won Morocco’s only Africa Cup Of Nations title in 1976, is a true set piece expert.
Standings.
Team. PTS
Morocco. 9
Senegal. 6
Burkina Faso 1
Uganda. 1
The two teams Morocco and Senegal move onto the quarterfinals while the other two Burkina Faso and Uganda are out.
