Uganda Crested Cranes head coach Faridah Bulega has named a 30-man provisional squad that will enter camp to prepare for the 2020 Tokyo CAF Womens’ Qualifier against Ethiopia.
The double-legged encounter will have the first leg played in Ethiopian Capital Addis Ababa next month before the return leg that will be played 3 days later – on Saturday, April 6, at the StarTimes Stadium in Kampala.
The squad features four goalkeepers, 10 defenders, nine midfielders and seven strikers with bulk of the players that featured for the Crested Cranes during the regional tour match retained. The team entered residential camp imediately with the final 23 man squad to be named at the end of the week.
Reigning Airtel FUFA female Player of the year, Ikwaput Fazilah, who plays for BIIK Kazygurt has made the squad despite not playing any competitive for her parent club since the turn of the year.
However, US based, South west Oklahoma University forward Sandra Nabweteme has been called and if she makes the final squad, will play her first international game since 2016 when she featured against Kenya.
Utility player Yudaya Nakayenze who was one of the best performers for the She Cranes at last year’s CECAFA tournament in Rwanda before switching to US has also been summoned.
UCU Lady Cardinals pair – goalkeeper Ruth Aturo and Hasifah Nassuuna – have also made the provisional squad.
The aggregate winner of this tie over both legs will face Cameroon in the next qualification round.
Crested Cranes Provisional Squad
Goalkeepers: Ruth Aturo (UCU Lady Cardinals), Daisy Nakaziro (Lady Doves), Juliet Adeke (Kawempe Muslim Ladies), Vanessa Edith Karungi (She Corporates)
Defenders: Viola Namuddu (Makerere University), Shadia Nankya (Uganda Martyrs High School), Aisha Namukisa (Kampala Queens), Grace Aluka (Kawempe Muslim), Margaret Birabwa (Muteesa I Royal University), Phoebe Banura (UCU Lady Cardinals), Wilmer Nantumbwe (She Corporates), Marion Amangat (Olila High School), Yudaya Nakayenze (Seminole College), Gladys Nakitto (Lady Doves)
Midfielders: Phiona Nabbumba (Ajax Queens), Shamira Nalujja (Isra Soccer Academy), Teddy Najjuma (UCU Lady Cardinals), Tracy Jones Akiror (Kawempe Muslim Ladies), Anita Namata (Kawempe Muslim Ladies), Fauziah Najjemba (Isra Soccer Academy), Lilian Mutuuzo (Kampala Queens), Ritah Nabbosa (Lady Doves), Susan Atim (Olila High School)
Strikers: Sandra Nabweteme (South West Oklahoma State University), Zaina Namuleme (Kampala Queens), Hasifa Nassuna (UCU Lady Cardinals), Fazilah Ikwaput (BIIK Kazygurt), Resty Nanziri (Kampala Queens), Monica Namwase (Kampala Queens), Juliet Nalukenge (Kawempe Muslim Ladies)
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