Uganda Women’s Senior National Football team, Crested Cranes had a frustrating outing on Wednesday as they faced Algeria in the 2024 TotalEnergies Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Qualifiers.
The game played at FUFA Technical Centre, Njeru saw the Algerians win 2-1 to take advantage from the first leg.
Habiba Karchouni and Imane Chabel scored a goal each at the start of the second half while Fauzia Najjemba pulled one back one for Uganda in the closing stages.
Algeria took the lead through Chabel who headed from a corner kick in the 47th minute.
Four minutes later, the visitors doubled the lead with Karchouni scoring from distance.
Uganda’s goal arrived with three minutes to the end of the game when Fauzia Najjemba converted from the spot after a foul on Amina Nababi in the box.
The Crested Cranes carry hope into the return leg next Tuesday in Oran hoping to overturn the first leg deficit.
The winner on aggregate between Uganda and Algeria will face either Burundi or Ethiopia.
Coach Ayub Khalifa Kiyingi handed goalkeeper Vanessa Edith Karungi her first appearance in the national team colours.
The backline had Phiona Nabbumba, Sumaya Komuntale, Shadia Nankya and Aisha Nantongo.
In the absence of the first team captain Ruth Aturo who was injured, Hasifah Nassuna took on the role and started in the midfield alongside Joan Nabirye and Riticia Nabbosa.
Sandra Nabweteme, Fazila Ikwaput and Fauzia Najjemba led the attack.
