All African Games 2023 |By Jude Atwiine (Photos by FUFA Media)
The Queen Cranes made their mark in the 13th All Africa Games-Accra last evening against Tanzania in the Junior East African Derby.
Under the bright stadium lights of Cape Coast, the anticipation was palpable as the teams took their positions. The whistle blew and the game sprang to life with both sides eager to stamp their authority on the match from the get-go.
Midfield battles became a heartbeat of the dugout as players clashed with a mix of skill and determination, each pass and move building the story of a thrilling encounter.
However, a disappointing end was always on the cards with the Queen Cranes failing to capitalize on their chances on several occasions. The Tanzanians salvaged a draw with one minute to the end of the regular ninety minutes.
With the Queen Cranes failing to start their campaign on a high note, it was rather eye-watering to watch very familiar faces from the Fresh Dairy Games 2023 and the just concluded USSSA Elite Games- Jinja 2024.
The team’s Skipper on the night, a very fast-paced winger from St. Noa Girls’ School Catherine Nagadya was one of those who caused several problems to the Tanzanians’ defense, especially with her pinpoint deliveries from set pieces.
Uganda Martyrs High School-Lubaga was well represented on the night with three of their players making it into the starting eleven on the night. Showstopper Sharon Kaidu, Latifah Nakasi, and Shamsa Najjuma who were all influential in the game.
Here’s a list of players involved on the matchday and their respective schools
- Shamsa Najjuma – Uganda Martyrs High School-Lubaga
- Catherine Nagadya – St. Noa Girls’ School
- Phiona Nabulime – Kawempe Muslim SS
- Latifah Nakasi – Uganda Martyrs High School-Lubaga
- Juliet Nalukenge – ( previously at Kawempe Muslim SS)
- Sharon Kaidu- ( previously at Uganda Martyrs High School-Lubaga)
- Krusum Namutebi – Kawempe Muslim SS
- Kebirungi claire Hilda- Kawempe Muslim SS
- Cecilia Kamuli – King of Kings SS
Some of these faces will be available to represent their schools in the upcoming Fresh Dairy Girls Football Championship 2024 in Luweero district but also new youngsters will be expected to make a mark on the stage.
Meanwhile, the Queen Cranes will hope to get their first win on Tuesday as they face Ethiopia at the same venue