COSAFA Women’s Championship 2018
Namibia 0-0 Uganda
Wolfson Stadium, Port Elizabeth
Saturday, 15-09-2018
PORT ELIZABETH – The Crested Cranes were held to a goalless draw by Namibia in their second game of the 2018 COSAFA Women’s Championship.
Coming off a seven goal thriller victory over Swaziland, Faridah Bulega’s side was expected to take care of a Namibia side that was yet to register a point in the competition but it was not to be the case as the South Africans frustrated them throughout the 90 minutes.
After the arrival of six more players a day before the game, Bulega made five changes to the team that started against Swaziland including handing defender Aisha Namukisa and midfielder Shamira Nalujja their national team debuts.
Namukisa started in place of Bridget Nabisaalu while Nalujja replaced Riticia Nabbosa who started on the bench.
The other changes in the team saw Grace Aluka start at left back with Viola Namuddu who played in the position against Swaziland moving back to her usual right back slot and team captain Tracy Jones Akiror returning to the midfield.
16 year old Mutuuzo who had a scintillating performance at the just concluded CECAFA Women’s Championship in Rwanda also returned to the starting lineup replacing Norah Alupo. The other change saw Phiona Nabbumba pave way for towering Shadia Nankya in defence.
Despite efforts to secure maximum points, Namibia were resilient enough to deny the Crested Cranes while on the other hand, shot stopper Ruth Aturo made fine saves to register a clean sheet.
A point off Namibia means Uganda moved to four points after two games with the final group game against log leaders Zimbabwe slated for Monday.
The Crested Cranes IX that Started against Namibia:
Ruth Aturo, Viola Namuddu, Grace Aluka,Shadia Nankya,Shamira Nalujja, Tracy Jones Akiror,Lilian Mutuuzo(Norah Alupo),Shamira Nalujja, Resty Nanziri(Phiona Nabbumba),Hasifa Nassuna(Juliet Nalukenge), Zaina Namulemen
