Uganda’s Women’s Senior National Football team had a challenging outing on Wednesday when they faced Algeria in the 2024 TotalEnergies Women’s Africa Cup of Nations Qualifiers.
The match, held at the FUFA Technical Centre in Njeru, saw the Algerian team secure a 2-1 victory in the first leg.
Habiba Karchouni and Imane Chabel each scored a goal at the beginning of the second half, while Fauzia Najjemba managed to pull one back for Uganda in the closing minutes.
Coach Ayub Khalifa Kiyingi introduced goalkeeper Vanessa Edith Karungi to the national team lineup for the first time.
The defensive line featured Phiona Nabbumba, Sumaya Komuntale, Shadia Nankya, and Aisha Nantongo.
In the absence of the first-team captain, Ruth Aturo, who was injured, Hasifah Nassuna assumed the role and started in midfield alongside Joan Nabirye and Riticia Nabbosa.
Sandra Nabweteme, Fazila Ikwaput, and Fauzia Najjemba led the attack.
Algeria took the lead in the 47th minute when Chabel scored a header from a corner kick. Just four minutes later, the visitors doubled their lead, with Karchouni scoring from distance.
Uganda managed to score a goal three minutes before the end of the game when Fauzia Najjemba converted a penalty after a foul on Amina Nababi in the box.
The Crested Cranes will carry their hopes into the return leg next Tuesday in Oran, aiming to overturn the deficit from the first leg.
The winner on aggregate between Uganda and Algeria will advance to face either Burundi or Ethiopia.
