Do-or-die for Uganda Crested Cranes against Zambia

The Uganda Crested Cranes will need to beat Zambia’s Copper Queens this afternoon if they hope to make the semi final stage at the on-going COSAFA Women’s Championship.

Coach George William Lutalo’s team are second in Group C with 4 points, while Zambia are top with six points.

The match at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium this afternoon in Port Elizabeth , South Africa promises to be a thriller. “We know that Zambia is a strong team, but we need to win to be able to qualify for the semis,” Uganda’s coach Lutalo told Cecafaonline.

Hassifah Nassuna who came off the bench to score a brace in Uganda’s 5-1 win against Eswatini could make the starting team this afternoon to play along side Joan Nabirye.

But Zambia’s coach Florence Nkatya says although they have already won all their two games, they will take the game against Uganda very seriously. “Facing Uganda at this stage will be a tough because we all want to qualify for the semi finals,” said Nkatya.

Uganda kick started their campaign with a goalless draw against Namibia before humbling Eswatini 5-1. Zambia’s Coppers Queens top Group C with six points after their 5-0 win against Eswatini and followed it up with a 3-0 win against Namibia. The second Group C match today will see Namibia face Eswatini.

Already one CECAFA team Tanzania have qualified for the semi final after coming top of Group B where they won all the three matches scoring eight goals and conceding none.

Group C

                     P       W     D      L       GF    GA   GD   Pts

Zambia     2       2       0       0       8       0       8       6

Uganda     2       1        1        0       5       1        4       4

Namibia   2       0       1        1       0       3       -3       1

Eswatini   2       0       0       2       1       10     -9      0