Uganda open COSAFA Women’s Championship with draw against Namibia

The Uganda Crested Cranes settled for a goalless draw yesterday against Namibia in their first Group C match at the on-going COSAFA Women’s Championship in Port Elizabeth, South Africa.

Hasifah Nasuuna, Joan Nabirye and substitute Laki Otandeka had some chances for Uganda, but were not clinical enough in the match played at the Madibaz Stadium at the Nelson Mandela Bay.

Millicent Felicity Hikuam also had a descent chance for Namibia, but failed to score.

George William Lutalo, the Uganda Crested Cranes coach said that although his team did not take their scoring chances, he will go back to the drawing board to rectify some mistakes ahead of the next group match against Eswatini.

“We need to play much better and be able to get the goals. We have one point and need to pick a win in the next match if we are to stand chances of advancing to the next stage of the tournament,” added Lutalo.

In another Group C match played on Thursday Zambia whitewashed Eswatini 5-0. Ochumba Lubandji scored a hat-trick, while Margaret Belemu and substitute Esther Mukwasa picked the other goals.

It is only Twiga Stars of Tanzania from the CECAFA region that has registered a win in their opening match at the tournament. Tanzania beat Zimbabwe 3-0, while South Sudan lost 7-0 to Botswana.

On Friday action return to Group A with Malawi facing Mozambique, while South Africa take on Angola.

Group A

                     P    W    D     L    GF   GA   A    Pts

Zambia      1     1     0     0     5       0       5      3

Namibia    1     0     1     0      0      0       0     0

Uganda     1     0     1     0      0      0       0      0

Eswatini    1     0     0     1      0      5     -5      0