Crested Cranes not yet celebrating despite first leg victory, says Lutalo | Sbk Sports Mail

Uganda Women’s National Football team, the Crested Cranes secured a 2-0 home triumph over Ethiopia in their first leg of the first round of the qualifiers of the 2022 Africa Women Cup of Nations (AWCON) played at St Mary’s Stadium in Kitende yesterday.

Riticia Nabbosa’s first-half goal and Fauzia Najjemba’s header in the second half earned the Lutalo coached side the much needed home victory and boosted their hopes of progressing to the next qualifying phase of the 2022 Africa Women Cup of nations qualifiers.

This was George Lutalo’s first major competitive outing with the Crested Cranes and he believes it is not yet over despite his side’s home victory over Ethiopia in the first leg.

“Much as we have scored two goals, the war is still on until when we have finished the job and progressed to the next stage.The two goals are not yet enough and we will continue with the struggle,”

“I thank the players for the first leg, they have played well but we are not yet celebrating and they have to keep on pushing until we achieve our goal. We just need to keep working as a team because it is a team that has seen us win the game.”

“The war is not yet over.We travel to Ethiopia with the hopes that we shall seal the qualification slot. I thank the players for the brevity and courage during the first leg played that we managed to win with two goals without conceding. The preparations for the return leg commence immediately.”

George Lutalo, Uganda Crested Cranes Head coach said during the post-match press conference at St. Mary’s Stadium Kitende

The Ethiopians are now set to play host to the Crested Cranes in the second-leg encounter on Tuesday next week and the Crested Cranes will be banking on their home win advantage in the second-leg encounter as they look to reach the next stage of the 2022 AWCON qualifiers.

HOW THE TWO TEAMS LINED UP

Uganda Crested Cranes XI:

Ruth Aturo (G.K), Sumaya Komuntale, Asia Nakibuuka, Shadia Nankya, Viola Namuddu, Margret Kunihira, Sandra Nabweteme, Hasfa Nassuna, Joan Nabirye, Fauzia Najjemba, Riticia Nabbosa

Substitutes: Daisy Nakaziro (G.K), Juliet Nalukenge, Phoebe Banura, Sharon Nadunga, Shamirah Nalugya, Sheebah Zalwango

Ethiopia XI:

Balcha Bargena Tarikua (G.K), Meskerem Kanko, Asfaw Ember Adisu, Medina Awol Busser, Loza Abera Geinore (Captain), Kalsa Mekonnen Aregash, Nardos Getenet, Buwoli Hiwot Denegiso, Birra Wakuma Demise, Hasabe Musa Gila

Substitutes: Emiwesh Yirashewa Alemayhu, Eden Shiferaw, Tizita Hmikael Wimeskel, Senayt Bogale Boyzo, Rediet Assresahagn Matios, Mesay Temesgen Tanga, Alemnesh Geremew Asefa

Match Officials:

Referee: Josephine Wanjiku (Kenya)
Assistant Referee 1: Carolyne Kiles (Kenya)
Assistant Referee 2: Jane Cherono (Kenya)
Fourth official: Carolyne Wanjala (Kenya)
Commissioner: Angelique Tuyishime (Rwanda)

• Live🔴🟢 : Kawempe Muslim Ladies FC vs She Corporate | Finance Trust Bank Fufa Women Super LeagueMarch 15, 2026
• SC Villa Elections Dispute Deepens as Aspirants Petition FUFA While Mandela Emerges as Sole CandidateMarch 8, 2026
• Ugandan Defender Makes History with Move to French Première LigueMarch 3, 2026
• Frozen Out but Unbroken: Anukani’s Return to the Kasasiro Fold | Sbk Sports MailFebruary 23, 2026
• Uganda Sets Sights on Hosting the 2031 African Games | Sbk Sports MailFebruary 17, 2026