Uganda Crested Cranes head coach George Lutalo believes Uganda has what it takes to go past the past much-fancied Ethiopia and progress to the next round of the CAF Women Africa Cup of Nations.

The former URA assistant tactician was handed the job after former coach Falidah Bulega enrolled for a CAF coaching course in Nairobi, Kenya that ends later this year, and Lutalo’s first assignment came at the just concluded COSAFA championship where Uganda only finished second in group C.

Crested Cranes' goalkeepers in training

Upon returning, the team had a couple of days to rest before embarking on an intensive training program ahead of the first leg game that will be played on Wednesday, October 20 at St Mary’s Stadium.

Lutalo showing his players what to do

After the team’s second-day training session on Thursday morning, Lutalo expressed optimism that his side is copping well ahead of the task.

“Today was our second day of training and the spirit of the players has been good and promising. We have been trying to improve on our endurance and also concentrating on our final third to see that we improve on our finishing and the entire response of the players has been good. We have hope that we shall perform well in this coming game,” Lutalo said.

Lutalo showing players what to do

The initial 27 summoned players were beefed up by the U20 trio striker Juliet Nalukenge and midfielders Shakilah Nyinagahirwa and Hadijjah Nandago to make a total of 30 players.

Uganda Crested Cranes lost to Ethiopia  4-2 on aggregate in March 2019, to bow out of the Tokyo 2020 Olympics campaign, but later revenged with a 1-0 CECAFA 2019 group B game in November in Tanzania with Fauzia Najjemba scoring the 73rd-minute winner.

Crested Cranes' players stretching

After the first leg in Kampala, the return leg will then be played on October 26 in Bahir Dar and the winner on aggregate from the two legs will face either South Sudan or Kenya at the final qualification hurdle.

Players in Camp

Ruth Aturo (UCU Lady Cardinals FC), Daisy Nakaziro (Lady Doves FC), Daphine Nyayenga (Lady Doves FC)

Defenders

Viola Namuddu (Makerere University WFC), Shadia Nankya (UCU Lady Cardinals FC), Bira Nadunga (Olila High School WFC), Samalie Nakacwa (Kawempe Muslim Ladies FC), Aisha Nantongo (Kawempe Muslim Ladies FC), Sumaya Komuntale (Tooro Queens FC), Phoebe Banura (UCU Lady Cardinals FC), Asia Nakibuuka (Kawempe Muslim Ladies FC),

Midfielders

Shamirah Nalugya (Kawempe Muslim Ladies FC), Rhoda Nanziri (Kawempe Muslim Ladies FC), Sheebah Zalwango (Asubo Gafford Ladies FC), Phiona Nabbumba (She Corporate FC), Resty Kobusobozi (Tooro Queens FC), Riticia Nabbosa (Lady Doves FC), Joan Nabirye (Vihiga Queens FC), Shakilah Nyinagahilwa (Kawempe Moslem), Nandago Hadijah (Kawempe Moslem)

Forwards

Hasifa Nassuna (UCU Lady Cardinals FC), Sharon Naddunga (Kawempe Muslim Ladies FC), Resty Nanziri (Kampala Queens FC), Sandra Nabweteme (Fimleikafélag Hafnarfjarðar, Iceland), Laki Otandeka (New Jersey Copa FC, USA), Fauzia Najjemba (Kampala Queens FC), Margaret Kunihira (Kawempe Muslim Ladies FC), Spencer Nakacwa (Lady Doves FC), Juliet Nalukenge (Apollon LFC-Cyprus)