Tracy Akiror is joined by Juliet Nalukenge in celebrations (FUFA Media)
By: Sinan Rajub Senoga
Zambia 0-1 Uganda
The Crested Cranes rounded up their two-week expedition in South in style, scooping the bronze medal after edging Zambia’s Shepolopolo by a goal to nil.
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It was a Tracy Jones Akiror penalty goal that separated the two sides in the third place play off encounter at the Isaac Wolfson Stadium in Port Elizabeth on a Friday afternoon.
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Tactically, Farida Bulega made only one change from the line up that started the previous two encounters against South Africa and Zimbabwe.
Crested Cranes line up (FUFA Media)
Juliet Nalukenge for the first time made her start in the tournament replacing Zainah Namuleme.
Both teams played to a first half of limited chances with the only significant event turning out to be the defining moment of the game.
It was at the half hour mark when Nalukenge won a penalty for Uganda after being toppled by the Zambian defender in 10 yards.
Captain Tracy Jones Akiror stepped up and cleverly put the ball in the bottom right corner – far beyond the Zambian goalie to put Bulega’s charges in the lead.
Shamirah Nalugya controls the ball (FUFA Media)
The start of the second period saw Bulega bring on Hasifa Nassuna for Resty Nanziri.
While chasing the game, the Zambians created a number of chances but agonizingly failed to convert any.
Ruth Aturo was once again a stalwart between the sticks. Aturo came to Uganda’s rescue in defense for their slim lead in a number of times, most notably was in the 63rd minute when she reflexed to parry away Mary Mwakapila’s goal bound header.
Zainah Namuleme was then brought on for a worn out Lillian Mutuuzo five minutes past the hour mark.
Youngester Lillian Mutuuzo dares to beat two Zambian players. She was later withdrawn for Zainah Namuleme
The Shepolopolo kept on attacking while the Crested Cranes sat deep and by the time of the full time whistle, the Ugandan girls had kept Bulega’s instructions to the book securing a 1-0 victory.
Lanky centre back Shadia Nankya was crowned player of the match for the second time in the tournament.
As Uganda won the bronze, the hosts South Africa are set to lock horns with another guest nation Cameroon in the final slated for tomorrow.
Crested Cranes sign the national anthem (FUFA Media)
Crested Cranes XI
Ruth Aturo (GK), Viola Namuddu, Grace Aluka, Shadia Nankya, Aisha Namukisa, Tracy Jones Akiror (Captain), Shamira Nalugya, Phionah Nabbumba, Juliet Nalukenge, Resty Nanziri (Hasifa Nassuna), Lillian Mutuuzo (Zainah Namuleme)
