The Uganda Women’s football team on Tuesday played a friendly match against Zambia and easily cruised to resounding victory.
The Cranes ruthlessly outwitted the Copper Queens with a 5-0 win in a game played at Granda Stade de Marrakesh.
Rita Kivumbi converted the opener in the 37th minute and was joined by Fauzia Najjemba, Viola Nambi and substitute Fazila Ikwaput on the score chart.
Kivumbi who plays professionally in Sweden broke the deadlock in the 37th minute before Nambi and Najjemba fired home in quick succession to give Uganda a comfortable 3-0 lead heading into the break.
Uganda continued to dominate even after the break with Nambi getting Uganda’s fourth and her second on the day in the 57th minute.
Coach Lutalo made a triple change bringing on Ikwaput, Lillian Muttuzo and Phiona Nabbumba for Najjemba, Nambi and Hasifah Nassuna in that order.
Ikwaput took a few minutes to announce her arrival, scoring the final goal for the Crested Cranes in the 74th minute.
There were further changes with Sheebah Zalwango and Sandra Nabweteme replacing Shamirah Nalugya and Kivumbi respectively.
The win gives Uganda confidence going into the first group A game against Senegal on Sunday in Rabat.
The same group has hosts Morocco and Burkina Faso who will face off a day earlier in the opening game of the tournament.
Uganda’s Starting XI
Ruth Aturo (GK and Captain), Asia Nakibuuka, Sumaya Komuntale, Yudaya Nakayenze, Aisha Nantongo, Joan Nabirye, Viola Nambi, Hasifah Nassuna, Rita Kivumbi, Shamirah Nalugya, Fauzia Najjemba
Substitutes
Daisy Nakaziro(GK), Vanessa Edith Karungi(GK), Lukia Namubiru, Margaret Namirimu, Bira Nadunga, Tracy Jones Akiror, Margret Kunihira, Lillian Mutuuzo, Sheebah Zalwango, Phionah Nabbumba, Zaina Nandede, Sandra Nabweteme, Fazila Ikwaput, Riticia Nabbosa, Joanita Ainembabazi
