Crested Cranes head coach Majidah Nantanda has preached war ahead of their weekend return leg clash against the Democratic Republic of Congo in the 8th Africa Senior Women’s Championship qualifier.
Nantanda says she told the players qualification to the next stage is the only positive result they should go for in Kinshasa. The Crested Cranes were held to a 1-all draw two weeks ago and now need to win away or battle for any kind of draw which is more than two goals.
Nantanda says their residential camp in Njeru in Jinja had helped the girls get used to the artificial tuff which is similar to the one to be used in Kinshasa.
The coach says that although her team has not got lots of exposure on the international stage like their opponents, the girls know what the benefits would be if they eliminated DR Congo and eventually qualified for the Africa Women Championships.
The Crested Cranes will have to keep a close watch on DR Congo’s dangerous attack of Tondo Lungemba who scored in the first leg, Mangola Bulaba and Ivonne Nalembo. But Nantanda said although the Congolese are good ball players, her girls will have to keep a close body marking approach and avoid conceding an early goal.
The players heading to Kinshasa include goal keepers Fatuma Matovu and Annet Nanyonga while in defense Coach Nantanda has to pick from Stella Nassuna, Zaina Namukasa, Gladys Nakitto, Shamim Nantege, Christine Wanyana and Mary Babirye.
The midfield has Sylvia Nagawa, Naome Nagaddya, Christine Nambirige, Rita Kivumbi and Rita Nakirijja while Dorothy Nakato, Winnie Babirye, Fatuma Luwedde Walugembe, Hadijjah Nampijja, Viola Nambi, Joyce Mwebaza and Sylvia Nakazibwe form the attacking options for Nantanda, herself a former national team player.
