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COACH ASAPH MWEBAZE REFLECTS ON THE CRESTED CRANES PERFORMANCE AT WFCON.

COACH ASAPH MWEBAZE REFLECTS ON THE CRESTED CRANES PERFORMANCE AT WFCON.

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The Crested Cranes made a return to the Women Africa Cup of Nations after 22 years having played first and last at the 2000 edition in South Africa which was won by Nigeria who defeated the hosts; 2-0.

At the 2022 Total Energies Women Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, the Crested Cranes returned at the biggest stage of women football on the continent where they played in Group A against Morocco, Senegal and Burkina Faso.

The Crested Cranes kicked off their campaign against the Senegal but lost that game 2-0.

In game two, the Crested Cranes played against the hosts Morocco. In that game, Uganda scored its first goal through Sumaya Komuntale but still lost it 3-1.

crested cranes starting XI against Burkina faso
Crested Cranes starting XI against Burkina Faso. PHOTO CREDIT: FUFA MEDIA

In the last group game, Uganda picked its first and only point from the championship against Burkina Faso having played to a 2 all draw. Uganda’s goals came through  Margret Kunihira and Sandra Nabweteme.

After three games, the Crested Cranes performance wasn’t the best in terms of results achieved however, the team’s display on the pitch was attention-grabbing and thus received words of praises and encouragement from many Ugandans.

Coach Ashap Mwebaze a celebrated elite coach with over 22 years of coaching experience with the like of Maroons Football Club, Onduparaka Football Club, Nyamitobora Football Club among others was one of the Ugandans who were charmed by the team's game display.

Mwebaze took to his face book platform and wrote that he was delighted with the performance of the team and particularly the way the team played.

The general performance of the Crested Cranes was eye catching and a breath of fresh air,” Mwebaze wrote.

“It's a long time that we have seen a Ugandan team at any level play with such fluency.

“The passing and movement with the ball was exciting; ball handling was very good.”

However, he also pointed out what would have contributed to the team’s shortcomings.

“Our deficiencies were in lapse of concentration while defending, the lack of height and size of our girls; and stage fright at crucial moments. Otherwise it was a great experience and exposure for women's football in Uganda, for we played the game beautifully.”

To the girls, Mwebaze wrote this as a word of encouragement;

“Having experienced failure, it pushes you to go after your dreams. It teaches you to keep trying and trying until you get it right. This is what eventually leads to success. Like Winston Churchill once said, "success is moving from failure to failure without loss of enthusiasm".

With only one point and 3 goals, the Crested Cranes dropped out of the championship at the group stages level.

Story by Joseph Mary Ssempiira www.sportznow.ug writer.

 

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