Huge blow for Uganda Crested Cranes as five players opt out of Algeria clash

Uganda Crested Cranes will miss up to five players for their 2024 Africa Women’s Cup of Nations qualifier against Algeria.

Uganda is set to host the Algerians on Saturday 16th September, at the FUFA Technical Centre in Njeru before flying to Algiers for the return a week later.

Interim head coach Ayub Khalifa summoned a team of 33 players, most of whom started training earlier in the week in Njeru.

However, the coach was later informed that three players had turned down the summons due to their academic engagements.

They include Kampala Queens duo of Samalie Nakacwa, Hadijah Nandago, and Phionah Nabulime from Kawempe Muslim.

The trio are preparing to sit for their national examinations.

Former team captain Tracy Jones AKiror, who is returning after a long spell in the USA has issues with his documentation.

Shamirah Nalugya will also miss after picking an injury during the CAF women’s Champions League with Kampala Queens.

The winner of the tie will play the winner in the fixture between Burundi and Ethiopia for a slot at the 2024 Africa Women’s Cup of Nations.

Read the Uganda Cranes provisional squad here: Karungi, Akiror return to boost Uganda Crested Cranes arsenal ahead of Algeria AWCON 2024 qualifier