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Crested Cranes head coach George Lutalo, has indicated his charges are ready to face off with Ethiopia in the first leg of the 2022 Africa Women Cup of Nations Qualifiers on Wednesday at St Mary’s stadium, Kitende.
Lutalo who is in his second month as the coach has been with team for the last week at FUFA technical Centre, Njeru believes they had enough time to jell together.
“I think we have had enough time to prepare for this game. Everyone is ready and the team is in perfect shape,” he said in the pre Match press conference.
The gaffer also asserts that playing at COSAFA Women’s Championship in South Africa last month came with several positives despite not going out of the group.
“The tournament we had in South Africa was important because it helped us understand where we stand. We realized where we need to improve and that is what we have been working on.”
About the addition of players from the U20 Women’s National Team, Lutalo believes they come with positive energy and commitment.
“They have been an important addition to the squad. They bring a different dimension to the team and we hope for the best result against Ethiopia.”
Team Captain and Goalkeeper Ruth Aturo, who has faced Ethiopia previously expressed readiness and promised a good show from the players.
“Ethiopia is a familiar team now and the many times we have met we have recorded mixed results. They beat us home and away in the Olympics qualifiers but we too beat them in the two previous CECAFA meetings. We therefore know them. We call upon Ugandans to give us support wherever they are, we shall get the results we need,” Aturo said.
The second leg will be played in Adis Ababa
on Tuesday October 26 and the winner on aggregate will advance to the next qualification round where they will play the winner between Kenya and South Sudan.