Crested Cranes boss Majidah Nantanda has cleared the air on rumors that were circulating that captain Stella Kaliba Nassuna had left the team camp because of disagreements and poor facilitation.
“I would like to confirm that Stella Kalliba went for her academic duties and she is most likely to be back for the semifinals,” Majidah replied to a ChimpSport querry during Zanzibar post match presser.
She emphasized that, “The federation has always been encouraging players to balance their books as well because we’ve always believed in sports and education so for that reason we allowed her to go to Nairobi to do her tests.”
Majidah who was confident of a semifinal qualification spot further confirmed that the skipper will be back before the playoffs.
“She used a flight and so will not be tired. She will be there for the semifinals and that is why Laki is here to speak as the assistant captain.
Tactical Changes
The coach made three tactical changes from her team that started in the 4-0 loss to Kenya relegating Zaina Namuleme and Winnie Babirye to the bench plus the absence of Stella Kaliba. Joan Nakirya who came as a first half substitute in the previous game started this time round same as Fazirah Ikwaput and Christine Nambirige who just made the eighteen ladies squad for the first time.
Joan assisted one goal while Ikwaput and Nambirige registered a brace and goal respectively in the 9-0 rout.
“Have always been telling people that I am not a coach who believes in individual players. All the players who made it to the final selection and in camp are all good players so I make changes according to the game plan.”
“Those that featured in the Kenya game were the right ones for that and as much as we want to win, I also feel the need to give them as many chances to play so both were my good teams.”
Uganda will be back in action on Thursday afternoon against Burundi side to decide the second team to qualify for the last four. Both teams are ties on three points with the same goal difference (+5).
Group A fixture & results
Sunday 11th September
Zanzibar 1-10 Burundi
Uganda 0-4 Kenya
Tuesday 13th September
Burundi 0-4 Kenya
Uganda 9-0 Zanzibar
Thursday 15th September
2pm: Kenya vs Zanzibar
4pm: Uganda vs Burundi