Vihiga Queens midfielder Joan Nabirye has been named in Uganda’s Crested Cranes final squad for the upcoming Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) set for July in Morocco.The defensive midfielder is among the 26 players named in the traveling party by head coach George Lutalo on Tuesday, June 21, 2022, having been part of the 2022 CECAFA Women Championship winning team earlier this month.##NAJAVA_MECA_6465766##Nabirye has been part of Uganda’s team since shining at the zonal CAF Champions League qualifiers with Vihiga Queens last year, earning his maiden call-up after that tournament and playing a part in the team’s AWCON qualification process as they beat Ethiopia in the initial round.Happy to have made the final squad! Always an honor to represent 🖤 💛 ♥️Can’t wait to help my teammates achieve something special.#TotalEnergiesWAFCON2022 pic.twitter.com/jXy4TOz82m— NABIRYE JOAN🇺🇬🇰🇪 (@NabiryeJoan4) June 21, 2022 The final squad released by Lutalo at the FUFA Complex has three goalkeepers, seven defenders, six midfielders and ten forwards.The tactician believes that his side has had good preparation ahead of the continental showpiece from the various tournaments they have played, and is optimistic they will attain their target.“We had smooth preparations since last year. We played COSAFA and recently CECAFA where the team emerged Champions. I believe these tournaments have helped us to get the Skelton of the team and I’m confident the final squad named will help us attain the set targets,” Lutalo said.Uganda is in Group A together with the hosts Morocco, Burkina Faso, and Senegal.The chosen 26 that will represent Uganda at #TotalEnergiesWAFCON2022.#EmpoweringOurGame #WomenFootballUG @CAFwomen @fatma_samoura @FIFAcom pic.twitter.com/PJFT2SlA0k— FUFA (@OfficialFUFA) June 21, 2022 Ruth Aturo will captain the team and will be deputized by Hasifah Nassuna, Daisy Nakaziro, and Fauzia Najjemba.Crested Cranes SquadGoalkeepersRuth Aturo (Katkan Tyovaen Palloillija FC, Finland), Vanessa Edith Karungi (B93, Denmark), Daisy Nakaziro(Uganda Martyrs H/S Lubaga, Uganda)DefendersAsia Nakibuuka (Kawempe Muslim LFC, Uganda), Sumaya Komuntale (Tooro Queens FC,Uganda), Yudaya Nakayenze (Lindey Wilson College, USA), Aisha Nantongo (Kawempe Muslim LFC, Uganda), Margret Namirimu (She Corporate FC, Uganda), Bira Nadunga (Olila High School, WFC, Uganda), Lukia Namubiru (Kampala Queens FC, Uganda)MidfieldersHasifah Nassuna (UCU Lady Cardinals FC,Uganda), JOAN NABIRYE (VIHIGA QUEENS, KENYA), Phionah Nabbumba(She Corporate FC, Uganda), Riticia Nabbosa (Lady Doves FC, Uganda), Shamirah Nalugya (Kampala Queens, Uganda), Sheeba Zalwango (FC Amani, DR Congo), Tracy Jones Akiror (AFC Ann Arbor)ForwardsViola Nambi (FC Dornbirn Ladies, Austria), Sandra Nabweteme (Unattached), Fazila Ikwaput (Lady Doves FC, Uganda), Ritah Kivumbi (Mallbackens IF, Sweden), Fauzia Najjemba (BIIK Shymkent, Kazakhstan), Joanita Ainembabazi (Rines SS WFC, Uganda), Lillian Mutuuzo (Kampala Queens FC, Uganda), Margret Kunihira (Kampala Queens, Uganda), Zaina Nandede (Kampala Queens, Uganda)
