Crested Cranes need fans’ roar, says Otandeka

A five-year absence from the national team setup has done nothing to dim Laki Otandeka’s passion for Ugandan football. Instead, as the Crested Cranes gear up for a high-stakes Olympic qualifier, the Puerto Rico-based Coamo FC forward has issued a passionate rallying cry, urging Ugandan fans to pack the stands at Hamz Stadium, Nakivubo, this Thursday, October 8, as they host Zambia’s formidable Copper Queens.

The first leg of this crucial second-round tie in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Women’s Football Tournament African Qualifiers kicks off at 4 p.m. Uganda time. In a bid to cultivate a roaring, intimidating home atmosphere, FUFA has thrown the gates wide open, offering free entrance to supporters.

For Otandeka, who has returned to the national fold alongside other foreign-based standouts like goalkeeper Vanessa Edith Karungi (Brondby IF), Ruth Aturo (Simba Queens), and forward Fazila Ikwaput (East Bengal), the homecoming has been a whirlwind of nostalgia and high-tempo preparation.

“First day of camp was really nice. The girls are very welcoming, and the coach is very demanding in a good way, and I think with the expectations that he has of us, I’m excited to see how we do against Zambia,” Otandeka remarked.

Reflecting on her reintegration, she added, “Especially this is my first time back in five years, so I’ve seen some new faces, seen some old faces and old friends and I’m just really excited to be here.”

Her long-awaited return coincides with a transitional and ambitious new chapter for the Crested Cranes. Following the departure of South African coach Sheryl Botes after FUFA opted not to renew her contract, experienced Ethiopian tactician Firew Hailegebreal Asefa has taken the helm.

Asefa’s rigorous, demanding approach in training has immediately galvanised the squad, injecting a fresh wave of excitement as Uganda prepares to renew its fierce rivalry with Zambia.

However, standing directly in Uganda’s path is one of the most clinical and dangerous women’s football sides on the African continent. The Copper Queens arrive under the guidance of interim coach Charles Haalubono, boasting world-class, electrifying attacking threats in Barbra Banda and Rachael Kundananji. Banda has already touched down in Kampala, actively participating in Zambia’s recovery sessions as the visitors settle into town for Thursday’s high-octane clash.

Recognising the sheer quality packed into the Zambian ranks, Otandeka stressed that raw talent on the pitch will not be enough; the Crested Cranes will need a collective national effort.

“First of all, come to our game; it’s on Thursday at 4 PM at the Hamz Stadium, so be there, and also we need your help not just for the 11 on the field but also in the stands, so the more support, the better,” she appealed directly to the faithful.

History offers a measure of psychological encouragement for the hosts. The Crested Cranes have claimed victory in two of their last three encounters against Zambia, with the Copper Queens managing one win. Uganda’s most emphatic statement in the fixture remains a resounding 5-0 friendly triumph in Morocco in 2022, though Zambia edged a tight 1-0 result at the 2021 COSAFA Championship.

Following Thursday’s Nakivubo battle, the two sides will lock horns once more in the return leg on Tuesday, October 13, in Lusaka. The aggregate winner across the two-legged affair will advance to the third round, where a daunting matchup against either Ghana or Mauritius awaits.

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