Uganda bowed out of the 2018 COSAFA Women’s Championship after succumbing to a 2-0 loss to hosts and defending champions South Africa.

A goal in either half from Linda Maserame and Jermaine Seoposenne guided the Banyana Banyana to victory in the semifinal encounter played at Wolfson stadium in Port Elizabeth on Thursday.

Crested Cranes head coach Faridah Bulega maintained the same team that started against Zimbabwe in the previous game.

South Africa got an early lead just seven minutes after kickoff with Maserame slotting home after controlling a long ball from Biyana Kholosa.

Zaina Namuleme takes on Lebohang Ester (2) during the semis clash
Zaina Namuleme takes on Lebohang Ester (2) during the semis clash

The Crested Cranes made efforts to search for an equaliser but were not clinical enough to make use of the chances.

Midfielder Shamira Nalujja had her effort just outside the area go wide in the 11th minute. She also had another chance ten minutes later when South Africa defender Alice Motroh lost possession but opted to lay up Lilian Mutuuzo rather than shoot at goal.

On the other end, goalkeeper Ruth Aturo kept alert to deny Banyana Banyana.

Bulega called for a double substitution two minutes into the second half with Hasifa Nassuna and Juliet Nalukenge replacing Nalujja and Mutuuzo respectively.

South Africa’s Jermaine Seoposonwe encounters Crested Cranes defenders Aluka Grace (Centre) and Namukisa Aisha (2)
South Africa’s Jermaine Seoposonwe encounters Crested Cranes defenders Aluka Grace (Centre) and Namukisa Aisha (2)

South Africa doubled their lead in the 67th minute with Maserame laying up Seoposenne who slotted past goalkeeper Aturo.

The final change for Crested Cranes saw Zaina Namuleme paving way for Spencer Nakachwa but South Africa held on to the score to progress to the final.

Uganda will now shift focus to the third place playoff against Zambia who lost to Cameroon 1-0 in the other semifinal. The game will be played on Friday.

Crested Cranes Starting XI against South Africa: Ruth Aturo, Phiona Nabbumba, Shamira Nalujja, Aisha Namukisa, Grace Aluka, Shadia Nankya, Viola Namuddu, Front row (L-R) Tracy Jones Akiror, Zaina Namuleme, Resty Nanziri, Lilian Mutuuzo ,

Substitutes used: Hasifa Nassuna, Juliet Nalukenge, Spencer Nakachwa

FUFA