From: www.homelessworldcup.org
December 7, 2009
By Tom Lyons

UGANDA grabbed fifth spot in the women’s league after defeating Paraguay in a penalty shootout.

The Africans began well, sharing the ball around with good touch, but it was Paraguay with the first opportunity. A free kick taken by Moerra Afan Afan was pushed wide and the score remained 0-0.

Uganda took the lead at the five-minute mark after a skilful build-up and finish from Rebecca Nakasato.

Despite Paraguay having the majority of scoring chances, they were unable to equalise before halftime. Afan Afan was denied twice more, first by the woodwork and then by the Ugandan keeper, Sarah Nanyonga.

An injury to Hasifa Nanyondo after a desperate attempt to block a shot from Paraguay’s Rossi, showcased the desperation on display from both sides.

The South Americans began the second half well – this time it was Rossi denied by the woodwork. Good defending by the Ugandan captain, Angel Taka, ensured the Africans kept their lead until the three-minute mark when a lovely right foot strike from Afan Afan made it 1-1.

The intensity grew in the last few minutes, with no side able to gain the ascendency. Afan Afan had another chance with 30 seconds remaining, but a diving save from the Ugandan keeper Nanyonga meant the game would go to penalty shootouts.

Afan Afan was first up for Paraguay. Her shot was saved, as was Nakasato’s for Uganda. Rossi was also unable to capitalise, before Angel had a chance to win it for the Africans. The Ugandan captain made no mistake and will enjoy a very happy birthday tomorrow.

"The Women’s Homeless World Cup: Rebecca From Uganda is Unbelievable"
Excerpt from the New York Times Soccer Blog
By: Lawrence Cann
December 6, 2008

"Uganda, Paraguay, Zambia, Liberia, Colombia, Australia, Cameroon and Kyrgyzstan entered the 2008 Women’s Homeless World Cup.

Zambia has shown itself to be the class of the tournament, with Colombia and Liberia close behind. The shy but talented Ugandan team has become stronger and stronger during the competition. The team’s top scorer, Rebecca, was particularly impressive in the team’s 8-6 victory over Paraguay. She is only 16 years old, from Kibuja. Her soft-spoken voice belies the confidence evident in her smile. She plays soccer every day, she said, though in her town there is no formal chance to train.

Anyira Gweyo, translated as Girls Kick It, is the project organized by Global Youth Partnership Africa. The project uses soccer and the tryouts for the Homeless World Cup as a way to engage and educate street youth in Kampala, the capital of Uganda, and a few surrounding communities.

Rebecca is one of five sisters. She says she is a good student, but soccer is her dream. She would like to be a coach and she asked f there were really professional women’s teams in the U.S. “I would like to play there,” she with a smile.

When asked what her family thought of that, she said, “Oh, they do not believe I am in Australia, and they will not believe it even when I return.”

Full text of article: http://goal.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/12/06/homeless-world-cup-perspectives-from-india-england-the-us-uganda-and-nigeria/

Uganda's "Angel," Angel Taka who has excelled at the 2008 Female Homeless World Cup with many goals, assists and most of all demonstration of team work, was awarded the Nike Fair Play Award this week. Angel is one of just 5 players to receive this recognition from the 56 teams participating in the tournament.





As part of the award, Angel received a $500 Nike Shopping Spree Gift Certificate. Following the award presentation, Angel said, "This is a team award, it is not just for me. The team will also get something from the Nike store."

Stay tuned for more from Melbourne. The Lady Uganda Cranes stand proud with 3 Wins and 4 loses, and currently place 5th among the 8 Women's Teams. Today, they face off against Cameroon.

Uganda's Team was recently featured in Melbourne's "The Age" Daily Newspaper and Uganda's Leading Daily Newspaper, the New Vision.

Click below to see the articles!

http://www.theage.com.au/national/homeless-world-cup-is-where-the-heart-is-20081203-6qo1.html

http://www.newvision.co.ug/D/8/30/662652

http://www.happynews.com/news/1242008/uganda%20guardian%20angel%20world%20cup.htm

Ugands's National Team particpating in the Homeless World Cup played their hearts out over the last 24 hours. In their first match-up versus Krygzstan, they played a tireless first half and kept the game close. Unfortunately, they lost 8-2.

Later in the day, Uganda faced off against an impressive team from Zambia. The group stay closed, one again in the first half, but fell short with a 6-1 victory to Zambia.

However, fortune would turn our way when Uganda faced Australia at the main field lcoated at Federation Square. The crowd of nearly 2,000 watched Uganda reign supreme with a shut-out victory, 4-0. The match was full of exciting goal-keeping ánd excellent passing led by Rebecca, Angel who netted the 4 goals for Uganda.

Photos and vidoes coming soon.

Gomo Tong Football Club 2008, representing Uganda at the Inaugural Female Homeless World Cup arrived Saturday evening to Melbourne, led by Coach Robert Ssemakula. The women settled in and met with players from many teams participating in the Women’s Cup, but also the Homeless World Cup which this year features 48 nations.

Last night, the Official Team Draws took place and Gomo Tong Football Club’s match early round match play will be versus: Liberia, Zambia, and Colombia. The first match will take place on Tuesday, December 2 at 2pm versus Krygzstan who defeated the Australian Socceroos, 8-2 on Monday, December 1.

This evening, Uganda will square off versus Zambia at 7pm.

Additionally, Team Captain, Angel was selected to appear at a media junket as one of four players to speak to the media about her story and her participation in the Homeless World Cup. The story was broadcast internationally!

More to come, but in the meantime meet your Uganda National Team here: http://picasaweb.google.com.au/jergoldberg/GomoTongFCMelbourneHomelessWorldCup?authkey=Ws4719lsSto#