Asubo Gafford WFC are the 2022/23 FUFA beach soccer league winners after a convincing 7-4 victory over Gomba Queens in the final on Sunday. They had total control of the game in the first period with Fatumah Nakusumba, who was named as the most valuable player, running the Gafford show at FUFA technical centre beach soccer arena in Njeru.
She scored four goals – opening the scores with a well taken strike before doubling their advantage moments later as Rogers Nkugwa and his girls took a 2-0 lead. Her other two goals came in the last two periods.
Despite struggling with the aggressive approach from Asubo Gafford, Gomba made use of the open spaces left behind and almost caused a scare – threatening to equalize when the scores were at 3-2.
At this moment, Shaminah Nakalyowa had given the Queens a lease of life with some energetic display and long range shooting tactic which produced a count of four fine goals to her name and the player of the match award.
But her efforts were not enough to overturn the game, with Sharon Namatovu also scoring a brace for her side and another strike from Shakira Nagudi confirming Asubo Gafford’s first league title at the first time of asking as they also dominated the awards.
FUFA women beach soccer league was featuring for the first time after three years of quiescent caused by the pandemic and Asubo Gafford has become the first team to win the crown post the COVID 19 era. But Doves women beach club and Mutesa 1 Royal University Ladies are the most successful sides in the competition with three titles each.
The final act of the season was honored by various dignitaries including; the chairperson of Uganda Beach Soccer Association – Mr. Deo Mutabazi, the chairperson of Uganda Women Football Association – Mrs. Margret Kubingi, FUFA delegates – Anthony Tumwesigye and Hassan Kirunda.
Mrs. Aisha Bakari- the vice chairperson of UWFA, coach Oliver Mbekeka, and Mrs. Sharon Nalunga from the office of the FUFA CEO. Mr. Ali Mwebe, Mr. Bashir Mutyaba, Mr. Steven Kalema, Mr. Joel Kyewalabye, Mr. Timothy Ssenfuma, Mr. Mukasa Benard and Mr. Sseguya Peter also graced the event and they were thrilled by the great skills exhibited by the girls on sand.
Awards
Topscorer – Shaminah Birungi Nakalyowa (Gomba Queens – 28 goals)
MVP – Fatumah Nakasumba (Asubo Gafford)
Best young player – Leticia Nakyeyune (Kampala Junior Team)
Best goalkeeper – Lukia Olga (Asubo Gafford)
Best coach – Rogers Nkugwa (Asubo Gafford)
Fair play – Kampala Junior Team (KJT)
Team of the season (Best five)
Lukia Olga (Asubo Gafford)
Fatumah Nakasumba (Asubo Gafford)
Leticia Nakyeyune (KJT)
Shaminah Birungi Nakalyowa (Gomba Queens)
Sharon Namatovu (Asubo Gafford)
Pictorial: 1-3 (F.Nakasumba, S.Nakalyowa & L.Olga)
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