In a season defining efficiency, Ugandan striker Juliet Nalukenge performed an important position in guiding her aspect, 1207 Antalyaspor, to the Turkish Girls’s Tremendous League after a commanding 2-0 victory over Dudullu within the playoff finals of the Turkish Girls’s First League.
Nalukenge, a standout ahead for Uganda’s nationwide workforce, the Crested Cranes, was on the pitch for your complete 90 minutes of the tense ultimate, main the road with relentless vitality and willpower.
Her urgent and motion created fixed issues for the opposition, as Antalya seized their probability to ebook a spot in Turkey’s prime division for the 2025-26 season.
The match started with each side locked in a fierce tactical battle, however the impasse was damaged dramatically simply earlier than the halftime whistle.
Within the second minute of stoppage time, chaos erupted in Dudullu’s field when their goalkeeper didn’t clear the ball cleanly.
A determined handball by a defender on the purpose line not solely earned her a purple card but additionally handed Antalyaspor a penalty. Midfielder Selin Sivrikaya coolly stepped up and transformed, giving Antalya an important 1-0 lead going into the break.
With Dudullu down to 10 gamers, Antalya pushed for a second purpose within the second half. Nalukenge continued to stress the protection, taking part in a key half in unsettling Dudullu’s rhythm.
The breakthrough got here once more by way of Sivrikaya within the 66th minute. After a sensible run and completely timed move, she lobbed the goalkeeper together with her first contact to double the lead and successfully seal the match.
Antalya remained stable on the again, comfortably seeing out the remainder of the sport to safe promotion.
The ultimate capped off a formidable playoff run for Nalukenge, who had earlier scored the decisive purpose in additional time throughout the semifinals, proving her knack for stepping up in essential moments.
Her efforts all through the marketing campaign, particularly within the high-stakes playoff phases, haven’t solely helped her membership obtain promotion but additionally solidified her standing as one in every of Uganda’s rising soccer stars overseas.
With 1207 Antalyaspor now set to compete within the Turkish Girls’s Tremendous League subsequent season, Juliet Nalukenge’s star continues to rise, carrying with it the hopes of a rising legion of followers again dwelling.
