The Uganda U-18 Women’s National Team kicked off their CECAFA U-18 Women’s Championship campaign with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Ethiopia on Tuesday.
Striker Allen Nassazi scored the game-winning goal in the 68th minute, capitalizing on a long ball from goalkeeper Sharon Kaidu.
Both teams creating chances in the first half
The first chance of the game came after 10 minutes when Uganda defender Sharifah Nakimera‘s free kick was saved by goalkeeper Abeba Ajebo.
Few minutes later, Betelhem Mentelo nearly scored for Ethiopia but her effort was a few inches from the goal.
Defender Patience Nabulobi made a mistake in the box and gave away possession to Emush Daniel but the Ethiopian shot went wide.
Uganda’s Shamusa Najjuma and Agnes Nabukenya also had chances to score however their miscalculated shots didn’t yield into anything.
Deadlock finaly broken
Into the second half, Ethiopia’s Emush Daniel scored but her goal was flagged offside.
In the 68th minute, substitute Allen Nassazi netted for Uganda when goalkeeper Sharon Kaidu’s long ball beat Ethiopia’s defenders to find well positioned Nassazi who dribbled past defenders towards the box and brilliantly put the ball at the back of the net with her weak left foot.
Two minutes later, Ethiopia’s Meseret Workneh hit a powerful shot from outside the box and was denied by goalkeeper Sharon Kaidu Nora’s incredible save.
Midfielder Agnes Nabukenya almost netted the second goal for Uganda but her powerful shot hit the crossbar and went outside.
Ethiopia kept on hunting for the equalizer but Ayub Khalifa‘s girls, fought till to the final whistle to earn a well deserved win.
What next for Uganda
The slim win took Uganda to the second place behind leaders Tanzania who earlier defeated Burundi 3-0 in the tournament’s first game.
Uganda will resume action on Friday 28th July, 2023 against Zanzibar.
The Championship is played in a round robin format with five teams taking part namely Tanzania, Uganda, Zanzibar, Burundi and Ethiopia.
The team with most points at the end will emerge the Winners.
Uganda’s Starting XI
Sharon Kaidu (GK), Sharifa Nakimera, Patricia Nanyanzi, Patience Nabuloobi, Desire Kaitisi Natooro, Kulusum Namutebi, Phiona Nabulime, Agnes Nabukenya, Kamiyat Naigaga, Brenda Munyana, Shamsa Najjuma
Courtesy Photos
1 comment
Thank you our girls for giving us endless support,good enough they are in the right hands of coach Ayub who knows them well from the young age,he just need to change his style of play seriously,we are in 21st century,olaba na masazza gatereza ate olwo ffe?