FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup Qualifiers
Fourth Round, First Leg
Uganda 1-2 Ghana
Ghana took advantage in the tie against Uganda after securing victory in the first leg of the fourth round of the 2022 FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup Qualifiers.
The Black Princesses nicked a hard-fought 2-1 win on Saturday at St. Mary’s Stadium, Kitende to take the advantage ahead of return leg that will come in two weeks’ time.
Goals from Abdulai Salamatu and Grace Animah guided Ghana to victory. The consolation for Uganda came from captain Fauzia Najjemba who converted from the spot towards the end of the game.
Uganda started the better side and made several attempts at goal but failed to utilize the clear cut chances.
Najjemba was the first culprit, failing to put the ball beyond goalkeeper Cynthia Findib when she beat the Ghana backline for pace in the 9th minute.
Margaret Kunihira who had a tough outing also came close but failed to find the target at the near post.
Ghana on the other hand scored from their first realistic attempt at goal thanks to Salamatu who capitalized on a defence lapse by defender Asia Nakibuuka.
Nakibuuka failed to head the ball away and the forward was quick to lobe the bouncing ball past on rushing goalkeeper Daphine Nyayenga.
Uganda nearly doubled the lead immediately but Aisha Nantongo ruled herself for offside and instead wasted the glorious opportunity.
Ghana grew in confidence and kept tormenting Uganda’s goal area with the latter seemingly at sixes and sevens.
Two minutes into the second half, Ghana doubled their lead through a well taken free kick by Animah beating goalkeeper Nyayenga.
Uganda U20 Women’s National Team head coach Ayub Khalifa Kiyingi called for instant changes bringing on Lilian Mutuuzo and Shamira Nalugya for Catherine Nagadya and Margret Kunihira respectively.
He would also bring on Zaina Nandede in place of Hadijah Nandago who had a poor show on the day.
Five minutes to fulltime, Uganda earned a lifeline with Najjemba scoring from the spot after Nalugya was fouled in the box.
The winner on aggregate between Uganda and Ghana will face either Ethiopia or Tanzania at the final qualifying stage.
