Uganda U20 Women’s National Football Team was denied a perfect start to the African Games 2023 in Ghana after drawing against Tanzania on Saturday.
In the game played at the Cape Coast Stadium, Uganda took the lead through Margret Kunihira but Tanzania were able to salvage a point through a late goal by Aisha Juma Mnuka.
Uganda started the better side, posing threat to the Tanzanian backline especially through fast wingers Kunihira and Zainah Nandede.
In the fifth minute, captain Catherine Nagadya chose to shoot from far rather than move towards the box and her effort sailed wide.
Two minutes later, Nagadya had another opportunity after a well delivered cross from Catherine Wujja but the former was ruled for offside.
On the other hand, Tanzania had made several in roads through Mnuka who was lively throughout the game.
The deadlock was broken five minutes before the break when Kunihira was at the end of a nice lay up from Nandede.
Nandede made a sole run from her own half on the right flank and laid a diagonal pass that went beyond Tanzania’s defenders and found Kunihira at the far end. She calmly controlled the ball before slotting it into the bottom right corner.
After restart, Nagadya had a glorious chance to double the lead for Uganda when she went through on goal but failed to find the target.
She was later withdrawn for Juliet Nakukenge while Shamirah Nalugya came on in place of Krusum Namutebi.
The other change for Uganda on the day saw Immaculate Kizza replace Kunihira who was stretchered off after sustaining an injury.
With a minute to end of the 90, Tanzania levelled matters through Mnuka who converted from close range.
In the additional minutes, Tanzania looked rejuvenated and nearly found the winner but Mnuka could not keep her effort low at the edge of the box.
The two teams will return to action on Tuesday, 12th March 2024 against Ethiopia. Tanzania on the same day will take on hosts Ghana.
Uganda U20 Starting XI
Sharon Kaidu, Catherine Wujja, Docus Lwalisa, Phionah Nabulime, Shakirah Nankwanga, Krusum Namutebi, Latifah Nakasi, Shamusa Najjuma, Catherine Nagadya, Margret Kunihira, Zainah Nandede
Substitutes
Esther Akujo (GK), Cecilia Kamuli (GK), Patricia Akiror, Harima Kanyago, Immaculate Kizza, Juliet Nakukenge, Shakirah Nalugya, Claire Hilder Kebirungi, Sumaya Nabuto