Uganda U20 Women’s National Football Team suffered defeat to Nigeria at the ongoing African Games on Monday.
In the game played at Cape Coast Stadium, the Falconets edged Uganda 2-0 to book a berth into the final.
Second half goals by Judith Okah Adaobi and Christabel Chiamaka saw Nigeria overcome the Queen Cranes in a closely contested game.
Uganda came into the semifinal game missing two key players due to suspension (accumulation of bookings). These were left back Docus Lwalisa and utility player Krusum Namutebi.
In the starting XI, coach Sheryl Botes made four changes from the team that had played against Ghana in the final group game.
Claire Kebirungi started at the left back position while Shakirah Nankwanga returned from suspension and partnered Phionah Nabulime at the heart of defence.
The other changes saw Juliet Nalukenge and and Harima Kanyago start in places of skipper Catherine Nagadya and Catherine Wujja respectively.
Despite the numerous changes, Uganda held Nigeria for a long spell until the breathrough eventually came in the 72nd minute with Adaobi scoring.
Chiamaka doubled the lead for Nigeria, a minute to the end of the game thus sending her team to the final.
Nigeria will face hosts Ghana in the final and battle for gold while Uganda will now take on Senegal in the bronze medal contest. The two games will be played on 21st March 2024 at Cape Coast Stadium.
