Uganda U20 Women’s National Team began its journey at this year’s African Games with a draw against neighbours Tanzania. The group B game played on Saturday at Cape Coast Stadium ended in a one-all draw
Margret Kunihira opened the scores for Uganda in the first half but the Tanzanians were able to score a late equalizer through Aisha Juma Mnuka.
It should be noted that this is the first time that Women’s Football is played at the African Games since inception in 1965.
Queen Cranes coach Sheryl Botes started Sharon Kaidu in goal with Catherine Wujja and Docus Lwalisa playing as the fullbacks while Phionah Nabulime and Shakirah Nankwanga completed the defence line.
In a 4-3-3 system, Krusum Namutebi played at the base of the midfield alongside Shamusa Najjuma and Latifah Nakasi.
Captain Catherine Nagadya led the attack with Zainah Nandede and Margret Kunihira played on either flank.
Uganda started the better side with Kunihira and Nandede troubling the Tanzanian defenders given their pace.
Nagadya had an opportunity to score in the 5th minute but chose to shoot from distance and her effort sailed over.
Moments later, she also came close to finding the back of the net from close range when Kunihira played her through but once again could not find the target.
The breakthrough eventually came five minutes before the break when Kunihira calmly slotted home.
Nandede started the counter attack from her own half and beat two defenders for pace before crossing the ball to the far post to find Kunihira who controlled the ball and drilled it beyond the goalkeeper.
Two minutes after the break, the skipper once again had a glorious opportunity to score but ruled herself offside and instead fired the ball wide.
Coach Botes called for changes later with Juliet Nalukenge replacing Nagadya while Shamirah Nalugya and Immaculate Kizza came on in places of Namutebi and Kunihira respectively.
Tanzania got their equalizer a minute to the end of normal time through Mnuka who scored from close distance.
The Queen Cranes will return to action on Tuesday against Ethiopia before playing hosts Ghana three days later.
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
