COSAFA U-17 Girls Championship 2019:
Semifinal 1: Uganda 12-0 Botswana
Semifinal 2: South Africa 2-1 Zambia
Uganda U-17 girls team progressed to the finals of the 2019 COSAFA U-17 girls championship condemning Botswana 12-0 at the St. Francois Xavier Stadium in Mauritius on Friday morning.
The day’s best player of the match Fauzia Najjemba scored a lion’s share of the goals (six). The other goals were hat-tricks apiece for Margret Kunihira and Juliet Nalukenge.
All the three players Najjemba, Kunihira, and Nalukenge each received a ball.
Kunihira opened the scores in the 4th minute and Nalukenge doubled the lead two minutes later in what turned out to be an easy ride.
By half, Nalukenge, Najjemba, and Kunihira had a brace each to take a comfortable 6-0 lead ahead of the second half.
Upon resumption, Najjemba was on fire scoring four goals before Nalukenge and Kunihira added a goal apiece to complete their hat tricks.
Coach Khalifa made changes bringing on goalkeeper Joan Namusisi to replace Daphine Nyayenga. Hadijah Nandago and Cissy Kabawani also came on replacing Nagadya and Bira Naddunga respectively.
Kunihira was named players of the match and she received the accolade.
Uganda booked their berth to the final and will play South Africa in Sunday’s final at the same venue.
South African overcame Zambia 2-1 during the second semi-final match on Friday.
Head coach Ayub Khalifa Kiyingi commended the spirit of the players since matchday one to the semi-final where they managed to progress for the final.
“I thank the players for the spirit and character shown since our first match. We shall remain calm and focused ahead of the final” Ayub Khalifa noted.
Uganda was invited by the organizers at this championship.
Uganda Girls U17 XI:
Daphine Nyayenga (GK) (Uganda Martyrs HS), Gillian Akadinda (Olila HS), Patricia Akiror (Masaka SS), Stella Musibika (Kawempe Muslim SS), Bira Nadunga (Olila High School), Kevin Nakacwa (Uganda Martyrs), Margret Kunihira (Kawempe Muslim SS), Shakira Nyinagahirwa (Kawempe Muslim SS), Juliet Nalukenge (Captain – Kawempe MuslimSS), Fauzia Najjemba (Mukono High School), Catherine Nagadya (Katuuso Community SS).
Subs:
Joan Namusisi (GK) (Mukono HS), Gift Nasasira (GK) (Gadafi Integrated), Sumayah Komuntale (King of Kings), Moureen Nangonzi (Mukono HS), Samali Nakacwa (Kawempe Muslim SS), Precious Atwiine (Up Hill College), Cissy Kabarwani (King of Kings), Hadijah Nandago (Kawempe Muslim SS), and Zaitun Namaganda (Taggy High School).
MAIN PHOTO: Uganda Girls U17 National Team players celebrating their goal against Botswana