U20 Women’s World Cup Qualifiers: Uganda Oust Kenya To Reach Third Round

October 8, 2021
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Friday, October 8
*Uganda 3-1 Kenya
(Uganda win 10-3 on aggregate)

Uganda beat Kenya 3-1 at St Mary’s Stadium Kitende to advance to the third round of the African U-20 Women’s World Cup Qualifying Tournament.

The side coached by Ayub Khalifa Kiyingi storm the third round with a 10-3 aggregate having won 7-2 at Nyayo Stadium in Kenya during the first leg.

Margaret Kunihira, Hadijja Nandago and Juliet Nalukenge scored for Uganda while Peris Oside was on target for the Visitors.

Uganda will face winner between South Africa and Mozambique at a later date.

The tournament is played to determine the two women’s under-20 national teams from Africa that will qualify for the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup next year in Costa Rica.

Ethiopia, Ghana, Gabon and Nigeria are the other countries that have already qualified to the third round by press time.

Its still a long way to go for Uganda but the side will fancy their chances for a long run in this competition.

It was an improved performance for Kenya Rising Starlets at Kitende after their coach made over six changes from the team that conceded seven at home.

Uganda who came into the tie with a five-goal margin lead, looked below part at Kitende and were not aggressive at all ends.

Reliable striker Juliet Nalukenge (right). FUFA photo

Fauziah Najjemba missed a header from Komuntale cross earlier while striker Juliet Nalukenge failed to beat Kenya keeper Sophy Akinyi twice when put through on goal.

Kunihira connected home from Komuntale’s corner for the opener but Kenya levelled matters few minutes later when Komuntale brought down Joy Oriyo for Oside to convert from the spot.

Nandago scored to restore Uganda’s advantage when her left footed effort kissed inside the crossbar to find the back of the net.

It was a rough exchange thereafter until Nalukenge got the third. The Cypriot-based forward sent a powerful effort from the freekick into the top corner after she was brought down at the edge of the box.

What the Coaches said:

Ayub Khalifa (Uganda): “I am happy with the result though most of you expected millions of goals. But like I said earlier, I anticipated a tough match and had warned my girls earlier. Kenya did their home work but we managed to get the three goals. We will go back to the drawing board and improve this team more.”

Charles Okare (Kenya): “I congratulate Uganda for sailing through to the next round. It has been an interesting outing for us and we hope to make a great deal of improvement in the coming years. We are building our youth women football, these are girls picked from schools and we have support from the Kenya Football Federation.

Players Used:

Uganda U20 Starting XI
Daphine Nyayenga(GK), Samalie Nakacwa, Sumaya Komuntale, Bira Nadunga, Aisha Nantongo, Shakira Nyinagahirwa, Shamira Nalugya, Hadijah Nandago, Juliet Nalukenge, Fauzia Najjemba, Margret Kunihira
Substitutes
Joan Namusisi (GK), Saidah Namwanje (GK), Winnie Kwatulira, Grace Aluka, Harima Kanyago, Kevin Nakacwa, Eva Nagayi, Catherine Nagadya, Zaitun Namaganda, Zainah Nandede, Jowelia Nagadya

Kenya Starting XI – 1.Sophy Akinyi (GK), 25. Lavender Akinyi, 5. Peris Oside (C), 3. Eunice Mwangi, 4. Lucy Kahuga, 21. Maxmilla Robi, 20 Charity Midewa, 10. Catherine Aringo, 17. Joy Kinglady, 7. Fasila Adhiambo, 9. Shalyene Opisa.

Substitutes – 18.Lucy Kisaga, 13. Redempta Mercy, 12. Inviolata Mukoshi, 2. Kikky Masika, 6. Drailer Salome, 15. Milka Awino, 8. Lydia Akoth, 11. Sylvia Makungu, 24. Jane Hato, 14. Mildred Kanyisi