Friday, December 3
*Uganda 1-0 South Africa
(St Mary’s Stadium, Kitende)
Hadija Nandago’s goal was the difference as Uganda edged South Africa in the first leg of the third round of the 2022 FIFA U20 Women World Cup Qualifiers at St Mary’s Stadium in Kitende.
Nandago headed home in the 19th minute, connecting in a well weighed corner from Margaret Kunihira.
South Africa’s goalkeeper Nthabiseng Ramaisha was outstanding the whole 90 minutes but Uganda missed a couple of chances on the day.
Uganda thrice hit the crossbar; Shakira Nyinagahirwa headed onto the woodwork, Aisha Nantogo and Kunihira also rattled the goal frame from long range efforts.
Sumaya Komuntale and Fauziah Najjemba forced Goalkeeper Ramaisha into good saves while striker Nalukenge looked a shadow of her self on the day.
The Cypriot based forward weakly tapped into Keeper’s hands and could have done better when she was sent through by Kunihira.
South Africa barely threatened but almost snatched an equaliser only for captain Lonathemba Mhlongo to head over the crossbar.
Coach Ayub Khalifa will be disappointed by the fact that the team squandered good chances but he will be pleased with the fact that the team won and with a clean sheet.
The Girls looked fatigued after that Marathon in the CECAFA U20 Championship in Njeru, with Najjemba and Bbira Nadungo playing with bandages tied on thighs.
They lacked the pace and aggressiveness especially when they caught South Africa’s defence flat footed.
Lilian Mutuuzo and Zainah Nandede were brought on in the closing stages, and the former almost made it two on for his effort to go begging across the goal’s mouth.
Its work cut out for Uganda in the return leg in two weeks time in Johannesburg against a South African side that eliminated Mozambique 4-2 on aggregate.
Teams Lineups
Uganda U20 – Daphine Nyayenga (GK), Sumaya Komuntale, Nantongo Aisha, Shakira Nyinagahirwa, Samalie Nakacwa, Juliet Nalukenge, Hadija Nandago, Fauzia Najjemba, Margret Kunihira, Bira Nadunga, Nakibuuka Asia.
Substitutes – Kanyago Harima, Eva Nagayi, Catherine Nagadya, Aluka Grace, Saidah Namwanje, Zaina Nandede, Mutuuzo Lillian.
South Africa U20 – Nthabiseng Ramaisha, Sharol Dineo Ramoaka, Thimna Mpehle, Lonathemba Mhlongo, Fikile Magama, Zethembiso Vilakazi, Wendy Shongwe, Chelsea Joy Daniels, Sphumelele Shamase, Lithemba Sam-Sam, Mmabatho Mogale.
Substitutes – Samkelisiwe Promise Salena, Thubelihle Shamase, Nthabiseng Ronisha Majiya, Reitumetse Mosuoe.
