Sinan RAJUB SENOGA
* Uganda 2-0 Ethiopia
The Crested Cranes earned a first leg advantage over Ethiopia with a 2-0 win in the Women’s AFCON Qualifiers at Nakivubo Stadium.
Zainah Namuleme and Fazila Ikwaput scored two late goals to ensure victory for the Sheryl Botes coached side.
Botes, who was having her first competitive game since taking charge of the Crested Cranes, entrusted Namuleme in the number 10 role with Resty Resty Nanziri, Ikwaput and skipper Violah Nambi in the attack.
The Crested Cranes struggled to find a breakthrough until the 89th minute when Namuleme was fouled at the edge of the box.
Namuleme took full responsibility and fired home a stunning free kick past the Ethiopian keeper Tarikua Bargena Balcha to send the stadium into a frenzy.
Relief for Botes who needed a first leg lead but Ikwaput doubled the scores in the stoppage time from Agnes Nabukenya’s pass following Zaina Nandede’s wonderful spade work.
The two sides will clash in the second leg that will be played at the Abebe Bikila Stadium in Addis Ababa on Wednesday 26th February.
The aggregate winner of the contest will play against Tanzania or Equatorial Guinea in the final qualification round.
Crested Cranes XI; Ruth Aturo, Zaina Nandede, Sumayya Komuntale, Aisha Nantongo, Bridget Nabisaalu (Phiona Nabulime), Joan Nabirye, Phiona Nabbumba (Agnes Nabukenya), Zaina Namuleme, Fazila Ikwaput, Violah Nambi (Resty Kobusobozi), Resty Nanziri
