Sinan RAJUB SENOGA
Uganda got off a winning start with a 1-0 hard fought victory over Ethiopia as the inaugural CECAFA U18 Women’s Tournament kicked off in Dar es Salaam.
As anticipated, it was going to be an enormous challenge facing Ethiopia who are among the tournament’s favourites just like Uganda and hosts Tanzania.
The Ayub Khalifa coached team struggled to find a breakthrough despite dominating affairs from the on-set.
The attacking quartet of Brenda Munyana, Shamsa Najjuma, Agnes Nabukenya and Kamiyat Naigaga had opportunities to give Uganda a deserved lead but none of them was clinical enough to find target.
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The match changing moment was when Allen Nassazi came off the bench to replace Najjuma in the 59th minute.
The Kawempe Muslim striker broke the deadlock in the 68th minute after a sublime finish from a long ball by goalkeeper Sharon Kaidu.
Nabukenya nearly made it 2-0 moments later but her strike hit the cross bar.
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Ethiopia pushed for a would-be equalizer but Uganda’s defense was solid enough to walk away with a clean sheet.
The opening game of the tournament saw hosts Tanzania beat Burundi 3-0 and currently lead the table on goal difference.
The tournament will be played on a round robin format and Uganda will return to action on Thursday against Zanzibar.
Uganda XI; Sharon Kaidu (GK), Sharifah Nakimera, Patricia Nanyanzi, Desire Katisi, Patience Nabulobi, Agnes Nabukenya, Phiona Nabulime (C), Krusum Namutebi (Monica Nanono), Brenda Munyana, Shamsa Najjuma (Allen Nassazi), Kamiyat Naigaga (Immaculate Odalu)
