FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup Qualifiers 2022
First Round, First Leg
Uganda 2-2 Ethiopia
Uganda and Ethiopia played out a two all draw in the first leg of the first round in the 2022 FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup Qualifiers played on Friday at St Mary’s Stadium, Kitende.
Despite Uganda leading 2-0 midway through the second half, Ethiopia fought hard to score two goals inside the final ten minutes.
Hadijah Nandago netted twice for Uganda but Ethiopia salvaged a point through Emush Daniel Dandamo and substitute Semira Kedir Ahmed.
Uganda started the better side and captain Shakira Nyinagahirwa got the first attempt on goal in the sixth minute from a free kick but her effort sailed just wide.
The first chance for the Ethiopians came in the 15th minute when Meseret Mamo Wolde attempted to lobe the ball past on rushing goalkeeper Sharon Kaidu but her attempt went off target.
Coach Ayub Ayub Khalifa Kiyingi was forced into making an early change when defender Patience Nabulobi suffered a head injury and was replaced by Esther Namusoke.
There were further changes upon resumption with Sumaya Nalumu and Shamusa Najjuma coming on for Brenda Munyana and Kamiyati Naigaga respectively.
Nalumu nearly opened the scores a minute after coming on with her delivery from the corner kick nearly beating goalkeeper Abeba Ajibo Afa.
It was Nandego who broke the deadlock in the 66th minute. The forward was quick to lash onto the ball ahead of the goalkeeper who had moved off her line.
Six minutes, Nandego netted her second of the day, capitalizing on a defence lapse, with her effort outside the box going into the back of the net.
The visitors however kept the belief and continued to make attempts. The pressure eventually paid off dividends with Dandamo scoring in the 79th minute.
Deep into stoppage time, Ethiopia found the equalizer when Semir found space in the box and lobed the ball beyond the goalkeeper’ reach.
The two teams will face off two weeks from now in the second round with the winner on aggregate taking on South Africa.
Uganda Starting XI
Sharon Kaidu(GK), Rebecca Nandhego, Desire Katisi Natooro, Patience Nabulobi, Sharifah Nakimera, Kruthum Namutebi, Brenda Munyana, Shakira Nyinagahirwa, Hadijah Nandago, Kamiyati Naigaga, Catherine Nagadya
Ethiopia Starting XI
Abeba Ajibo Afa, Metasebiya Kifile Gelaw, Meseret Mamo Wolde, Dirshaye Menza Malabo, Ttirist Wondewesen Adamsu, Sebelewongel Wodajo Robse, Emush Daniel Dandamo, Tigist Adane Belihu, Tsehayinesh Jula Tulu, Kalkidan Wondemu Tulu, Yemiwedish Ashbeir Gata
*Credit: FUFA website.
