Uganda women U17 national team opened with a disappointing 1-1 draw against Zambia in the ongoing 2019 Council of Southern Africa Football Association (COSAFA) U17 women championship on Friday.
The game was the first ever game played in the U17 women age bracket as the tournament is being held for the first time. Uganda looked the better side at the St. Francois Xavier stadium, Port Luis – Malawi but their numerous goal-scoring opportunities failed to yield maximum points. Uganda went ahead after the break through skipper Juliet Nalukenge penalty after Kevin Nakachwa was brought down in the box.
With seven minutes to go, Zambia leveled after Uganda shot stopper Daphine Nyayenga failed to stop Sherry Masomo simple shot. Uganda’s Coach Ayub Khalifa was not impressed with his side’s failure to protect lead for the victory but acknowledged that the Zambians gave them a good game.
“It was a good game; the Zambians played well and gave us a run for the 90 minutes. But am pretty sure we should have picked up all three points,” Ayub said. “We created numerous goal scoring opportunities throughout the game, but we failed to take them away, otherwise it should have been an easy win for us,” he added.
Uganda that participates as a guest team returns to action this Sunday against hosts Mauritius who beat Comoros 5-1 in the opener on Friday.
