By John Wycliffe Musinguzi | Featured Image by FUFA
Kawempe Muslim’s trio Esther Nangendo , Shadia Nabirye and Agnes Nabukenya combined efforts in the 34th minute to give Uganda the lead.
FIFA U17 women’s world cup qualifiers.
Full time
Uganda 1-1 Cameroon
Agnes Nabukenya 34′
Ernestine Heutchou 50′
Students on match day squad.
Starters.
Lilian Nakiirya – St Noa Girls School Zzana
Agnes Nabukenya – Kawempe Muslim Secondary School
Shadia Nabirye – Kawempe Muslim Secondary School
Bushira Muhammad Nalunkuma – Rines Secondary School
Sylivia Kabene – St Noa Girls School Zzana
Substitutes
Imelda Kasemiire – St Noa Girls School Zzana
Angella Adeke Taggy High School.
The draw against the physical opponent Cameroon was held at St. Mary’s Stadium-Kitende, on Saturday 3rd February2024 in game that was not allowed to have fans.
In the 4th minute, Uganda had an early chance to take the lead after speed merchant Sylivia Kabene was brought down few meters away from the box but saw Agnes Nabukenya’s powerful direct shot go over the bar.
Both teams failed to control and stabilize the game instead it was up and down play where we saw the game reach 20 minutes with very few chances from both sides.
In the 25th minute, the visitors had a chance to take the lead after Uganda’s defensive error which set up Cameroon’s forward Fraiche Tiwa Melong Lys one on one with custodian Lilian Nakiirya who stood tall to save Uganda and the score remained level.
In the 34th minute , Bortes’ side got a relief with Agnes Nabukenya’s goal to put Uganda ahead.
The goal was a result of a brilliant interplay between Kawempe’s Shadia Nabirye and Esther Nangendo where Nabirye finally set up Nabukenya from the left flank to slot the ball past Cameroon custodian Chelsea Ngole.
Despite the poor display from both sides, Agnes’ goal was the deference at half time.
At the start of the second half, Ernestine Heutchou capitalized on Uganda’s defensive sleep to go for power outside the box and her shot found the back of the net to level terms in the 50th minute.
In the 83rd minute, Uganda had a chance to take the lead again after a well delivered cross from Sylivia Kabene but Shadia Nabirye right in the middle of the goal struck the ball over the bar but seemingly fauled from behind but the penalty appeal was rubbed with a play on by referee Lamia Atman.
In the 89th minute, Agnes Nabukenya had a chance to double her tally and regain Uganda’s lead but her powerful shot outside the 18 yard box went over the bar.
The game ended level and return leg awaits on 9th February 2024 at Yaounde Stadium in Cameroon.
The winner on aggregate will face the winner between Zambia and Tanzania at the next round of qualifiers.
The 8th edition of the FIFA U17 women’s world cup will be held in Dominican Republic from Wednesday 16th October to Sunday 3rd November 2024 with 16 teams from 6 confederations competing for the title.
Sheryl Botes, the team head coach is more confident and still believes in her girls that the mission can be accomplished.
“We aimed at scoring goals because it’s the only way we can win games but it didn’t happen and we are looking forward to work on that” Botes said during the press conference.
“With the players we have I am very confident that we shall shine only that we need to give them time and confidence” Botes added
There’s more room for improvement
We thank you a lot for the invaluable trainings you conducted