CAF Africa Qualifiers Women’s Tournament Olympics Games Tokyo 2020
Ethiopia 3-2 Uganda
National Stadium, Addis Ababa
Wednesday, 03-04-2019
ADDIS ABABA- The Uganda Women’s National Football team, the Cranes were on Wednesday defeated 3-2 by Ethiopia in the first leg of their CAF Olympic qualifier preliminary round.
Faridah Bulega’s side scored three times on the day but one was in their own net as they failed to stop Ethiopia from marching onto victory.
Ethiopia took an early lead following an own goal by Aisha Namukisa, to send the home fans into a frenzy.
Uganda got a glorious opportunity to level matters before halftime but Sandra Nabweteme’s penalty could only find the woodwork, ensuring that the home side heads into the break with a slender 1-0.
After the break, the Crested Cranes tried their best to get an equalizer but it was Ethiopia who struck again on 78 minutes through Laza Abera.
Moments later Serladdis Guta made it 3-0 to the home side, striking from close range.
However Uganda would not lie down as they pulled one back immediately through a Tarikuwa Debiso own goal.
Substitute Hasifah Nassuna ensured Bulega’s side will need only a single goal in the return leg to qualify for the next round, scoring a second late on in the game to see the match end 3-2 in the home side’s favour.
The two sides will meet again on Saturday in the return leg of the preliminary round.
The Crested Cranes will fly back from Ethiopia and arrive at Entebbe Airport at 1am on Thursday.
Ethiopia are expected to jet into the country on later in afternoon.
Crested Cranes Starting XI against Ethiopia:
Ruth Aturo (GK/C), Viola Namuddu, Grace Aluka, Aisha Namukisa, Shadia Nankya, Yudaya Nakayenze, Lililan Mutuuzo, Phiona Nabbumba, Shamira Nalugya (Fazila Ikwaput), Sandra Nabweteme (Hasifah Nassuna) and Zainah Namuleme (Fauzia Najjemba)
Unused substitutes:
Daisy Nakaziro (GK), Juliet Nalukenge, Raticia Nabbosa, Amagat Marrion, Tracy Jones Akiror and Nanziri Resty