By Wasswa Juma
First leg results
Uganda 3-3 Rwanda – Kigali Pele Stadium.
The Uganda Women National team ‘Crested Cranes’ played out a 3-3 draw with Rwanda’s Women National team in Women Olympic Qualifiers.
Personal errors and blanders costed the Crested Cranes maximum points as they had the lead twice in the second half only to be equalized.
Crested Cranes started a better side though forward Fauzia Najjemba failed to earn them an early lead after failing to utilize her goalkeeper to beat opportunity.
In the 33rd Minute, Mukahirwa of Rwanda purnished the Crested cranes giving her County a deserved lead.
At the stoke of half time, Shakira Nyinagahirwa stiked in to level matters for Crested Cranes.
Head Coach Ayub Khalifa made an early substitution of Nalugya replacing Kinihira as he was eager for more goals.
In the 50th minute, Crested cranes forward Fauzia Najjemba was fouled in the box area only for the referee to award a penalty.
Hasifah Nassuna stood in for the responsibility and easily took it right to gift Crested Cranes a second half lead.
Crested Cranes couldn’t hold their lead as they were equalized in the 66th minute through Libella Nibagwira’s free kick.
Second half substitute Fazila Ikwaput scored the third for Crested Cranes in the 84th minute before Usanasi Zawadi equalized for Reanda two minutes later.
The third goal for Rwanda should be mainly blamed on Captain Ruth Aturo who didn’t do enough.
The Crested Cranes will now Visit Rwanda on Sunday 16th of July in the return leg
The aggregate winner will face Cameroon in the next qualifying round.
