Wednesday, July 12
•Uganda 3-3 Rwanda
Uganda Women’s national football team, the Crested Cranes were denied a sweet first leg advantage after a 3-3 draw with Rwanda in the Women Olympic Qualifiers at Pele Stadium in Kigali.
The Crested Cranes, despite trailing at half-an-hour mark, twice threw a way a lead to leave this East African derby evenly poised ahead of Sunday’s return leg at the same venue.
Providence Mukahirwa slid in an opener for She Amavubi after Uganda failed to defend from a corner.
But the Crested Cranes levelled matters just at the stroke of halftime thanks to a beautiful goal from Shakira Nyinagahirwa.
The FUFA Women Super League volleyed in from outside the box, with his sweeping effort finding the bottom corner.
The Crested Cranes turned the game on it’s ahead less than ten minutes into the second half when Fauziah Najjemba was brought down into the box for referee to point to the spot, and Hassifa Nassuna did no mistake to bundle home.
But the She Amavubi found the equaliser through Libelle Nibagwire to peg back the Crested Cranes.
Substitute Fazila Ikwaput, on her first touch, after Najjemba’s defty touch off Samalie Nakachwa’s delivery had beaten the goalkeeper.
But the lead lasted seconds after Rwanda equalised at the other following Aisha Nantongo’s miscued clearance allowed Usanase Zawadi to bundle in the equalizer with four minutes to full-time.
Uganda were the better side for extended stretches, but Rwanda proved they have answers everytime the Crested Cranes looked to be in control.
Najjemba had an earlier penalty appeal denied when the referee called for a freekick instead, but she later sent her best chance onto the cross bar with a goal at her mercy.
Shamirah Nalujja, who started off the bench, had a long range drive an inch wide in the second half as the Crested Cranes looked to take control.
The result was a vast improvement from Rwanda who lost to Crested Cranes 2-0 in Njeru last year.
And as it stands, Rwanda will need to avoid defeat, including a 0-0, 1-1 or 2-2 draw to qualify to the second round, as away goals rules still functional in Africa.
It’s strong to note that these qualifiers aim to determine the two teams that will represent Africa at the 2024 Olympics in Paris.
If the Crested Cranes overcome She-Amavubi of Rwanda at the first round, they will meet Cameroon who is one of the eight top-ranked nations to have received a bye at the previous round.
If the Crested Cranes fail to get past Rwanda, it will be the second time in a row that Uganda fails to get past the hurdle after that defeat against Ethiopia back in 2019.
Lineups used
Uganda – Ruth Aturo, Samalie Nakacwa, Sumaya Komuntale, Aisha Nantongo, Shadia Nankya, Joan Nabirye, Hasifah Nassuna, Shakira Nyinagahirwa, Sandra Nabweteme, Fauzia Najjembe, Margaret Kunihira
Rwanda – Angeline Ndakimana, Joselyne Mukantaganira, Lydia Uzayisenga, Andersene Uwase, Providence Mukahirwa, Gloria Nibagwire, Dorothe Mukeshimana, Uwase Umwali, Alodie Kayitesi, Florence Imanizabayo, Libelle Nibagwire
