25 September 2021 | Football

Uganda made light work of neighbours Kenya in the first leg of the opening round of the 2022 FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup qualifiers.

Uganda U20 Women’s National Team was in the zone on Saturday evening at Nyayo National Stadium, waltzing to a 7-2 victory.

Juliet Nalukenge and Sumaya Komuntale netted a brace each while skipper Fauzia Najjemba, Shamira Nalugya, and Margaret Kunihira were also on target.

Shaylene Opiso netted a consolation brace for Kenya in the second half.

Uganda took the lead inside two minutes when a well-delivered cross from Najjemba was noded home by Nalukenge.

Speedster Kunihira doubled the lead on 16 minutes after a sole run off the right flank that left the Kenyan defence for dead before lobbing the ball past onrushing goalkeeper Ursuka Nasimiyu.

Najjemba got onto the score sheet with the third for Uganda, finishing from close range in the 21^st minute before Shamira Nalugya converted from the spot after Nalukenge was fouled in the forbidden area.

Nalukenge added the fifth and her second on the day moments later before left back Komuntale curled home from a free-kick as Uganda led 6-0 at the break.

The hosts improved in the second and forward Opiso got a double, with the first coming in the 61^st minute before goalkeeper Daphine Nyayenga gifted her the second 18 minutes later.

It was Komuntale who scored the final goal of the game, firing home from a rebound to cap Uganda's impressive performance.

The two sides will face off in the return leg next month in Kampala with the game slated for 8^th October at St. Mary’s Kitende.

Uganda's Starting XI: Daphine Nyayenga (GK), Samalie Nakacwa, Sumaya Komuntale, Bira Nadunga, Aisha Nantongo, Shakira Nyinagahirwa, Shamira Nalugya, Hadijah Nandago, Juliet Nalukenge, Fauzia Najjemba, Margret Kunihira

Substitutes: Joan Namusisi (GK), Grace Aluka, Harima Kanyago, Kevin Nakacwa, Eva Nagayi, Catherine Nagadya, Zaitun Namaganda, Zainah Nandede, Jowelia Nagadya

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