23 January 2022 | Football

Ghana tooka first leg lead against Uganda in the fourth round of the 2022 FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup Qualifiers.

The Black Princesses edged their hosts 2-1 on Saturday at St. Mary’s Stadium, Kitende ahead of the return leg that will be played in two weeks’ time.

Abdulai Salamatu and Grace Animah guided Ghana to a two-nil lead through fifty minutes. Uganda's captain Fauzia Najjemba converted from the spot with five minutes to play to give her side a lifeline.

However, it was Uganda that started the better side making several attempts at goal but failed to put away the clear-cut chances created.

Inside ten minutes, Najjemba beat Ghana's backline for pace but failed to beat goalkeeper Cynthia Findib. While it was a tough outting for Margaret Kunihira, she also came close but couldn't find the target at the near post.

At the other end, Ghana on the other hand scored from their first clear cut chance at goal when Salamatu capitalized on a defensive lapse from Asia Nakibuuka who failed to head away and the Ghanian forward lobed the bouncing ball over goalkeeper Daphine Nyayenga.

Uganda could have drawn level almost immediately but Aisha Nantongo ruled herself for offside, letting a glorious opportunity go.

From then, Ghana grew in confidence and kept Uganda’s defense under all sorts of pressure and three minutes into the second half, the visitors doubled their lead through a well taken free-kick by Animah.

Five minutes to fulltime, Najjemba scored from the spot after Nalugya was fouled in the box.

The winner of the tie on aggregate between Uganda and Ghana will face either Ethiopia or Tanzania at the final qualifying stage.

Team Lineups

Uganda XI – Daphine Nyayenga, Sumaya Komuntale, Aisha Nantongo, Catherine Nagadya, Shakira Nyinagahirwa, Samalie Nakachwa, Hadijah Nandago, Fauziah Najjemba, Margret Kunihira, Bira Nadunga, Asia Nakibuuka

Substitutes – Harima Kanyago, Kevin Nakachwa, Shamirah Nakachwa, Shamirah Nalugya, Grace Aluka, Joan Namusisi, Zainah Nandede, Lilian Mutuuzo

Ghana XI – Cynthia Konlan Fiindib, Abena Anoma Opoku, Duah Susan Ama, Louisa Aniwaa, Suzzy Dede Teye, Doris Boaduwaa, Rahama Jafaru, Anasthesia Achiaa, Salamatu Abdulai, Azumah Bugre, Grace Animah

Substitutes – Rebecca Atinga, Monica Addai, Sophaiah Agyaakwa, Afia Nyarko, Zuleiha Fuseini, Grace Banwaa Buoadu, Mafia Nyame

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