FIFA U17: Masaka Stars as Tanzania Hold First Leg Merit Over Uganda

FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup Qualifiers | First leg

Tanzania 2-1 Uganda

Aisha Masaka starred as Tanzania bossed with first leg advantage against Uganda in the FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup Qualification match played on Sunday afternoon.

The teenage sensational scored a brace, with a goal in either stanza as the Black Wizards condemned Uganda 2-1 at the main National Stadium in Dar es Salaam.

Kampala Queens’ Fauziah Najjemba put Uganda in an early lead, four minutes into the game off her right footed shot from outside the goal area that hit the back of the net.

24 minutes later, the hosts drew matters on the level thanks to Masaka’s low drive shot on the edge of the box that left goalkeeper Daphine Nyayenga with no chance whatsoever.

Masaka missed an opportunity to stretch their lead on the 85th minute mark when her penalty kick off Bira Nanduga’s foul in the area went inches from the cross bar.

However, Tanzania’s redemption was not long in coming when onrushing Masaka beat Uganda’s Gillian Akadinda with pace and her low drive shot squeezed through Gloria Namugerwa and Nyayenga for the winner.

Victory for Tanzania created hope for Coach Bakari Shime of advancing to the final qualification round as a draw in the return leg will guarantee his side further progress.

For Uganda, a 1-0 win or any victory with a difference of two goals is what they will aim for in the return leg due to take place in a fortnight from now.

Uganda will host the second leg on the 14th March 2020 at the StarTimes Stadium, Lugogo and the winner on aggregate will face off with either Cameroon or Sao Tome in the final qualification round.

Team lineups

Uganda

Daphine Nyayenga (GK), Samalie Nakachwa, Sumaya Komuntale, Bira Nadunga, Grace Aluka, Catherine Nagadya, Kunihira Margret, Shakira Nyinagahirwa, Juliet Nalukenge (Capt), Nandago Hadijja, Fauzia Najjemba

Substitutes: Joan Namusisi (GK), Moureen Nangonzi, Gillian Akandinda, Namugerwa Gloria, Akiror Patricia, Namaganda Zaituni, Zaina Nandede

Tanzania

Aisha Ismail (GK), Protasia Mbunda, Esther Mabanza, Lucia Mrema, Emiliana Isaya, Fumukazi Ally, Neema Charles, Crista John, Rose Mpoma, Irene Kisisa, Aisha Masaka

1. Brace scorer Aisha Masaka possessing the ball | Photo Courtesy
2. Uganda U17 celebrating Fauziah Najjemba’s early strike | Photo by FUFA Media
3. Uganda U17 Lineup | Photo Credit – FUFA Media
4. Tanzania Lineups that faced Uganda | Photo by FUFA Media