Swalley Kenyi
8 November 2009
Kampala — UGANDA U-20 women team beat odds to look better than their Rwandan counterparts and sail through to the first round of the Germany 2011 World Cup qualifiers.
The Ugandan side beat Rwanda 2-1 in the first leg in Kampala before stretching the slim lead with a late 1-0 victory away at Nyamirambo stadium. Diminutive Hadija Nampijja scored the all important goal in the second half.
Habiba Namalwa and Ritah Kivumbi missed glaring chances in the first half confirming worries of inability to utilise chances infront of goal.
Despite a late change of venue and failure to be availed training at the astro-turf ground coach Majidah Nantanda said her trick was the 'motherly approach'and to put on a 'no problem' face.
"We know our weaknesses and the players had to work as a team. Those shortfalls happen especially in away matches, so you can't keep on complaining. So I told the girls to just focus on the game and we won," Nantanda, who had vowed to take the team past the preliminaries said yesterday.
"But we need to work on our striking force and make it sharp."
Uganda did not play much better than their opponents but their ability to correct mistakes and collective responsibility was key to victory. They tormented their hosts through the flanks and the striking line kept the Rwandans busy.
The team returned yesterday and will have a one week break before resuming training.
Uganda will face Zambia at home on December 5 before the return leg in Lusaka. The Zambians are certainly more experienced than the She Hippos, who have just embarked on their international career.
U-20 women WC qualifier
Rwanda 0 Uganda 1
Uganda wins 3-1 on agg
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