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Allen Nassaazi scored the lone goal in the 70th minute to unlock the closely-contested tie to give Uganda the much-needed start.
Ayub Khalifa believes that his strategy not to allow Ethiopia to play the ball paid off as his Uganda U18 women’s team rolled to a 1-0 victory in the opening match of the CECAFA U18 Women's Championship in Dar Es Salaam on Tuesday evening.
Allen Nassaazi scored the lone goal in the 70th minute to unlock the closely-contested tie to give Uganda the much-needed start.
Keeper Sharon Kaidu delivered a long pass to the winger, who calmly controlled the ball, beat off three markers before running into the box to slot it in.
Khalifa acknowledged that the Ethiopians were better on the ball but his strategy to freeze them out in the second half paid off.
“The game was a bit tricky, but we got an opportunity in the second half, utilized it and were able to defend the goal and win eventually,” Khalifa said in his post-match review.
“I lost very many chances in the first half and could’ve won it early but we were better in the second half. They concentrated [and looked better] in the second half, unlike us who panicked a bit but our strategy was not to allow them to play because they’re very good on the ball,” he revealed.
In the other match, hosts Tanzania thumped Burundi 3-0 to take over the lead on top of the table.
Gerald Minifrida, Sarah Joel and Aisha Juma Mnuka scored in the second half to give the Tanzanians the win.
Tanzania leads the table with three points, the same as Uganda but with a better goal difference.
The teams rest on Wednesday before Tanzania takes on Ethiopia, as Uganda introduces Zanzibar a day after.
CECAFA U18 Women’s Championship
Matchday 1 results
Ethiopia 0-1 Uganda
Burundi 0-3 Tanzania
Matchday 2 fixtures – Thursday, 27th July
Azam Complex, Dar Es Salaam
Tanzania vs Ethiopia – 3 pm
Uganda vs Zanzibar – 6 pm
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