Semira Kedir Ahimed’s long dropping ball levelled matters as Uganda (U17 ladies) were held by Ethiopia in a 2-2 stalemate in the U17 Women’s World Cup Qualifiers at St. Mary’s Stadium Kitende on Friday.
Uganda gave away a two-goal lead to share points due to poor goalkeeping by Sharon Kaidu leading to a howler in the dying time.
Uganda kicked started with great pace and it was visible that Khalifa Ayub’s charges were in search for an early opener but Ethiopia’s defender did not give them a chance.
Robse Sebelewongel missed to convert after remaining with only Uganda’s custodian Kaidu to beat.
Two minutes past half an hour mark, Esther Namusoke replaced injured Patience Nabulobi after a head collision.
With a minute to play, defender Sharifah Nakimera found the best chance of the game getting on end to Rebeca Nandhego’s cut back but her effort missed the target by inches.
On the return of second half, Ethiopia stepped up in attack but easily gave away possession in Uganda’s half thanks to Shakira Nyinagahirwa’s quick legs.
Moments later, Kamiyati Naugaga was fouled in the area but the centre referee waved away for the game to continue.
Sumaya Nalumu later came on to replace Brenda Munyana as Uganda continued to search for an opener.
The long awaited momented came in the 66th moment as Hadija Nandago looped the ball head over Ethiopia’s goalkeeper Abeba Ajibo to take the lead.
Seven minutes later, Nandago made it two hence registering a personal brace. Once again the agile forward looped the ball past Abeba who had left her goalline.
Daniel Dandamo Emush pulled back one for the visitors with a long range that beat Uganda’s shotstopper Sharon Kaidu.
In addition time, Semira Kedir Amed squared the result with a dropping ball that was fumbled by Kaidu before dropping in the goal.
The two sides will meet in the second leg in two weeks’ time to decide who will play at the next level against South Africa.
How they lined up
Uganda U17 XI : Sharon Kaidu, Sharifah Nakimera, Rebecca Nandhego, Desire Natoora, Patience Nabulobi, Kruthum Namutebi, Brenda Munyana, Shakira Nyinagahirwa, Catherine Nagadya, Hadijah Nandago, Kamiyati Naigaga
Ethiopia U17 XI: Abeba Ajibo Afa(GK), Metasebiya Kifile Gelaw, Meseret Mamo Wolde , Dirshaye Menza Malabo, Ttirsit Wondewesen Adamsu, Sebelewongel Wodajo Robse, Emush Daniel Dandamo, Tigist Adane Belihu, Tsehayinesh Jula Tulu, Kalkidan Wondemu Adenew, Yemiwedish Ashebir Gata.
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