U20 WWCQ: Hadija Nandago Sends Nelson Mandela’s ‘Bazukkulu’ in Silent Mode
Hadija Nandago scored the only goal as Uganda beating South Africa in the first leg of Women World Cup Qualifier game held at St Mary’s Stadium Kitende on Friday evening.
Like Ayubu Khalifa side been in previous games, the U20 team pulled out a strong and solid start, and before the goal came in 20th minute, Uganda got two clear cut chances with Nthabiseng Ramaisha been on spot to deny Sumaya Komuntale and Juliet Nalukenge.
But finally, Hadija Nandago, arguably the best number ten currently in Uganda women football unlocked the South African defence with a free header, thanks to Margret Kunihira well calculated corner kick from the right flank.
South Africa style of play proved that they were playing to avoid damages on road since they had shortage in squad, the side came with 15 players with only one goalkeeper.
In the entire 90 minutes, South Africa been so dangerous in the final third of the pitch on four occasions, only two were on target, the strong one saved by Samalie Nakacwa in the last ten minutes.
“Uganda started well, unfortunately we conceded from a corner kick…, was not good for us, however, this is the first leg, we still have the second game.”
Nthabiseng Ramaisha made at least four crucial saves and she is the reason as to why South Africa still have hoped of making it to second round.
The goalkeeper, she put up her best today and we are proud of her.” South Africa Coach.
South Africa came without the second goalkeeper, with only four substitutes, their tactician, had this to comment
“We got challenges, we didn’t have our full squad due to COVID-19 and other players are writing National Exams, could not be in Camp as well as in papers, but we hope the second leg we shall have them in second leg and you guys expect hard time from us.” Coach added.
Fauzia Najjemba, the U20 Uganda Women’s team captain asserted that tried to pull out what they have been doing in training though they playing against a strong side.
” The game was very good because we passed the ball, the team wasn’t easy but we tried to put in action what we have been training, we expect to put up more good performance than we did today.” Said Fauzia Najjemba in the post match press briefing at Kitende.
“We wanted a result, of which we got though and I am happy for that. we didn’t score the goals we wanted, at least we wanted three goals Plus, but we spoilt a number of chances especially first half but the most important thing is we got a win minus conceding. “
The return leg will be on 17th December, 2021 in Johannesburg South Africa.
Uganda Start List Against South Africa
Daphine Nyayenga (GK), Sumaya Komuntale, Nantongo Aisha, Shakira Nyinagahirwa, Samalie Nakacwa, Juliet Nalukenge, Hadija Nandago, Fauzia Najjemba ©, Margret Kunihira, Bira Nadunga, Nakibuuka Asia.
Substitutes:
Kanyago Harima, Eva Nagayi, Catherine Nagadya, Aluka Grace, Saidah Namwanje, Zaina Nandede, Mutuuzo Lillian.
Coach: Ayubu Khalifa
South Africa starting lineup:
Nthabiseng Ramaisha, Sharol Dineo Ramoaka, Thimna Mpehle, Lonathemba Mhlongo ©, Fikile Magama, Zethembiso Vilakazi, Wendy Shongwe, Chelsea Joy Daniels, Sphumelele Shamase, Lithemba Sam-Sam, Mmabatho Mogale.
Substitutes:
Samkelisiwe Promise Salena, Thubelihle Shamase, Nthabiseng Ronisha Majiya, Reitumetse Mosuoe.