Forward Hadijah Nandago made the difference as Uganda overcame South Africa in the first leg of the third round qualifying round of the 2022 FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup.
Nandago continued with her brilliant form from CECAFA Women’s U20 Championship last month where she scored 5 goals in as many games.
She headed home the lone goal of the game in the 19th minute in what proved to be a closely contested encounter.
Despite squandering several chances especially in the opening stanza, Nandago’s first half goal proved to be the decisive moment of the game.
Uganda started the better side and had several inroads at goal with the first realistic chance coming as early as the 6th minute.
Fauzia Najjemba laid up roving left back Sumaya Komuntale whose low drive at the near post was saved by goalkeeper Ramaisha.
Aisha Nantongo who played as a blocking midfielder today too came close in the 11th minute but her ferocious strike outside the area ricocheted of the crossbar.
Striker Juliet Nalukenge had numerous chances inside the box but did not have the desired composure to take away any.
In the second half, the visitors tried to step up efforts but found a resilient Ugandan backline that gave no chances.
At the fulltime whistle, Uganda secured all three points ahead of the return leg slated for 17th December in Johannesburg.
The winner on aggregate will advance to the fourth round of the FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup Qualifiers where they will face either Ghana or Zambia.
