Ethiopia, Uganda settle for 2-2 draw in U-17 Women’s World Cup qualifier

Uganda and Ethiopia have settled for a 2-2 draw in first leg of the second round in the U-17 Women’s World Cup 2022 qualifiers.

The two teams failed to find the net in the first half at the St. Marys Stadium in Kitende, but pushed forward to score four goals after the interval.

Striker Hadijah Nandago gave the hosts the lead after 68 minutes with a  well taken shot that Ethiopia’s goalkeeper Abeba Ajibo Afa failed to stop.

The Ethiopian team tried to settle down and pushed forward to try and get a goal, but it was Uganda that scored the second after 72 minutes through Nandago again.

Later Emush Daniel Dandamo pulled a goal back for Ethiopia after 77 minutes.

After 90 minutes substitute Semira Kedir Ahimed leveled matters for Ethiopia with a long shot that Uganda’s goalkeeper Sharon Kaidu failed to punch out of danger.

Ayub Khalifa, Uganda’s head coach said his team did not defend well after taking a two goal lead. “We need to go back to the drawing board and prepare for the return leg,” added Khalifa.

Ethiopia’s coach Endalkachew Chaka praised his team for fighting back to secure a draw.

On Sunday another CECAFA team Tanzania will be in action as they host Botswana at the Amaan Stadium in Zanzibar.

Three teams will qualify to represent Africa at the U-17 FIFA Women’s World Cup in India.