Ethiopia, Uganda start well in CECAFA Women’s U-20 Championship

Ethiopia and Uganda kicked off their campaigns in the CECAFA Women’s U-20 Championship 2021 with huge wins on Saturday at the FUFA technical Centre in Njeru, Uganda.

The Ethiopian team humbled a 10-man Djibouti team 7-0, while Uganda also picked a 5-1 win against Burundi.

The regional tournament being played on a round robin basis saw the Tanzanian team, Tanzanite start with a 1-0 win against a battle hardened Eritrean team that defended well.

After so many shots that hit the woodwork and other off target, Tanzania’s Clara Cleitus Luvanga headed in the lone goal after the fourth official had indicated two added minutes.

“This was a very tough match and remember we have played Eritrea three times in the last 15 days including the FIFA Women’s U-20 World Cup qualifying matches,” said Tanzania’s coach Bakari Shime after the match.

In the second game Ethiopia showed a lot of dominance when they humbled a 0-man Djibouti 7-0.

Rider Assrasanang netted a hat-trick, Turist Lema scored two goals, while Betlehem Bekele and Meadin Sehilu also got their names on the score sheet for Ethiopia. The Djibouti team tried to fight back, but found it difficult playing with a player-less after Marwa Baher Moussa had been sent off after 36 minutes.

“ I am very happy with the way my players expressed themselves today and won with many goals. We need to continue with the same momentum as the tournament progresses,” said Ethiopia’s coach Firew Hailegebral.

In the last game played on Day 1 skipper Fauzia Najjemba netted a brace and also had missed a penalty for Uganda. Hadijah Nandago, Margaret Kunihira and Shamirah Nalugya scored the other goals for the hosts, while Burundi’s goal was netted by Pascasie Butoyi.

Ayub Khalifa Kiyingi, the Ugandan coach said although his team did not play so well, he is happy they won the opening match. “I am confident we shall put up much better shows in other games to come,” added Kiyingi whose team is now placed second behind Ethiopia on the log.

Table standing

                P    W    D   L   GF    GA    GD   Pts

Ethiopia   1     1    0    0     7       0       7       3

Uganda    1     1    0    0     5       1       4       3

Tanzania  1     1    0    0     1       0       1       3

Eritrea      1     0    0    1     0       1      -1      0

Burundi    1     0    0    1     1       5      -4      0

Djibouti    1     0    0    1     0       7      -7      0