The Crested Cranes put up a brilliant display to outwit Eswatini at the ongoing COSAFA Women’s Championship in South Africa.
Right from onset, Uganda looked liked a team on mission and threw the kitchen sink at Eswatini.
In the end, the restless efforts paid off dividends with Uganda earning 5-1 win to get the campaign back on the rails.
Coach George Lutalo made three changes from the team that had started against Namibia with captain Ruth Aturo, Norah Alupo and Hasifa Nassuna starting on bench.
Laki Otandeka Kanyesigye, Phiona Nabbumba and Daisy Nakaziro starting with the latter earning her debut.
Combative midfielder Joan Nabirye opened the scores in the 15th minute to set the tone for the rest of the game.
Her ferocious strike brought confidence to the team and Uganda went ahead to dominate every aspect.
Another midfielder, Riticia Nabbosa doubled the lead with a close finish, tapping home from Resty Nanziri’s cross ten minutes later.
In the second stanza, Eswatini had a good start and eventually got the consolation through Celiwe Nkambule who capitalized on a mistake by Asia Nakibuuka.
However, their hope for an attempt at a comeback was shortlived with Nabweteme restoring parity in the 62nd minute.
Nassuna who replaced Nabbosa took a few minutes to announce her arrival, scoring two quick goals, the first a well taken free kick in the 72nd minute and the other a perfect low drive, three minutes later.
Uganda (on 4 points) will face Zambia in the final group game on Wednesday.
Crested Cranes Starting XI
Ruth Aturo, Viola Namuddu, Phoebe Banura, Asia Nakibuuka, Shadia Nankya, Joan Nabirye, Riticia Nabbosa, Phiona Nabbumba, Sandra Nabweteme, Resty Nanziri, Laki Otandeka
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