Riticia Nabbosa and Fauzia Najjemba scored in either halves of the game respectively as Uganda Crested Cranes registered a much-needed home win.
The George Lutalo coached side won 2-0 against Ethiopia at St. Mary’s Stadium, Kitende on Wednesday evening.
Nabbosa opened scoring for Crested Cranes as early as the second minute of the game to put Uganda in the driving seat.
In the seventh minute, Shadia Nankya had a free-kick, 35 yards away from the Ethiopian goal but Hiwot Dengiso cleared for safety.
Ethiopian captain Losa Abera Geinore shot a distant free-kick in the 15th minute but Uganda’s goalkeeper and captain Ruth Aturo dived to save the ball.
In the 42nd minute, Medina Awol Busser had a shot blocked Nankya Shadia and Ethiopia won a corner kick that resulted into nothing big.
In the 74th minute, Uganda Crested Cranes goalkeeper Ruth Aturo jumped high to collect a high ball off a free-kick by Asfaw Adisu Emeber and she was fouled in the process for Uganda to win a free kick.
Two minutes later, Najjemba headed home the second goal with a sweet header off Sheebah Zalwango’s cross to consolidate Uganda’s lead.
The two sides will meet again in the second leg tie that will be played in Adis Ababa on Tuesday October 26th with Uganda targeting a draw.
The winner on aggregate will advance to the next qualification round where they will play the winner between Kenya and South Sudan.
