Ghana secured first-leg advantage in the fourth and penultimate round of the African qualifiers to the Costa Rica 2022 Fifa U-20 Women’s World Cup after defeating Uganda 2-1 away Saturday afternoon.
The Black Princesses raced into the lead after 20 minutes through Salamatu Abdulai who delivered a lovely lob over goalkeeper Daphine Nyayenga.
Doris Boaduwaa came close to doubling Ghana’s lead just before halftime break but goalkeeper Nyayenga pulled a point-blank save to deny the Hasaacas Ladies attacker.
But Ghana will continue on the front pedal in the second half and within three minutes make it 2-0 at the St Mary Stadium in Kitende.
Midfielder Grace Animah struck a free-kick from the edge of the box into the back of the net.
In the final 10 minutes, the Young Crested Cranes – desperate for a comeback – turned the heat on Ghana. And in one of their pressure moments, were awarded a penalty after substitute Shamirah Nalugya got fouled inside the box.
Captain Fauzia Najjemba stepped up and converted the spot-kick to halve the deficit in the 84th minute.
Ethiopian referee signalled for a 5-minute additional time but ended up seeing out double the allocated time but coach Ben Fokuo’s held firm to win the game 2-1.
The second leg is scheduled for Cape Coast Sports Stadium on Saturday, February 5.
The aggregate winner of this tie advances to the final round of the qualifiers to face that of Tanzania and Ethiopia.
Ghana are seeking a record sixth successive Fifa U-20 Women’s World Cup appearance.
