Uganda thumps Kenya 7-2 in World Cup U20 Qualifier

Shakira Nyinagahiriwa (L) of Uganda contest for ball with Lydia Akoth of Kenya during their African U-20 Women’s World Cup qualification match at Nyayo national stadium in Nairobi on September 25, 2021. Photo/Stafford Ondego, Standard

Kenya national under-20 women’s football team Rising Starlets on Saturday lost 7-2 to Uganda during the first leg of the Fifa 2022 Women's Under-20 World Cup second round qualifier played at Nyayo National Stadium.

Uganda's Juliet Nalukenge and Sumaiya Komuntale each nagged a brace while Margaret Kunihira, Fauzia Najjemba, Shamira Naluguya scored a goal each past Ursula Nasimiyu in goal for Kenya.

Shalyene Opisa two goals in the final half did nothing to prevent the damage which saw the visitors score six goals in the first half.

Heading to the match, the Charles Okere led side was aiming to replicate Vihiga Queens win during the recent Cecafa Club Championship dominance but it proved very hard.

The Rising Starlets got off to a poor start after finding themselves on the back foot after Nalukenge scored in the opening minute of the match to give Uganda an early 1-0 lead.

Nakulenge retuned to haunt the hosts once again ten minutes later by doubling the scores before Kunihira made it 3-0 in the opening 20 minutes of the match.

Najjemba and Naluguya scored in quick succession to make it 5-0 at the half an hour mark before Komuntale ensured Uganda take a comfortable 6-0 lead at the break.

In the final half, Komuntale made it 7-0 before Opisa scored Kenya’s consolation goals late in the half.

Kenya now has to defeat Uganda by six goals to nothing to stand a chance of progressing to the next round.

The return leg match will be played on October 8.

The aggregate winner between Kenya and Uganda will face off with the winner between Mozambique and South Africa in the third round.

Two teams from Africa will be guaranteed spots at the World competition in the end.