Goals on both sides of halftime from Ndeye Awa Diakhaté and Nguenar Ndiaye helped Senegal to open their 2022 Africa Women Cup of Nations campaign with a 2-0 victory over Uganda on Sunday in Rabat. The Lionesses of Teranga move to the top of Group A and are even with hosts Morocco after the first round of fixtures in the group. Senegal will take on Burkina Faso next while Uganda face the hosts on Tuesday.
The Senegalese team got off to a quick start but after surviving a difficult opening five minutes, Uganda gained confidence in an even first half. A spell of dominance around the half hour mark nearly put the Crested Cranes in the lead but Fauzia Najjemba’s header struck the foot of the post and went wide following a Hasifah Nassuna corner kick.
Senegal took the lead soon after withstanding the Ugandan pressure. In the 37th minute Hapsatou Malado Diallo produced a clever dribbling move out wide in the Ugandan penalty area and was clumsily taken down by defender Aisha Nantongo for a foul and penalty kick. Diakhaté made no mistake from the spot and slotted her attempt past Uganda goalkeeper and captain Ruth Aturo.
Another error in the Ugandan defense led to Senegal’s second goal soon after the halftime break. In the 50th minute a pass from a Ugandan defender was intercepted by Haby Baldé and her through pass sent Ndiaye in on goal. Ndiaye easily rounded the onrushing Aturo and finished, initially being ruled offsides before a lengthy Video Assistant Referee review confirmed the goal. Uganda produced several opportunities but could not find a goal as they attempted to rally.
Highlights are below.
