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Lilian Mutuuzo lone strike stuns Kenya’s Harambee Starlets

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By: Sinan Rajub Senoga

• Uganda 1-0 Kenya

Lilian Mutuuzo scored the lone goal as the Crested Cranes earned a hard fought win over the Harambee Starlets of Kenya in this year’s CECAFA Women Championship opening match.

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Mutuuzo was a well placed recipient of a loose ball from a Shadia Nankya corner kick to loop in the ball past a forest Kenyan defenders in the goal mouth.

The Kenyans retaliated with relentless of attacks but missed out on finding the back of net including squandering a keeper to beat opportunity, hitting the woodwork and a cancelled offside goal.

Uganda would have doubled the lead in the 31st minute but hardworking left back Grace Aluka had her exquisitely taken free kick come off the cross bar.

Come into the second half, Bulega the Crested Cranes coach withdrew Norah Alupo for a fresh Winnie Babirye to surge the attacking intent in the 50th minute.

Bulega’s equal number, David Ouma made a double substitution bringing on Esse Akida and Martha Emedot for Mercy Achieng Onyango and Tereza Obunyu in the 58th minute.

The Crested Cranes was on the receiving end for the entire second half and the Kenyans would have leveled the scores from a host of attempts had it not been the cool head, class and experience exhibited by Ruth Aturo in the Uganda goal.

Monica Namwase was given a feel inside the last 5 minutes of the game, coming on for the goal scorer Lilian Mutuuzo.

At the end of the 90 minutes at the Regional Stadium Nyamirambo, the Crested Cranes were able to hold on to their fragile 1-0 lead.

Victory temporarily propelled Uganda to summit of the 5-team round-robin league table.

The Crested Cranes will play against Ethiopia in their subsequent fixture on Saturday 21st July at 3:00pm while Kenya takes on Tanzania on the same date.

Crested Cranes XI

Ruth Aturo (GK), Viola Namuddu, Grace Aluka, Shadia Nankya, Yudaya Nakayenze, Tracy Jones Akiror (C), Lillian Mutuuzo, Phiona Nabbumba, Zaina Namuleme, Juliet Nalukenge, Norah Alupo

Subs
Daisy Nakaziro (GK), Aisha Namukisa, Bridget Nabisalu, Monica Namwase, Daniela Favour Nambatya, Winnie Babirye, Esther Naluyimba

Harambee Starlets
Poline Atieno Owino (GK), Lillian Adera, Dorcas Shikobe, Elizabeth Ambogo, Wendy Achieng, Cheris Avilia, Cynthia Shilwatso, Mercy Achieng, Mwanahalima Adam, Neddy Atieno, Terry Engesha

Subs
Monica Karambu (GK), Phelistus Kadari, Vivian Nasaka, Anita Adongo, Ruth Ingosi, Esse Mbeyu Akida, Martha Amunyolete Emedot

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