Senegal kick started the 2022 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) with a 2-0 win over Uganda in a Group A game played at the Prince Moulay Abdallah Sports Complex
A goal in each half was enough to give Senegal a convincing win against a hard fighting Uganda side.
Uganda saw most of the ball in the opening exchanges but their only opening came courtesy of Hasif Nassuna strike, which sailed just wide in the 10th minute.
After a quiet opening 30 minutes, the home side broke the deadlock in the 39th minute when Ndye Diakhate converted from the spot one of Cranes defenders brought her down in the area.
But Uganda’s player Fauzia Najjemba was a victim of two clear missed chances in the first half. With only Gabon goalkeeper Tenning Sene to beat on 42nd minute, Najjemba sent in a weak shot that was saved, while her second few minutes after missed the target.
In the second half Uganda returned strongly and put Senegal under pressure, but Senegal played tight at the back. Habby Balde ’s two consecutive free kicks from close range all missed the target.
Ruth Aturo was called in to save Meta Camara’s low shot in the 50th minute when he acrobatically kicked the ball out for a corner.
Two minutes later Nguenar Ndiaye increased Senegal’s lead with a well taken finish after dribbling past Cranes goalkeeper.
Tenning Sene came to Senegal’s rescue in the 67th minute as she did well to keep out Joan Nabirye’s stinging effort from a tight angle.
Uganda nearly reduced the deficit in the 76th minute but Violah Nabbi’ effort went inches wide with goalkeeper to beat.
Mareme Babou almost marked her debut with a goal in the 81st minute when her venomous strike from the edge of the box was punched by Aturo.
Sene ensured Senegal ended the game with a clean sheet, as she did cleared Fazila Ikwaput close range effort back into play in the 90th minute.
The teams will return to action with the second round of Group A matches on July 5: Senegal v Burkina Faso and Uganda v Morocco.
