COSAFA Girls U17: Nalukenge Nets Six in Uganda's Victory Over Mauritius

By Thomas Odongo

Uganda Crested Cranes under17 skipper, Juliet Nalukenge scored six goals as Uganda beat Mauritius 0-11 at the ongoing Council of Southern Africa Football Associations (COSAFA) U17 Women’s Championship in Port Luis – Mauritius.

The game was played at St. Francois Xavier Stadium on Sunday. From kickoff, Uganda was the better side and eventually went ahead to win their second group game with double figures. Uganda got an early lead through Margret Kunihira before Nalukenge doubled the lead three minutes later in what turned out to be a field day.

Defender Stella Musubika got Uganda’s third goal before Nalukenge added two more goals to complete her hat trick before the break. Despite scoring many goals in the first half, Uganda kept surging forward with Nalukenge scoring three more goals in the 49th, 51st, 61st and 74th minutes.

Najjemba added one more in the 66th minute after goalkeeper Daphne Nanyenga had converted from the spot when Nalukenge was fouled inside the area in the 54th minute. “We came for a win and we have achieved it. We have missed a couple of chances at goal but 11 goals will push us further in the tournament,” Uganda Girls U17 Head coach Khalifa Ayub said.

This was another weekend victory for Uganda following a thrilling 0-3 Cranes win against Burundi in the CHAN 2020 qualifiers game played in the capital Bujumbura on Saturday. Team captain Juliet Nalukenge was named player of the match and she received an accolade and a ball after scoring a hat trick.

The victory elevates Uganda to four points in two games but still second in group A behind Zambia who defeated Comoros 15-0. Uganda will return to action on Tuesday against Comoros in the final group game.