Turkey, (EU):- The Uganda U16 Women’s Football Team etched a historic victory in the UEFA Friendship Tournament, securing a notable 3-2 win against Botswana in a classification match that demonstrated their resilience and determination.
Uganda was one of the nations that played at this year’s UEFA U16 Friendship Tournament in Turkey.
The invitational tournament is an initiative by UEFA and this was the inaugural edition that featured eight women’s football teams namely; Uganda, hosts Turkey, Botswana, USA, Vietnam, China, Paraguay and Wales.
The journey for the Ugandan team was not without its challenges, as they faced formidable opponents in Group B matches. The opening encounter saw them pitted against Paraguay, where they encountered a tough battle, resulting in a 7-0 defeat.
Despite this setback, the team remained undeterred, eager to prove their mettle on the international stage. Their determination was tested once again in subsequent matches against Wales and China.
With a spirited fight in the next match, Uganda was narrowly edged out by Wales with a 1-0 loss and faced a 4-1 defeat against China, with Asia Kakayi making a notable contribution on the scoreboard.
However, adversity only served to fuel the fire within the Ugandan team. Their moment of triumph arrived in the classification match against Botswana. Isabella Blick, Shadia Nabirye, and substitute Angel Ainembabazi showcased their prowess on the field, each contributing a crucial goal to secure the 3-2 victory.
This win not only marked their first triumph in the tournament but also propelled them to a commendable 7th place finish overall after being pooled in Group B alongside China, Wales and Paraguay.
The Tournament ran between 9th -19th April 2024 at the Turkish Football Federation training centre in Riva, Istanbul.
Summary of the Uganda U16 team performance at the UEFA Friendship Tournament.
Group B Matches
Paraguay 7-0 Uganda
Uganda 0-1 Wales
China 4-1 Uganda (Asia Kakayi)
Classification Match
Botswana 2-3 Uganda (Isabella Blick, Shadia Nabirye and Angel Ainembabazi)
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