The Rwanda national female team put up a great show at the Kigali Pele Stadium on Wednesday, July 13, holding Crested Cranes of Uganda to a 3-3 draw in an intriguing first leg of the 2024 Olympic Games women's football qualifiers.
Though the game was played in Kigali, it was technically the home ground of the Ugandans and supporters were treated with an entertaining game which produced breathtaking goals from either side.
Times Sport takes a look at five things we learnt from the game.
Rwanda showed resilience in Uganda draw
It was an end-to-end action and Rwanda proved their great mental fortitude on the field of play by twice coming from behind.
Even after substitute goalkeeper Diane Uwamahoro's blunder which gifted Uganda their third goal in the 84th minute, Grace Nyinawumuntu’s side fought back and scored a later equalizer in the 86th minute.
Imanizabayo needs to regain goal scoring form
Despite his track record of scoring goals for fun for Rayon Sports women during the women’s second division last season, Imanizabayo was a mere passenger upfront against Uganda.
The Ugandans have very tall central defenders and they bullied and out powered her because of her height.
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Aisha Nantongo and Shadia Nankya kept the striker mute throughout the game and, much as Rwandan expected her to pose a major threat to Uganda’s defense, she could only do movements to create space for her attacking partners Nibagwire.
Imanizabayo has pace and she would be better off if coach Nyinawumuntu deploys her to wing and play Liberée Nibagwire as the lone striker with the skillful Dorothée Mukeshimana behind her.
Ndakimana’s glorious save kept Rwanda in the game
The young shot stopper was in her prime of the game with a series of superb saves as she kept her side in the game.
On the day, she pulled up to eight saves before getting injured and replaced by Diane Uwamahoro.
Ndakimana was arguably the best player on the day and Rwandans will be hoping she gets fit in time for the return encounter.
Uganda have a star in Najemba Fauzia
The 19-year-old Ugandan striker tormented the Amavubi defenders for the entire 90 minutes.
Fauzia’s moments of brilliance could have seen her score a brace or a hat trick, had it not been for Ndakimana who always proved a goalkeeping masterclass that prevented the striker from scoring as many goals.
At 19, Fuazia has a bright future ahead of her. She appeared to be Rwandan defenders’ nightmare and they could still feel it should she continue she can hit the top ahead of the second leg.
Nibagwire’s classy free kick steals the show
The likes of Lionel Messi, Andrea Pirlo, Ronaldo, Juninho Pernambucano and others will envy Liberée’s free kick for Rwanda's second goal if they ever see the video.
Skipper Gloria Sifa was brought down and from yards, Nibagwire stepped up and made no mistake to bend the free kick into the net from 25 yards.
The goal is one of the best you can see with your naked eyes at this level.