“First, we play fair” the Ugandan message in all-African affair
Uganda came into the Oslo 2025 Homeless World Cup having successfully defended their title to become 2025 Africa Women’s Cup Champions in June.
In an all-African affair on Day 2, they took on their continental counterparts Egypt looking to capitalise on their great start to the tournament.
Early chances saw a Uganda shot blocked from distance and a strike hit the post, before Egypt registered their first opportunity with a shot that sailed over the bar. A great save from the Egypt goalkeeper fell kindly to a Uganda player to make it 1-0, before Egypt responded with a strong shot finding the net from distance.
A beautiful passing move saw Uganda regain their lead before a quick counter-attack put them 3-1 up. Egypt then missed two chances to score before a pass found an Egypt player alone in front of goal to make it 4-1. Soon it was 5-1 as a blasted shot gave the Egypt keeper no chance, before a great team move produced another goal. As half-time approached, a shot cannoned in off the bar to make it 7-1 to Uganda before Egypt pulled one back via a strike from distance.
Into the second half, a save by the Egypt goalkeeper fell into the path of a Uganda player to make it 8-2 before a nutmeg left a player alone to extend Uganda’s lead to 9-2. Egypt had their chances, with a shot sailing off the bar after a nice passing move before a goal got chopped off for a slight incursion into the box. A superb passing move then saw Uganda score their 10th of the game before a quick counter saw Egypt reduce the deficit at the death.
Uganda coach Shafic Nkugwa said:
“Egypt are a very strong team and they play very well. We respect them. I think it was a really good game. For us it was about playing our cards really well. Both teams had a lot of chances, it was how we executed ours. First of all we need to play fair, and second enjoy the game and three, play for the values of the Homeless World Cup. It’s not just about the win but how we played as a team. That counts. I think for us it is so far so good. We are trying to manage it so that the players not only win but also enjoy the experience. The games have been quite interesting and we shall keep trying. It’s still a long way to go.”
Words by Craig Williams | Photos by John Anderson