Senegal 2-0 Uganda: Teranga Lionesses ease past Crested Cranes

Senegal scored their first goals and claimed their first ever victory in the Africa Cup of Nations as they produced a clean counter attacking display against the Crested Cranes of Uganda.

The Teranga Lionesses looked comfortable throughout as goals from Ndeye Diakhate and Nguenar Ndiaye put them in pole position in Group A. Backed by a vociferous travelling support, the West Africans have put out their stall as a team not to be taken lightly in this WAFCON.

Story of the match

After a rocky start, Uganda were the side who looked most comfortable on the ball. Hasifah Nassuna and Nalugya Shamirah pulling the strings in midfield. But that was no problem for Senegal who were happy to play direct every time.

Centre forward Nguenar Ndiaye caused Uganda’s defence all sorts of problems. The Bourges striker continually beat her marker with her strength and close control and created a series of half chances for herself and her teammates.

But it was the East Africans who came closest. Just after the half our mark, a Nassuna corner found a free Fauzia Najjemba, whose header was denied by the upright.

Just five minutes later, the deadlock was broken. 16 year old right winger Hapsatou Diallo skipped past Aisha Nantongo whose rash challenge brought her down on the touchline. Marseille midfielder Ndeye Diakhate made no mistake from the resulting penalty, slotting home to give the West Africans the league.

Early in the second half Senegal doubled their lead. After a defensive mix up, Ndiaye was played through on goal and rounded the keeper to score. Initially flagged for offsides, VAR came to the Lionesses of Teranga and rightfully overturned the initial decision.

With a buoyant contingent of Senegal fans behind them the West Africans were playing with confidence. Ndiaye nearly grabbing her second minutes later, but heading over from close range.

Uganda wrestled control of the ball. But like the first half, they were unable to create meaningful chances. The Teranga Lionesses were happy to sit deep and play on the break with their pace upfront still a threat to the Created Cranes.

The result leaves Senegal top of their group after grabbing their first goals and points in their history at the Cup of Nations. Facing Burkina Faso next, they have the opportunity to seal qualification to the next round before even playing Morocco.

Uganda on the other hand face the home nation in what will be a gruelling match. They will be glad not to have to deal with the physicality of Senegal, but the Moroccans will bring pace and quality. The East Africans will have to be bold as realistically they now need a positive result if they want to come through the group.

Stand out player

Nguenar Ndiaye was stellar from start to finish. The centre forward has laid down the gauntlet for what a top- notch centre forward display looks like at this tournament. Her hold up play was excellent, as well as her capacity to drift into the channels and draw the Ugandan centre backs out of position.

She crowned her performance with a goal and could’ve maybe had one or two more. The forward based in France will trouble any defence and could be key to Senegal’s success at this tournament.

Line ups

Senegal – Sene (gk), Babou, Dembele, Sow, Ndiaye, Diakhate, Balde, S. Sagna (c), J. Sagna, Diallo, Camara

Substitutes: Ngom, Diouf, Diagne, Fall, Seck

Uganda – Aturo (gk, c), Asia, Komuntale, Nakayenze, Nantongo, Nambi, Bassuna, Kivumbi, Nabirye, Najjemba, Shamirah

Substitutes: Ikwaput, Nabbumba, Nabweteme

What they said

Senegal goalkeeper Tenning Sene:

“To my mind there is not a team that can resist us. We’re ready to take on the competition. We’re very happy to have won in our first participation in the CAN. We’re happy that our efforts have allowed us to reach this stage and were ready to face all the teams.

We’re hoping we can get the trophy and bring it back to Senegal. There won’t be any easy game but in every game we will do whatever it takes to win.”

Uganda head coach George Lutalo:

“We never had enough confidence in defence. And then we never utilised the chances that we created, otherwise it would’ve been a different story. So we just need to improve our confidence. It’s just the confidence we never had that made us not to have the best game.

My team didn’t give up. Much as we lost the game, we were pushing from the first whistle up to the end. So we shall keep motivating them.”