Pre-match underdogs, Rwanda, held Uganda’s Crested Cranes to a 3-3 draw in the first leg game of the 2024 Olympic women’s qualifier played Wednesday, July 12 in Kigali.
The Crested Cranes, who were the home team in this game at the Pele stadium (Uganda opted to host the game in Kigali due lack of CAF-approved stadia in the country at the moment), twice surrendered the lead to Rwanda’s She-Amavubi.
Shakirah Nyinagahirwa, Hasifa Nassuna and Fazila Ikwaput scored for the Crested Cranes but Rwanda rallied back through Mukahirwa, Nibagwire Libelle and Usanase Zawadi in the six-goal thriller.
It was Zawadi’s 86th minute equalizer that broke the Crested Cranes as they looked destined for victory in the dying minutes.
The two teams face off again in the return leg game on Sunday, July 16 at the same venue.
Local football governing body, FUFA, decided the Crested Cranes host their home game in Kigali, which is Rwanda’s capital, due to lack of CAF-approved stadia in Uganda at the moment.
Both Mandela National stadium, Namboole and St Mary’s stadium, Kitende are currently under renovations and upgrade to fit the required international standards.
Meanwhile, Wednesday’s draw means the Crested Cranes must beat Rwanda on Sunday to advance into the next stage of qualifiers for the 2024 Olympic Games due in Paris, France.