By Agnes Amondi,

Aisha Masaka scored twice as Tanzania Women edged Uganda Women 2-1 in the first round of the FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup qualifier at the national stadium in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.

The visitors took the lead courtesy of Fauzia Najjemba in the 5th minute. Twiga Stars efforts paid as Masaka levelled the score in the 28th to calm the nerves of the hosts. 

The tie was already past the home side when Ngo Nka’a Michelle added a fourth goal in the 70th to wrap up a fine outing for the visitors.

Second half action was highlighted by a missed penalty by Masika in the 85th, awarded after a foul on her by defender Bira Nadunga.

Nonetheless, she atorned for the miss three minutes later when she fired past Uganda’s goalie Daphine Nyayenga to give Twiga Stars the win.

With an away goal, Uganda travel back to Kampala still with hopes of progressing through to the final round. They’ll require at least a goal without a response from their neighbours. 

On the other hand, an away goal from Tanzania will seal the deal.

The return leg will be played in Kampala on March 14 with the winner set to face either Sao Tome Principe or Cameroon.

Only three nations will qualify for the global fiesta in India later this year.