The two teams created several chances, but failed to utilise them on what was a rainy and windy afternoon.

Namibia threatened first in the 22nd minute when 41-year-old Stella Williams got to the end of a Millicent Hikuam pass, but her tame shot did not trouble the Uganda shot-stopper Ruth Atoru.

Uganda then upped the game and created a few chances but found Melisa Matheus in great form as they twice came to the rescue of the Brave Gladiators.

Hikuam then shot tamely at the goal while Thomalina Adams miscued an attempt at goal to leave both sides level at nil-all by halftime.

The second half was no different and both teams continued from where they left off but failed to find the back of the net.

Hikuam almost scored for Namibia in the 62nd minute but shot agonisingly wide after playing a lovely one-two with Juliana Blou.

Both coaches made a raft of changes to their teams in a bid to steal the result, but goals failed to come, with the match providing the first goalless stalemate of the tournament.

Speaking after the match, Gladiators coach Nicholas Woody Jacobs gave credit to Uganda for not allowing them to play their normal match and forcing them into making errors.

“A draw is a fair result as it would have been unfair to either of the two teams to lose it at the end. I am proud of the girls as they have now managed to get some game time. We are looking forward to our next match,” he said.

Gladiators captain Eddelsisingh Emma Naris was named woman of the match.

Namibia will play Zambia on Sunday at 15h30 and then conclude the group stages against Eswatini at 15h30 on Tuesday.

Source: The Namibian Press Agency