U20 World Cup Qualifiers: Queen Cranes bow out despite draw against Senegal

Women’s U20 World Cup Qualifiers
Saturday 18th November 2023
Uganda 1:1 Senegal (1:2 Agg)

Senegal advanced to the next round of the Women’s U20 World Cup with a 2-1 aggregate triumph over Uganda in a captivating showdown at the FUFA Technical Centre, Njeru.

Senegal’s 1-0 victory in the first leg proved decisive, marking the end of the road for Uganda, who had previously eliminated Mozambique.

The match unfolded with Hadijah Nandago providing the Queen Cranes with a glimmer of hope, scoring an early goal in the 4th minute and levelling the aggregate score at 1-1.

Uganda maintained dominance in the opening minutes, but Senegal quickly responded, with Chris Aissatou Ba netting an equalizer in the 25th minute, propelling Senegal to a 2-1 lead on aggregate.

Coach Ayub Khalifa Kiyingi introduced a strategic change at the start of the second half, with Phiona Nabulime making way for Brenda Munyana.

Despite Uganda’s efforts, Senegal’s lead held firm, and the teams went into halftime with Senegal ahead 2-1 on aggregate.

The tension persisted throughout the second half, with both sides locked in a 1-1 draw until the final whistle.

Senegal’s aggregate victory of 2-1 marked the culmination of a hard-fought battle, extinguishing Uganda’s aspirations for the U20 Women’s World Cup.

Also in attendance at the FUFA Technical Centre in Njeru was the newly appointed Crested Cranes head coach, Sheryl Botes who witnessed a clash of determination and skill, ultimately celebrating Senegal’s advancement in the CAF qualifiers.