Kampala, Uganda: Queen Cranes, Uganda’s U-20 women’s national team, had to settle for a 1-1 draw against Zambia in the first leg of the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup qualifiers played at FUFA Stadium, Kadiba, on Saturday.
Captain Agnes Nabukenya fired Uganda into the lead in the 23rd minute with a composed first-half finish, giving the hosts a deserved advantage after a bright start.
However, Zambia responded strongly after the break and drew level in the 59th minute through Edith Phiri, silencing the home crowd and leaving the tie delicately balanced heading into the return leg.
Uganda created several scoring opportunities but failed to capitalise, with Nabukenya coming closest to restoring the lead late in the game when her close-range free kick struck the upright in the 80th minute.
Speaking after the match, head coach Sheryl Ulanga Botes said her side would shift focus to preparation for the decisive second leg.
“The first leg is complete and now we must focus on preparing for the return leg,” Botes said, noting that her players created chances but lacked the cutting edge to secure a win.
Uganda’s starting XI featured Lillian Nakirya of St. Noa Girls in goal, with the defence marshalled by Desire Katisi Natooro of Kenya Police Bullets and Vicky Atyeronimungu from Amus College Women’s Football Club. Nabukenya anchored the midfield alongside Auki Angel Kigongo and Martha Babirye, while the attack was led by Malta-based Sylvia Kabene, supported by Mary Katono and Nusulah Nakintu.
The Queen Cranes U-20 technical bench includes assistant coaches Collins Ahumuza and Sharifah Nantumbwe, goalkeeping coaches David Ribeiro and George Sebuliba, as well as sports science, medical and performance analysis personnel.
The return leg is scheduled for Saturday, 14 February, in Lusaka, with kickoff set for 4pm. The aggregate winner will advance to the final qualification round to face either Ghana or South Africa.
Africa will be represented by four teams at the 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup, alongside 20 nations from other confederations.
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