Match FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup Qualifiers
Uganda 4-1 Zimbabwe (6-1 Aggregate)
Kampala, Uganda: Uganda’s U-17 Women’s National Team, the Teen Cranes, delivered a commanding performance on Saturday, thrashing Zimbabwe 4-1 at FUFA Stadium, Kadiba, to progress to the next round of the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup qualifiers with a 6-1 aggregate score.
The emphatic victory confirmed Uganda’s dominance over two legs and sets up a highly anticipated East African clash against Kenya.
The Teen Cranes took early control of the game, with Brendah Nassaka opening the scoring in the 10th minute with a powerful long-range strike.
Uganda continued to pile pressure and were awarded a penalty in the 26th minute, but Immaculate Acen saw her effort hit the post.
Acen quickly made amends, scoring from close range moments later to double the lead.
Before halftime, Giovanna Aketogwanga added a third goal, effectively putting the tie beyond Zimbabwe’s reach.
Zimbabwe, however, managed a consolation goal just before the break through Shantel Gwenhamo, who capitalised on a mistake by goalkeeper Sharifah Namutebi, but the visitors generally struggled to match Uganda’s intensity throughout the contest.
Uganda maintained control in the second half, creating multiple chances and dictating the tempo. Substitute Terry Mary Oseko sealed the victory with a composed finish after being set up by Grace Kawino.
The result sends Uganda into the second round of qualifiers, where they will face regional rivals Kenya, who secured their spot after a dominant 7-1 aggregate win over Namibia, to set up a competitive CECAFA derby.
The second-round fixtures are scheduled for late May 2026, with both teams eyeing a place at the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.
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