Accra, Ghana: Uganda U-20 Women’s National Team suffered a narrow 2-1 defeat to Ghana U-20 Women’s National Team in the first leg of the 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup African Qualifiers, but an away goal leaves the tie finely balanced ahead of the return leg.
The match, played at the Accra Sports Stadium on Sunday, saw Uganda take a first-half lead before the hosts staged a late comeback.
Uganda started with composure and discipline, holding their shape and matching Ghana in the early exchanges. Goalkeeper Lilian Nakirya made an early intervention, punching away a dangerous corner in the third minute to steady the team.
The breakthrough came in the 32nd minute when Agnes Nabukenya calmly finished a well-worked move to give Uganda a deserved lead. The Queen Cranes maintained their organisation and went into halftime ahead.
Ghana responded strongly after the break, increasing pressure and eventually equalising in the 56th minute through Priscilla Mensah.
The game remained evenly contested heading into the final stages, with Uganda defending resolutely. However, Ghana snatched victory in the 86th minute when Latifa Abesik completed the comeback to give the hosts a slim advantage.
Despite the defeat, Uganda’s away goal keeps qualification hopes alive ahead of the decisive return leg scheduled for this Saturday, May 9, at FUFA Stadium, Kadiba.
The winner on aggregate will secure a place at the World Cup in Poland, with away goals and penalties set to determine the outcome if necessary.
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