Written By | Alex Mbamanya
Uganda vs Zambia action
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Sports Desk
The national U20 women’s team, the Queen Cranes, still have a chance of qualifying for the next and final round of the FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup Africa qualifiers if they make their chances count in the second leg against Zambia in Ndola. The Queen Cranes played to a 1-1 draw against the Zambians in the first leg of the campaign in Kampala on Saturday. Team captain Agnes Nabukenya scored for the hosts in the 23rd minute before the Zambians replied through Edith Phiri early in the second half, taking advantage of the away goal as they head into the second leg.
Uganda professional striker Sylivia Kabene (yellow) goes for a challenge against a Zambia opponent
The young Ugandan girls managed to contain the more experienced Zambians and created several scoring chances, which they failed to convert both before and after the visitors’ equaliser. Head coach Sherly Botes believes they will put in extra effort in the return leg.
“It was a good display. The team was prepared for the physicality and speed of our opponents, and I think they played well. We have taken positives from the match, although we had hoped to secure a win. Their height played a role in their goal,” Botes said.
Uganda Queen Cranes in action against Zambia
Adding, “Zambia will approach the return leg in the same way. We need to find solutions to deal with first and second balls more effectively, but I do not anticipate making major changes to our approach.”
Uganda will travel to Ndola, Zambia, on Wednesday for the return leg due at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium on Saturday, 14th February 2026. The winner on aggregate will qualify to face the winner between South Africa and Ghana.
Queen Cranes Squad
Meanwhile, Kenya edged East African rivals Tanzania 1-0 in their first leg in Nairobi, while South Africa played to a 2-2 draw away to Ghana in Accra, carrying a two away-goals advantage into the return leg in Johannesburg. Cameroon were the biggest winners of the weekend with a 5-0 drubbing of Botswana, while Benin were surprise 1-0 winners over Egypt away in Cairo.
Zambia U20
The winners on aggregate in this round will qualify for the fourth and final round of the campaign, where the four successful teams will earn the right to represent Africa at the World Cup due to be held in Poland.
FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup Qualifiers – CAF 3rd Round Results
Uganda 1 Zambia 1
Egypt 0 Benin 1
Cameroon 5 Botswana 0
Kenya 1 Tanzania 0
Guinea-Bissau 1 Malawi 1
Nigeria 1 Senegal 0
Ghana 2 South Africa 2
Ivory Coast 2 DR Congo 0
Torch Media Africa
