• Uganda 1-0 Zambia (Agg: 1-2)
Despite a slim home win in the return leg, the Uganda U17 Women’s National Team’s (Teen Cranes) journey in the FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup Qualifiers came to a disappointing end at St. Mary’s Stadium Kitende on Friday.
Teen Cranes were victorious in the return leg with a narrow 1-0 scoreline, but a 2-0 defeat in the first leg meant Zambia progressed to the final qualification phase with an aggregate win (2-1).
Sylvia Kabene scored the lone goal of the game, with her strike coming in the 73rd minute.
Before the start of the game, a momentum of silence was observed in honor of the late Coach Fred Kajoba, who passed away early this week, before Uganda proved the better side after kickoff.
The Teen Cranes launched several attempts in order to score an early goal. Moments later, she had a one-on-one opportunity at goal, but she shot directly at Zambian goalkeeper Mwila Chisala Mufunte.
The first half ended goalless, but Uganda kept surging forward and eventually got the breakthrough 17 minutes from time when Kabene skillfully beat three defenders before scoring from a rebound to give Ugandan fans hope.
She later got a glorious opportunity with a keeper to beat, but was denied by Chisaa Mwila in the box. Also, substitute Bethany Kaluya failed to pounce on a ball with the goal at her mercy.
There were further chances for Uganda inside the closing stages, but the much-needed composure in front of goal was lacking.
Team Lineups
Uganda U17
Lillian Nakiirya (GK), Charity Katusiime, Agnes Nabukenya, Shadia Nabirye, Desire Katisi Natooro (C), Esther Nangendo, Sylvia Kabene, Dorine Aujat, Faridah Namirimu, Ritah Anitah Nambuusi, and Joyce Kainza
Substitutes: Angella Adeke (GK), Bethany Kaluya, Mariam Namataka, Bushira Muhammad Nalunkuuma, Tamisi Shafiga, Fahima Babirye, Vanessa Namazzi
Zambia U17
Mwila Chisala Mufunte (GK), Nana Malanda, Blessing Maluba, Bwalya Namute Chileshe, Zangose Blessing Zulu (C), Nkaka Natasha, Margret Gondwe, Ruth Mukoma, Saliya Mwana, Ruth Muwowo, and Mary Mukupa
Substitutes: Eunice Mutonyi, Harriet Angela Matipa, Mercy Chipasula, and Eunice Doreen Bwa
