Queen Cranes Miss Historic World Cup Qualification After Ghana Draw

Saturday, May 9
Uganda U20 Women 1-1 Ghana U20 Women

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The Uganda U20 Women’s National Team, the Queen Cranes, missed out on a historic FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup qualification after being held to a 1-1 draw by 10-player Ghana in the return leg of the qualifiers.

Captain Linda Owusu scored a late equaliser to cancel out Precious Asante’s first-half own goal as Ghana secured qualification to the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in Poland with a 3-2 aggregate victory.

The result denied Uganda a maiden appearance at the tournament, while Ghana qualified for the global showpiece for the eighth time.

Uganda made a dream start and took the lead just six minutes into the first half.

Sylvia Kabene beat her marker on the flank before her effort was deflected into the net by Ghana defender Precious Asante for an own goal.

The Queen Cranes were later handed a numerical advantage when Ghana were reduced to 10 players with 20 minutes left to play.

Margaret Agyapomaa was shown a straight red card after making a dangerous off-the-ball challenge on Sylvia Kabene.

Despite the advantage, Uganda failed to hold onto the lead as Ghana found the equaliser with 11 minutes remaining.

The visitors were awarded a free kick, and captain Linda Owusu curled a brilliant effort into the top corner to level the scores.

A few minutes later, Sarah Nyarko nearly gave Ghana the lead, but Uganda goalkeeper Lillian Nakirya produced an excellent save to deny her effort and force a corner, which resulted in nothing.

Uganda pushed forward in search of a winner, with Agnes Nabukenya coming close, but her powerful strike narrowly missed the target.

Ghana defended resolutely in the closing stages to secure the 1-1 draw and book their place at the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in Poland on a 3-2 aggregate score.

More details to follow…