FIFA U-17 WWCQ: Uganda Beat Zimbabwe to Take First-Leg Advantage

Uganda U-17 women’s national team, the Teen Cranes, secured a 2-0 victory over Zimbabwe in the first leg of the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup qualifiers.

In the match played at Ngoni Stadium on Sunday, Immaculate Acen and Lydia Nameseruka were on target as Uganda claimed a crucial away win.

Uganda dominated possession from the opening whistle, and their early pressure paid off in the 11th minute when Immaculate Acen made a brilliant run before smashing the ball into the net from inside the box.

Twelve minutes later, Lydia Nameseruka doubled Uganda’s lead with a powerful strike from outside the box.

Zimbabwe thought they had pulled one back before halftime, but their effort was ruled out for offside, allowing Uganda to head into the break with a deserved 2-0 advantage.

After the restart, Uganda continued on the front foot, pushing to extend their lead. However, the hosts stood firm to deny them a third goal as the match ended 2-0 in favour of the visitors.

The two sides will meet again in the return leg on Saturday, 18 April, with Uganda hosting Zimbabwe at FUFA Stadium, Kadiba.

The winner on aggregate will progress to the next round, where they will face either Namibia or Kenya. Kenya hold a 2-1 advantage from the first leg played in Namibia and are favourites to advance if they maintain their lead.

How Uganda lined up

Mayimuna Namuwaya (GK), Phiona Arach, Vicky Atyeronimungu, Martha Babirye (C), Jovia Nakirya, Lydia Nameseruka, Dominic Angel, Brenda Nassaka, Sheila Mungutimu, Immaculate Acen, Cynthia Kireng.