VIDEO: FIFA U17 WWCQ – Kenya Hold Uganda in First Leg at Kadiba

Friday, May 22
Uganda 1-1 Kenya

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The Uganda U17 women’s national football team, the Teen Cranes, were held to a 1-1 draw by Kenya in the first leg of the second round of the FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup Qualifiers.

In the match played at FUFA Stadium, Kadiba on Friday, Emily Adhiambo cancelled out Shadia Nabirye’s opener as the two sides played to a 1-1 draw ahead of the return leg.

Uganda took the lead in the 12th minute through Shadia Nabirye. Immaculate Acen brilliantly beat her markers before setting up Justine Ayerango, whose shot was saved by the goalkeeper. Nabirye reacted quickest to tap in the rebound and give the hosts an early advantage.

Despite Uganda’s dominance and attacking pressure, Kenya defended resolutely to avoid conceding another goal before halftime.

In the second half, Uganda nearly doubled their lead when Nabirye beat her markers inside the box, but her final effort was well blocked by the Kenyan defence.

Kenya gradually grew into the game and their first major opportunity was denied by Uganda goalkeeper Mayimuna Namuwaya.

The visitors eventually found the equaliser through Emily Adhiambo after an hour of play.

Uganda’s defenders failed to communicate well with the goalkeeper, allowing a cleared ball to fall kindly to Adhiambo, who quickly reacted and struck from distance with Namuwaya off her line.

Kenya defended well in the closing stages to secure a crucial draw away from home and carry the advantage into the return leg.

The two teams will face off again at Nyayo Stadium in Kenya in the decisive second leg, where the aggregate winner will progress to the next qualifying round.

The winner between Uganda and Kenya will face either Tanzania or South Africa in the next stage of the qualifiers.