Uganda’s Teen Cranes suffered a 2-0 defeat to Kenya U17 Women’s team in the first leg of the second-round qualifiers for the 2025 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup. The match took place on Saturday evening at Hamz Stadium, Nakivubo.
Kenya started strongly, launching early attacks, but the Teen Cranes’ defense, marshaled by goalkeeper Haira Nabbosa, stood firm.
As the game progressed, Uganda grew into the contest, but a defensive lapse in the 37th minute saw Edina Nasipwondi break the deadlock after beating the offside trap.
Teen Cranes captain Agnes Nabukenya had a golden opportunity to equalize but fired over the bar with only the goalkeeper to beat.
The visitors then doubled their lead in first-half stoppage time, with Joan Ogola calmly slotting past Nabbosa after a surging run down the left flank.
At the start of the second half, Uganda’s head coach Sheryl Botes made a double substitution, introducing Justine Ayerango and Patience Asango for Shadia Nabirye and Shamira Namukabirye in an attempt to turn the tide. More changes followed, with Rinah Ariho replacing Mariam Namataka, and Joan Kizza Namulindwa coming on for Nabukenya, who was forced off with a knock.
Despite pushing for a response, Uganda struggled to break through Kenya’s resilient defense. Nabbosa was called into action to deny the dangerous Brenda Achieng, who had breached the backline.
The result gives Kenya a crucial 2-0 advantage heading into the return leg on March 18, 2025, in Nairobi. The aggregate winner of this tie will face either Cameroon or Ethiopia in the final qualification round for a place at the 2025 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup later this year.
Pictorial
