Uganda U17 Women’s National Team journey in the FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup Qualifiers came to an agonizing end on Friday at St. Mary’s Stadium Kitende.
Teen Cranes won the return leg 1-0 today but a 2-0 defeat in the first leg meant, Zambia progressed to the final qualification phase.
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 on early this week.
Right from kickoff, Uganda proved the better side and made several inroads in order to score an early goal.
Agnes Nabukenya set up Kabene in the 20th minute but the latter failed to shot on target.
Moments later, she had a one on one opportunity at goal but she shot direct 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.
Kabene fought through three defenders before scoring from a rebound to give Ugandan fans hope.
There were further chances for Uganda inside the closing stages but the much needed composure in front of goal was lacking.
Uganda U17 Starting XI
Lillian Nakiirya (GK), Charity Katusiime, Agnes Nabukenya, Shadia Nabirye, Desire Katisi Natooro (C), Esther Nangendo, Sylvia Kabene, Dorine Aujat, Faridah Namirimu, Ritah Anitah Nambuusi, Joyce Kainza
Substitutes
Angella Adeke (GK), Bethany Kaluya, Mariam Namataka, Bushira Muhammad Nalunkuuma, Tamisi Shafiga, Fahima Babirye, Vanessa Namazzi
Zambia U17 Starting XI
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, Mary Mukupa
Substitutes
Eunice Mutonyi, Harriet Angela Matipa, Mercy Chipasula, Eunice Doreen Bwalya, Cynthia Mushili, Taonga Mubanga