Uganda’s U-20 Women’s National Team, the Queen Cranes, were held to a 1–1 draw by Zambia in the first leg of the third round of the 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup Qualifiers at the FUFA Stadium, Kadiba, on Saturday evening.
Queen Cranes captain Agnes Nabukenya gave Uganda the lead in the 23rd minute. A well-delivered cross from the left found Mary Kantono inside the box, who laid the ball off for Nabukenya to fire home a powerful effort, sending the hosts into the interval with a narrow advantage.
Zambia drew level in the 59th minute through Edith Phiri, who tapped in from close range after the Queen Cranes failed to clear a free kick.
Uganda pushed forward in search of a winner and created several opportunities. Mary Kantono came close after capitalising on an error by the Zambian goalkeeper, but her effort struck the side netting. Nabukenya was later denied by the crossbar after curling a well-taken free kick.
Zambia’s defence stood firm to ensure the encounter ended all square.
Speaking after the match, Queen Cranes head coach Sheryl Botes highlighted the positives despite missing out on victory.
‘It was a good display. The team was prepared for the physicality and speed of our opponents, and I think they played well. We have taken positives from the match, although we had hoped to secure a win. Their height played a role in their goal.’
She added that the technical team will focus on improving the handling of first and second balls ahead of the return leg.
‘Zambia will approach the return leg in the same way. We need to find solutions to deal with first and second balls more effectively, but I do not anticipate making major changes to our approach.’
Uganda will travel to Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Zambia for the return leg on 14th February 2026. The aggregate winner will advance to the fourth round, where they will face the winner between Ghana and South Africa.
