Teen Cranes overpower Zimbabwe to set up Kenya clash
“The girls showed great character and quality throughout the match. We controlled the tempo, created chances and stayed compact defensively. It was a complete performance that reflects the work we have put in.”
Uganda U17 women’s national team, the Teen Cranes, defeated Zimbabwe 4-1 in Kampala on Saturday at FUFA Stadium, Kadiba, to progress 6-1 on aggregate to the next round of the FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup qualifiers. (Photo by Silvano Kibuuka)
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Uganda 4 Zimbabwe 1 (Agg. 6-1)
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Uganda U17 women’s national team, the Teen Cranes, defeated Zimbabwe 4-1 in Kampala on Saturday at FUFA Stadium, Kadiba, to progress 6-1 on aggregate to the next round of the FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup qualifiers.
Coach Sheryl Botes Ulanda was happy with the girls’ performance.
“The girls showed great character and quality throughout the match. We controlled the tempo, created chances and stayed compact defensively. It was a complete performance that reflects the work we have put in,” she said.
The victory confirmed Uganda’s superiority over two legs.
“I am proud of the players for their discipline, effort and belief. They followed instructions well and showed maturity across both legs to secure this important qualification result.”
In the first leg played in Zimbabwe, Uganda laid a strong foundation with a disciplined and dominant 2-0 win to take control of the tie.
“We came into the return leg confident after a strong first leg, and the players believed early that we would finish the job,” she added.
Uganda carried that advantage into the second leg and managed the game with authority in Kampala.
They made a bright start, taking the lead in the 10th minute through Brendah Nassaka, whose powerful long-range strike beat the Zimbabwe goalkeeper.
Uganda continued to press and earned a penalty in the 26th minute, but Achen’s effort hit the base of the post.
She quickly made amends, scoring from close range in the 34th minute after sustained pressure. Giovanna Aketogwanga added a third goal in the 43rd minute to give Uganda full control at half-time.
Zimbabwe pulled one back just before the break through Shantel Gwenhamo, who capitalised on a mistake by goalkeeper Sharifah Namutebi.
In the second half, Uganda remained organised and composed, controlling the tempo and limiting Zimbabwe’s chances.
Substitute Terry Mary Oseko put the result beyond doubt in the 85th minute, finishing from close range after being set up by Grace Kawino to seal a 4-1 victory on the day.
The result means Uganda advance comfortably to the second round, where they will face regional rivals Kenya.
“Kenya is a strong and organised team, but we are ready for the challenge. We will prepare well because it is a derby, and we want to take another step forward.”
Kenya booked their place after eliminating Namibia 7-1 on aggregate, setting up a competitive East African showdown.
The second round will be played within the FIFA international window, with the first leg scheduled for next month, 22 to 24 and the return leg set for 29 to 31.
The winner will move a step closer to the third and final round of the FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup qualifiers.
Only four teams will qualify for the World Cup and join hosts Morocco.