U-20 women's captain Nabukenya confident ahead of return leg against Ghana

FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup 2026

Saturday 9th (Kadiba stadium)

Uganda v Ghana 4pm

Uganda U-20 women's captain Agnes Nabukenya remains confident the team can overturn the result after a 2–1 loss to Ghana in the first leg of the final round of African qualifiers for the FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup 2026.

The match was played on Sunday at Accra Sports Stadium, with Ghana taking a slim advantage ahead of the return leg scheduled for Saturday at FUFA Stadium Kadiba.

Nabukenya gave Uganda the lead in the 32nd minute with a looping strike that beat Ghana goalkeeper Belinda Maku. However, Ghana came back strongly in the second half with goals from substitutes Priscilla Mensah and Latifah Abesik.

The captain said the team gave their best and believes they can bounce back at home.

"We played well and followed our plan in the first half. We created chances and took one. We shall correct our mistakes and fight hard in Kampala," she said.

Ghana returned stronger after the break, making changes that brought fresh energy. Mensah equalised in the 56th minute with a header from a free kick.

Nabukenya admitted the team struggled to handle the pressure after halftime.

"They came back stronger after the break and we lost concentration. We allowed them space and they punished us, especially on set pieces," she noted.

Five minutes from time, Abesik scored the winner to give Ghana the advantage in the tie.

Nabukenya also pointed out the need to improve in the return leg.

"We must stay focused for the entire game and avoid conceding quickly. We also need to be more clinical and use our chances well," she added.

Uganda started the match well with discipline and organisation. Goalkeeper Lilian Nakirya made an early save, and the team showed confidence in the first half.

Despite the defeat, Uganda secured an important away goal and will look to turn things around at home.

The aggregate winner over the two legs will qualify for the FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup 2026 in Poland. The tie will be decided on aggregate score, with the away goals rule applied if necessary, and a penalty shootout to follow should the teams remain level.

If successful, the Queen Cranes will become only the second Ugandan team to qualify for a FIFA World Cup, following the achievement of the U-17 men's team. With history within reach, Uganda now turns its full attention to delivering when it matters most.

Last year, the Uganda U-17 men's national team made history by qualifying for their first-ever FIFA U-17 World Cup 2025. They went on to reach the Round of 16, defeating France and Senegal before losing to Burkina Faso on penalties.

The boys' U-17 team is currently preparing for the U-17 Africa Cup of Nations 2026, where they will face Ivory Coast, Cameroon, and DR Congo in the group stage.