The Uganda U17 Women’s National Team, the Teen Cranes, have emphatically secured their place in the second round of the FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup Qualifiers with a dominant 8-1 victory over Namibia in the return leg at Hamz Stadium, Nakivubo, on Saturday.
Following a remarkable 10-0 win in the first leg on Thursday, Uganda completed the rout with an aggregate score of 18-1, leaving no doubt about their superiority in the two-legged contest.
Changes and Strong Start
Coach Sheryl Botes made several adjustments to the starting lineup for the second leg, introducing fresh faces including Irene Kabarokole, Isabella Blick, Joan Kizza Namulindwa, Loyce Komugisha, and Mariam Namataka. Despite the changes, the Teen Cranes maintained their high level of performance, continuing their dominant display from the first match.
Uganda wasted no time asserting their dominance, with an early own goal from Namibia’s Renalda Angel Tamara in the 15th minute gifting the Teen Cranes an early advantage. Just 20 minutes later, Namulindwa doubled Uganda’s lead in the 35th minute before Blick extended the scoreline a minute later, finishing from close range to make it 3-0.
Clinical Second Half Performance
After the break, Coach Botes made further substitutions, bringing in goalkeeper Haira Nabbosa, Shadia Nabirye, and Shalom Nambuya to freshen up the squad. The fresh legs had an immediate impact as Namulindwa continued her standout performance, scoring twice more in the 46th and 50th minutes to complete her hat-trick and take her tally to three goals for the match.
Rinah Ariho added another goal in the 53rd minute, further extending Uganda’s lead. Substitute Shadia Nabirye also found the back of the net, as did Nakalema, who contributed to the mounting scoreline.
Namibia managed to grab a consolation goal in the 68th minute through Shiwovanhu Haukongo, but it was clear that the game was already well beyond their reach.
Looking Ahead
With the commanding 8-1 victory, Uganda advanced to the second round of the qualifiers with an 18-1 aggregate score. The Teen Cranes will now face their regional rivals, Kenya, in March this year, a fixture that promises to be an exciting challenge for the talented Ugandan side.
The Teen Cranes’ performance in these qualifiers has been a testament to their strength, depth, and determination as they look to secure their place in the upcoming FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup. The team’s attacking prowess and clinical finishing have made a strong statement in this early stage of the competition, and they will be looking to build on this momentum as they prepare for their next test against Kenya.
