FIFA U-20 WOMEN WORLD CUP QUALIFIERS: QUEEN CRANES FIRST LEG ENDS IN A FRUSTRATING DRAW

The Uganda U-20 Women Football National team played a 1-1 draw with Zambia at Fufa Stadium Kadiba.

In the 9th minute, Zambia had the first clear chance in the Queen’s box area through Mercy Chipasula who delivered a cut back but no one was their to score.

With minutes after Queen Cranes midfielder Patricia Nayiga created a great chance for forward Mary Kantono whose shot went over the cross bar.

Another chance came in for Zambia in the 17 minute through a freekick taken by Blessing Maluba but her shot was saved by Queen Cranes Goalkeeper Lillian Nakiirya.

Turning onto Uganda, in the 23rd minute team captain Agnes Nabukenya pressed a calm ball into the net to give the Queens the lead.

Thanks to hardworking topmarkswoman Mary Katono who provided a nice assist.

After that Zambia didn’t give up, Mery Chipasula tried to get the equaliser with her second attempt on goal but saved by Uganda’s goalkeeper Lillian Nakiirya.

Game went into the break when Uganda is leading with one goal up but with high contest from the opponents.

Coming back into last stanza of the game Zambia looked more aggressive in attacking the hosts with number of shots on goal.

Due to massive attacks, Zambia was awarded a corner.

Midfielder Bupe Banda delivered a good one and Edith Phiri made no mistake.

She just headed into the net to equalise for Zambia in the 59th minute.

Queen Cranes also had another chance to score after Zambian Goalkeeper Mwila Chishala fumbled with the ball but striker Mary Kantono useless shot went side netting.

Experienced Queen Auki Angel Kigongo got a great chance on goal but her shot went inches out.

Sylivia Kabene also got a number of chances to scorer but the clear one game in the 73rd minute but shot went over crossbar.

To add on , Queen Cranes Captain Agnes Nabukenya again was awarded with a clear chance from a freekick to double their lead but her setpiece hit the crossbar.

This was after Sylivia Kabene was fouled outside the box area.

Queen Cranes came in control of the game at Kadiba with also chances to scorer thier second but all in vain.

Substitute Peace Muduwa crafted a well teasing cross but headed away by Zambian defender Natasha Nkaka.

Lastly in the 88th minute, Queen Cranes had a freekick chance which was taken Auki Angel Kigongo whose shot went direct to Zambian goalkeeper Mwila Chishala.

Game ended in a 1-1 draw and the frustration was all seen in the stands as the Uganda Queen Cranes fans shouted that the team would have won at home.

Imelda Kasemire and Peace Muduwa were the used Substitutes on the side of Uganda.

Whereas for Zambia, Natasha Kasema, Lweendo Hanogo and Agnes Muselo were substituted in.

Queen Cranes will now visit Zambia in the 2nd leg on 14th February, 2026.