Mary Katono needed just seven minutes to quiet the home crowd and push Uganda closer to the world stage.
Her early strike was enough as the Uganda U20 Women’s National Team edged Zambia 1-0 on Saturday at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola, sealing a place in the fourth and final round of the FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup qualifiers.
Katono struck in the seventh minute and her goal stood as the difference on the day, handing Uganda a 2-1 aggregate victory.
The tie had been finely balanced after a 1-1 draw in the first leg at FUFA Stadium, Kadiba. But away from home, the Queen Cranes showed maturity and discipline.
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After taking the lead, they stayed compact, defended with composure and managed the game well.
Zambia pushed hard for an equaliser in front of their fans, but Uganda remained organised at the back and held firm until the final whistle.
The win sends Uganda into the decisive qualification round, where they will face Ghana, who eliminated South Africa 3-2 on aggregate.
With four African slots available at the FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup, eight teams are still in contention.
Uganda will battle Ghana, Benin face Ivory Coast, Cameroon await the winner between Kenya and Tanzania, while Malawi will meet either Nigeria or Senegal.
The final round is set for May, with a place at the global tournament at stake.
