Uganda surrendered a first leg advantage after Kenya fought back to secure a 1-1 draw in the second round of the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup qualifiers at FUFA Stadium, Kadiba on Friday.
The Teen Cranes had taken an early lead through Shadia Nabirye and looked set for victory before Kenya substitute Emily Adhiambo struck with a superb effort in the second half to leave the tie evenly poised ahead of next week’s return leg in Nairobi.
Uganda started brightly and deservedly went ahead in the 13th minute after a well-worked move.
Immaculate Acen beat her marker on the right wing before laying the ball into the path of Justine Ayerango, whose shot was saved by goalkeeper Mishel Okoyo. The rebound fell kindly for Nabirye at the far post and she calmly fired home.
The goal lifted Uganda, who controlled much of the first half while Kenya struggled to create clear chances.
Kenya returned stronger after the break and found their equaliser on the hour mark after a costly mistake from Uganda goalkeeper Aida Maimuna Namuwaya.
Trying to clear the ball under pressure, Namuwaya gifted possession to Adhiambo, who struck first time from distance into the back of the net.
The visitors nearly completed the comeback two minutes from time when Sheila Atieno spotted Namuwaya off her line and attempted a long-range effort, but the Uganda goalkeeper recovered well to tip the ball over.
Both sides now head to Nairobi with the contest still wide open as they battle for a place in the third qualification round.
