Uganda’s dream of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup ended in heartbreak on Saturday after Ghana held the Queen Cranes to a 1-1 draw at FUFA Stadium, Kadiba and progressed 3-2 on aggregate.
The Queen Cranes made the perfect start when Sylvia Kabene gave Uganda the lead just seven minutes into the match.
Her effort took a deflection and beat the Ghana goalkeeper, sparking wild celebrations in the stands.
For a while, Uganda looked ready to force a famous result. The hosts pressed with confidence and energy, backed by a lively home crowd.
But Ghana responded like a side used to big occasions. Captain Linda Owusu brought the visitors level with a well struck free kick to calm the pressure and restore their advantage in the tie.
Uganda were handed another chance in the final 20 minutes when Ghana defender Margaret Agyapomaa was sent off for stamping on Peace Muduwa’s leg.
With a player advantage and the crowd behind them, the Queen Cranes pushed forward desperately in search of the winning goal.
Ghana, however, defended bravely and held firm under late pressure to secure qualification for an eighth straight FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup.
At the final whistle, Ghana celebrated while Uganda’s players were left heartbroken after falling just short of a historic achievement.
The 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup will be held in Poland from September 5 to 23.
