- Uganda 2-0 Kenya
Uganda’s Teen Cranes endured a difficult evening at the newly refurbished Hamz Stadium, Nakivubo, as they suffered a 2-0 defeat to Kenya’s U-17 women’s team in the first leg of the second round of qualifiers for the 2025 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.
The highly anticipated clash drew notable figures, including Senegalese football legend El Hadji Diouf, popular Ugandan musician Eddy Kenzo, and Federation of Ugandan Football Associations (FUFA) president Eng. Moses Magogo, all of whom witnessed a spirited but ultimately frustrating performance from the home side.
Kenya came out aggressively, pressing high and testing Uganda’s defence early. Teen Cranes goalkeeper Haira Nabbosa was called into action multiple times, making crucial saves to keep the hosts in the contest.
However, Uganda’s resistance was broken in the 37th minute when a lapse in concentration allowed Edina Nasipwondi to slip past the offside trap and calmly slot home the opener.
Uganda had a golden chance to equalize when team captain Agnes Nabukenya found herself one-on-one with the goalkeeper, but she failed to convert, firing over the bar.
Kenya made the hosts pay for their wastefulness, doubling their advantage in first-half stoppage time.
Joan Ogola capitalized on a surging run down the left flank to slot past Nabbosa, putting the visitors firmly in control heading into the break.
In search of a response, Uganda’s head coach Sheryl Botes made two halftime substitutions, bringing on Justine Ayerango and Patience Asango to inject fresh energy into the attack.
Later introductions of Rinah Ariho and Joan Kizza Namulindwa further signalled Uganda’s intent to get back into the game, but breaking down Kenya’s disciplined defence proved to be a major challenge.
Despite increased possession and sustained late pressure, the Teen Cranes struggled to create clear-cut chances. Kenya remained solid at the back, frustrating Uganda’s attempts to mount a comeback.
On the other end, Nabbosa was once again called into action to deny the dangerous Brenda Achieng, ensuring the scoreline didn’t worsen for the home side.
With a two-goal deficit to overturn, Uganda now faces an uphill task in the second leg away in Kenya.
The Teen Cranes will need to regroup and find a way to sharpen their attack while tightening their defence if they are to keep their hopes of reaching the U-17 Women’s World Cup alive.
