In a heart-wrenching turn of events, Uganda’s U20 Women’s Football National Team, the Queen Cranes, have been eliminated from the FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup qualifiers after a narrow aggregate defeat to Senegal.
The match, held at the FUFA Technical Centre in Njeru, concluded with a 1-1 draw, but Senegal’s 1-0 victory in the first leg propelled them to the next qualifying stage with an aggregate score of 2-1.
Uganda started the match brightly, with captain Hadijah Nandago firing a superb shot into the box just four minutes into the game, igniting the hopes of the home crowd and putting Uganda in the lead.
However, Senegal responded quickly, capitalizing on a blunder by defender Katisi Natooro in the box in the 25th minute. Chris Aissatou Ba unleashed a powerful shot at the near post, equalizing the score and putting Senegal ahead on aggregate.
Seeking to regain their advantage, Uganda coach Ayub Khalifah introduced Brenda Munyana in the second half to replace a struggling Phiona Nabulime, and later brought on forward Kamiyat Naigaga.
Despite these substitutions and several promising opportunities, Uganda failed to find the back of the net, with Brenda Munyana and Krusum Namutebi both squandering good chances.
At the final whistle, Senegal’s triumph over Uganda was sealed, and they advanced to the next stage of the qualifiers, where they will face either Eswatini or Ghana. Ghana currently holds a commanding 5-1 lead over Eswatini after their first leg encounter.
Only four African teams will qualify for the 2024 FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup, set to take place in Colombia from September 5 to 22, 2024.
Photo Credit: FUFA Women Media
