The Uganda U17 Women’s National Team, the Teen Cranes, have secured their place in the second round of the FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup Qualifiers with an emphatic 8-1 victory over Namibia in the return leg at Hamz Stadium, Nakivubo today.
Following a dominant 10-0 win in the first leg on Thursday, the Teen Cranes continued their impressive form and securing a comfortable aggregate score of 18-1.
Coach Sheryl Botes made several changes to the starting lineup, introducing Irene Kabarokole, Isabella Blick, Joan Kizza Namulindwa, Loyce Komugisha, and Mariam Namataka into the squad.
The early goals came swiftly, with Renalda Angel Tamara’s own goal in the 15th minute giving Uganda an early advantage.
Namulindwa doubled the lead in the 35th minute, and Blick extended the scoreline a minute later with a close-range finish.
Coach Botes made further substitutions at halftime, introducing goalkeeper Haira Nabbosa, Shadia Nabirye, and Shalom Nambuya into the game.
Namulindwa continued her impressive performance, scoring her second and third goals of the match in the 46th and 50th minutes, respectively.
Rinah Ariho added to the tally in the 53rd minute, while substitutes Nabirye and Nakalema also found the back of the net.
Namibia managed to score a consolation goal in the 68th minute through Shiwovanhu Haukongo.
With this resounding victory, the Teen Cranes have advanced to the second round of the qualifiers and will face their regional rivals, Kenya, in March this year.
