Uganda’s U-17 Women’s national football team, the Teen Cranes, faced a tough challenge on home soil, falling 2-0 to Kenya in the first leg of the second-round qualifiers for the 2025 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.
The match, held at Hamz Stadium in Nakivubo, saw the Kenyan side secure a crucial advantage heading into the return fixture.
From the opening whistle, Kenya asserted their dominance, testing Uganda’s defense with a series of probing attacks.
Goalkeeper Haira Nabbosa stood tall, making several key saves early on. However, a defensive lapse in the 37th minute allowed Kenya’s Edina Nasipwondi to spring the offside trap and fire her team into the lead.
The Teen Cranes had their moments, including a golden chance for captain Agnes Nabukenya, who agonizingly missed the target with just the goalkeeper to beat.
Kenya doubled their lead in first-half stoppage time when Joan Ogola raced down the left flank and slotted the ball past Nabbosa, leaving the home crowd deflated.
Determined to mount a comeback, Uganda’s head coach Sheryl Botes made bold changes in the second half, introducing fresh legs in the form of Justine Ayerango and Patience Asango, among others.
Despite the tactical adjustments and spirited efforts from the hosts, Kenya’s defense held firm. Nabbosa continued to impress, denying a potentially game-sealing third goal from Kenya’s dynamic forward Brenda Achieng.
The 2-0 loss puts Uganda in a challenging position as they head to Nairobi for the second leg on March 18, 2025.
With a place in the final qualification round at stake, the Teen Cranes will need a spirited performance to overturn the deficit and keep their World Cup dreams alive.
