Uganda’s Queen Cranes eliminated Zambia from the race to the FIFA Under-20 Women’s World Cup after securing a 2-1 aggregate victory in their qualifier, sealing progress with a composed away performance.
Uganda confirmed qualification with a 1-0 win at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola, where Mary Kantono scored seven minutes after sustained early pressure.
The visitors controlled key spells and protected their advantage well after the breakthrough.
The first leg had ended 1-1 in Kampala, leaving Uganda needing a decisive result away from home, which they delivered with a disciplined display.
Zambia coach Florence Mwila admitted disappointment after the exit, saying:
“This is not the result we expected. We had lapses here and there. For everyone this is not a good feeling but a learning curve for us. Reaching this far in the World Cup qualification campaign shows that there is light at the end of the tunnel.”
Uganda coach Sheryl Botes praised her players for the historic away win, noting: “It is a good win for us. We were told that no team has ever beaten Zambia here at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium.”
The Queen Cranes will now face Ghana in the next qualification stage to be played in May.
