In the first leg of the U17 Women’s World Cup Qualifiers, Zambia defeated Uganda’s U17 Women’s Team, known as the Teen Cranes, with a score of 2-0. The match was played on Sunday, May 12th, at Lusaka, Zambia.
The Zambian team seized an early advantage just two minutes into the game, courtesy of Namute Chelishe’s goal. The first half concluded with Zambia maintaining their 1-0 lead. In the 69th minute, Ruth Mukoma further solidified Zambia’s position by securing a second goal, bringing the final score to 2-0 in favor of the hosts.
The Teen Cranes returned home early on Monday morning, and have immediately shifted their focus to preparations for the upcoming second leg. They have pitched camp at the Cranes Paradise Hotel as they train for the second leg.
Scheduled for Friday, May 17th, at St. Mary’s Stadium, Kitende, Uganda, the Teen Cranes are determined to overturn the deficit and secure their spot in the next stage of the qualifiers.
The victory for Zambia provides them with a valuable first leg advantage, setting the stage for an intense battle in the return leg as both teams vie for progression to U17 Women’s World Cup in the Dominican Republic.