The Uganda U-20 Women’s National Team (Queen Cranes) have advanced to the final round of the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup qualifiers after edging Zambia 1–0 in the second leg on Saturday at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium.
The victory secured a 2–1 aggregate triumph for Uganda, following last week’s 1–1 draw at FUFA Stadium, Kadiba.
Head Coach Sheryl Botes made one change to the side that featured in Kampala, introducing Imelda Kasemire in midfield in place of Krusum Namutebi.
Uganda started brightly and quickly imposed themselves on the contest. Their early pressure paid off in the seventh minute when Mary Kantono capitalised on a well-delivered cross to fire the visitors into the lead.
The Queen Cranes maintained their attacking intent after going ahead, creating several chances but failing to extend their advantage before the break.
The hosts returned for the second half with renewed urgency, pushing forward in search of an equaliser. Uganda, however, remained disciplined at the back and managed the closing stages effectively, with the early strike ultimately proving decisive.
The result sets up a decisive final-round encounter against Ghana in May.
Ghana’s Black Princesses advanced with a 1-0 win over South Africa in Nelspruit, sealing a 3-2 aggregate victory.
A 63rd-minute strike from midfielder Priscilla Mensah was enough to settle the tie at the Mbombela Stadium, following a 2-2 draw in the first leg in Accra.
The final round of home-and-away fixtures is scheduled for May 2026, where the four winners will officially qualify for the World Cup in Poland.
The matches are scheduled from May 1st to 10th, 2026.
Final Round Matchups (May 2026):
*Ghana vs Uganda
*Nigeria vs Malawi
*Cameroon vs Tanzania
*Cote d’Ivoire vs Benin