Uganda U20 Women’s National Team marched into the second round of the FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup African Qualifiers after completing a double over Namibia with a 2-0 victory at FUFA Stadium in Mengo on Monday.
The result sealed a 5-0 aggregate win for the Queen Cranes, who had already built a strong foundation with a 3-0 triumph last week.
Head coach Sheryl Botes made five changes to her line-up from the first meeting, while Namibia made just one.
Uganda quickly settled into the game, with forward Sylvia Kabene testing Namibian goalkeeper Tunga Sylvia in the third minute.
The visitors’ shot-stopper kept her side in the contest with several fine saves, including a crucial stop in the 30th minute when defender Kaetjavi denied Kabene with a last-ditch tackle.
Uganda eventually broke the deadlock in the 32nd minute with Peace Muduwa’s goal after beating defenders.
In the 40th minute, Kabene’s effort was parried by the goalkeeper, and Peace Muduwa reacted swiftly to set up Agnes Nabukenya, who calmly slotted home to double the lead for the hosts.
Namibia made their first change shortly after, but Uganda went into the break with a 2-0 advantage.
At the start of the second half, Uganda introduced Esther Nangendo, Monica Nanono, Angella Adeke, and Zabinah Nambozo to maintain control of the game. Namibia also tried to respond with changes, but Uganda remained dominant.
Substitute Mary Kantono, who replaced Sylvia Kabene in the 70th minute, won a free kick at the edge of the box in the 82nd minute. However, Nabukenya could not capitalise, firing over the bar.
The Queen Cranes held firm to secure a 2-0 win on the afternoon and 5-0 on aggregate, comfortably advancing to the next stage of the qualifiers.
Match Officials:
Referee – Eunice Akintoye (Nigeria)
Assistant Referee 1 – Akpan Friday (Nigeria)
Assistant Referee 2 – Beauty Kabeda (Nigeria)