Uganda’s Teen Cranes endured a tough evening at Hamz Stadium, Nakivubo, falling 2-0 to Kenya's U-17 selection in the first leg from the second round of qualifying for the 2025 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.
Of note from the first leg was the presence of Senegalese football legend El Hadji Diouf in attendance along with famous Ugandan musician Eddy Kenzo and Federation of Ugandan Football Associations (FUFA) president Eng. Moses Magogo.
Kenya started aggressively, testing Uganda’s defense early but goalkeeper Haira Nabbosa made crucial saves to keep the hosts in the contest. However, a lapse in concentration in the 37th minute allowed Edina Nasipwondi to break the deadlock after beating the offside trap.
Teen Cranes captain Agnes Nabukenya had a golden opportunity to level matters but fired over the bar with only the goalkeeper to beat. Kenya capitalized on Uganda’s missed chances, doubling their lead in first-half stoppage time when Joan Ogola slotted past Nabbosa after a surging run down the left flank.
Head coach Sheryl Botes reacted with a double substitution at halftime, introducing Justine Ayerango and Patience Asango in search of a breakthrough. Further changes saw Rinah Ariho and Joan Kizza Namulindwa enter the fray, but Uganda struggled to break down Kenya’s resolute defense.
Despite late pressure, Uganda couldn’t find a way past the visitors’ backline and Nabbosa was called into action again to deny the dangerous Brenda Achieng.
The result hands Kenya a crucial 2-0 advantage heading into the return leg on March 18 in Nairobi. The aggregate winner will face either Cameroon or Ethiopia in the final qualification round for a place at the 2025 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.
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