The Uganda U-17 women's national team suffered a heartbreaking exit from 2025 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup qualifying following a 3-0 second leg defeat to Kenya at Nyayo Stadium in Nairobi on Sunday. The loss confirmed a 5-0 aggregate score after Uganda's 2-0 defeat in the first leg in Kampala.
Reflecting on the result, head coach Sheryl Botes acknowledged Kenya’s superior experience, having featured in the U-17 World Cup last year. Botes emphasized that Uganda’s squad is undergoing a transformation in philosophy and playing style, urging fans to remain patient as the team builds for future success.
In an attempt to overturn the first-leg deficit, Botes made two changes to the starting lineup, introducing Halima Mupyanga and Loyce Komugisha. However, Uganda’s hopes took an early hit when Patience Asiko put Kenya ahead in the 5th minute, beating goalkeeper Haira Nabbosa.
The Teen Cranes pressed relentlessly but struggled to breach Kenya’s solid defense. Their fate was sealed when substitute Brenda Achieng doubled Kenya’s lead with four minutes left in regulation time, finishing off a fine assist from Joy Angella Valencia. Achieng completed her brace in stoppage time with a solo effort, outpacing the Ugandan defense to seal Kenya’s place in the final qualification round against Cameroon, who eliminated Ethiopia.
While Uganda’s dream of a maiden U-17 World Cup appearance ended, Coach Botes remains optimistic about the future, confident that with time and continued development the Teen Cranes will rise to international prominence.
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