Uganda’s U17 women’s national team, the Teen Cranes, delivered a commanding performance to defeat Zimbabwe 4-1 in the return leg of the FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup qualifiers, sealing a 6-1 aggregate victory and advancing to the next round.
Coming into the match with a 2-0 advantage from the first leg in Harare, Uganda wasted no time asserting dominance at FUFA Stadium, Kadiba. From the opening whistle, they controlled possession and created early chances, signaling their intent to finish the tie strongly.
The breakthrough came in the 16th minute when Brenda Nassaka made a sharp run into the box and calmly slotted the ball into the bottom corner to give Uganda the lead.
Although Acen Immaculate missed a penalty shortly after—striking the post—she quickly redeemed herself with a brilliant solo effort eight minutes later to double the advantage.
Uganda continued to press, and Giovanna Aketogwanga extended the lead before halftime with a well-taken goal.
Zimbabwe managed to respond through Shantel Gwenhamo, pulling one back to make it 3-1 at the break, but the hosts remained firmly in control.
In the second half, Zimbabwe shifted to a more defensive and physical approach, committing several fouls in an attempt to limit further damage.
Uganda, however, maintained composure and control of the game. There was a brief scare when goalkeeper Sharifah Kizito Namuwaya was forced off due to injury and replaced by Mayimuna Namuwaya.
Substitute Terry Mora later put the result beyond doubt, adding a fourth goal to cap off an impressive team performance and secure a dominant win on the day.
With a convincing aggregate scoreline, the Teen Cranes now turn their attention to the next round, where they will face either Namibia or Kenya as they continue their quest for a place at the FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup.
