Sinan Rajub SENOGA
Uganda’s U17 Women’s National Team (Teen Cranes) have been eliminated by Zambia from the FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup Qualifiers despite winning the second leg 1-0 at Kitende.
The Zambians advanced to the final qualification round courtesy with a 2-1 aggregate having won the first leg 2-0 in Lusaka last Saturday.
Uganda had a host of chances but Zambian goalkeeper Mwila Chishala Mufunte pulled off a player of the match display to deny Sheryl Botes’ charges.
Chishala Mufunte saved Agnes Nabukenya’s strike which was Uganda’s biggest attempt in the first half in the 37th minute.
The highly rated keeper went on to deny Sylvia Kabene in a keeper to beat situation in the 51st minute.
After a series of misses and failed attempts, Kabene broke the deadlock for Uganda in the 73rd minute to keep Uganda’s hopes alive heading into the final minutes of the game.
📹 Sylvia Kabene's goal for Uganda.#UGAZAM [AGG: 1-2] | #U17WWCQ#HomeOfUgandanSport pic.twitter.com/xTaLtOqt5o
— FUFA Tv (@fufatv1) May 17, 2024
Botes introduced Brighton and Hove Albion defender Bethany Kaluya inside the added eight minutes and deployed her as a striker in a desperate bid for a much needed second goal.
Dorine Aujat had an opportunity to score from close range from Kaluya’s miscue but was denied by the steady gloves of Chishala Mufunte.
Kabene had a glorious chance to double the scoreline and ultimately tie the affair on aggregate but couldn’t beat Chishala Mufunte, again, in a one on one situation.
As Uganda bowed out, Zambia progressed to the final qualifying stage where they will face Morocco or Algeria.
Uganda Teen Cranes XI; Lillian Nakirya (GK), Charity Katusiime, Faridah Namirimu, Desire Katisi Natooro (Capt), Ritah Anita Nambuusi, Joyce Kayinza, Esther Nangendo, Shadia Nabirye, Agnes Nabukenya, Sylvia Kabene, Dorine Aujat
