The Uganda U-17 Women’s National Team, the Teen Cranes, registered a strong 2-0 away victory over Zimbabwe in the first leg of the African Qualifiers for the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup 2026 at Ngoni Stadium in Harare on Sunday.
First-half goals from Immaculate Acen and Lydia Nameseruka gave Uganda a deserved advantage heading into the return leg scheduled for 18th April 2026 at FUFA Stadium, Kadiba.
Uganda started the match with intensity and quickly established control through sustained possession and attacking pressure. Their early dominance was rewarded in the 17th minute when Acen finished calmly to open the scoring after a period of sustained pressure in the Zimbabwe half.
The Teen Cranes maintained their momentum and doubled the lead six minutes later. Nameseruka produced a powerful long-range strike from outside the penalty area that flew past the goalkeeper to extend Uganda’s advantage and underline their strong start.
Zimbabwe struggled to create meaningful opportunities against Uganda’s well-organised defensive structure. Goalkeeper Mayimuna Namuwaya was rarely troubled in the first half, dealing comfortably with the few set-piece situations that came her way. Uganda went into the break firmly in control with a 2-0 lead.
After the restart, the Teen Cranes managed the game with composure and discipline. They controlled possession and dictated the tempo while limiting Zimbabwe’s attacking threat. The hosts pushed forward in search of a response but found Uganda’s defensive unit solid and difficult to break down.
In the closing stages, Uganda maintained their shape and saw out the contest professionally to secure a valuable away result.
The Teen Cranes now take a two-goal advantage into the second leg in Kampala. The aggregate winner will progress to face either Kenya or Namibia in the next qualification round, with Kenya holding a 2-1 advantage from their first leg.
