Queen Cranes Fall 2-1 to Ghana but Stay in World Cup Hunt

Uganda’s Queen Cranes suffered a narrow 2-1 defeat to Ghana’s Black Princesses in the first leg of the final round of Africa’s FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup qualifiers on Sunday in Accra.

The Queen Cranes matched their opponents for 85 minutes, dominating possession and pressing high under coach Sheryl Botes. Angel Auki Kigongo’s run set up Agnes Nabukenya for Uganda’s 32nd-minute opener from the edge of the box.

Goalkeeper Lillian Nakirya made crucial saves, but Ghana equalized in the 56th minute through Priscilla Mensah’s header from a free kick. Latifa Abesik then scored a late winner in the 86th minute as Uganda’s midfield tired.

Botes opted for Mary Katono’s physical presence over Sylvia Kabene’s pace upfront and excluded Krusum Namutebi from the squad. She praised the team’s physicality and tactics, noting improvement from past heavy defeats.

“We have things to rectify for the second leg,” Botes said, emphasizing belief in reaching the World Cup in Poland from September 5-27.

The return leg is on May 9 at 4pm at Fufa Kadiba Stadium. Uganda needs a win without conceding, a 2-1 victory for penalties, or a bigger margin to overcome the deficit.

Source: Daily Monitor (Uganda)