The Uganda U17 Women’s National Team, popularly known as the Teen Cranes, showcased their dominance as they secured a commanding 18-1 aggregate victory over Namibia to progress to the second round of the FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup Qualifiers.
On Sunday at the Hamz Stadium in Nakivubo, the Teen Cranes hammered their opponents 8-1 in the return leg, building on their emphatic 10-0 win in the first leg last Thursday.
The second leg saw coach Sheryl Botes make significant changes to the starting lineup, with five players, including team captain Agnes Nabukenya, starting on the bench. Their replacements, Irene Kabarokole, Isabella Blick, Joan Kizza Namulindwa, Loyce Komugisha, and Mariam Namataka, proved their worth, delivering a cohesive performance.
Uganda opened the scoring early, benefiting from an own goal by Renalda Angel Tamara in the 15th minute. Namulindwa doubled the lead in the 35th minute, and Blick made it 3-0 just a minute later with a clinical tap-in.
The halftime changes brought fresh energy to the team as Haira Nabbosa, Shadia Nabirye, and Shalom Nambuya were introduced. Namulindwa stole the spotlight after the break, completing her hat trick with goals in the 46th and 50th minutes.
Rinah Ariho added a sixth goal in the 53rd minute, while substitutes Nabirye and Nakalema also found the back of the net to extend Uganda’s lead. Namibia managed a consolation goal through Shiwovanhu Haukongo in the 68th minute.
Speaking after the match, coach Sheryl Botes expressed her delight with the team’s performance, highlighting their adaptability and teamwork. “This was a total team effort. The girls showed maturity, discipline, and hunger for victory, which is what we need as we prepare for the next round,” she remarked.
The victory sets up an exciting clash against Kenya in March, where the Teen Cranes will aim to maintain their momentum and inch closer to securing a spot at the FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup.
