The Uganda U20 Women’s National Team will head into the return leg of their 2026 FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup qualifier knowing they left opportunities behind after being held to a 1-1 draw by Zambia on Saturday at FUFA Stadium, Kadiba.
Playing in front of a lively home crowd, Uganda struck first and looked on course to take control of the third-round tie. Captain Agnes Nabukenya stamped her authority on the contest midway through the first half, unleashing a fierce shot from outside the area after a neat build-up involving Martha Babirye to give the hosts a deserved lead.
However, the Young Copper Queens showed why they are considered one of the strongest sides in women’s football on the continent. After a cautious first half, Zambia emerged with more urgency following the break, making tactical changes that tilted the balance of play. Their increased tempo and pressure eventually paid off when Edith Phiri pounced from close range to level matters just before the hour mark.
Uganda responded positively and went in search of a decisive second goal. Babirye came close after capitalizing on a goalkeeping lapse, while Nabukenya again proved a constant threat, her thunderous free kick crashing off the crossbar in what was the closest the hosts came to a winner.
Zambia, though, remained composed in the closing stages, soaking up pressure and managing the game intelligently to secure a valuable away result.
With the tie delicately poised, attention now turns to the return leg at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium, where Uganda must produce a disciplined away performance to keep their World Cup dream alive. The winner over two legs will advance to the final qualification round, where a daunting clash against either Ghana or South Africa.
