FIFA U20 Women World Cup Qualifiers: Queen Cranes Superior Over Little Namibians

Last updated Sep 24, 2025

By: Haba Plan

The Uganda Queens Cranes began their FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup qualifiers in style, defeating Namibia 3-0 at FUFA Stadium in Kadiba on Friday, September 19, 2025.

Second-half strikes from Sylvia Kabene, Anomo Barbara, and substitute Mary Kantono secured a convincing win for the hosts, who now hold a strong advantage heading into the return leg.

The first half was marked by Cranes dominance, though clear chances went begging. Agnes Nabukenya came closest when her curling effort from the left struck the post, while Kabene also fired narrowly off target.

Uganda finally broke the deadlock just two minutes into the second half. Substitute Peace Muduwa delivered a teasing cross that Kabene controlled before firing at goal. Although the Namibian goalkeeper Tunga Ndamelela who was later in the game subbed due to head got a touch, the ball slipped through her legs and trickled into the net for 1-0.

Anomo Barbara scoring Uganda’s second goal with a diving header | photo credit: Jackshots24

Namibia briefly thought they had equalized around the hour mark, but their long-range strike was ruled out, sparking relief among the home crowd.

In the 82nd minute, Uganda doubled their lead. A swift counterattack saw Sumayyah Nalumu swing in a precise cross to an unmarked Barbara, who powered home a diving header to make it 2-0.

The Cranes sealed the result deep into stoppage time. Nabukenya’s long-range effort was parried by the goalkeeper, but Kantono reacted quickest to slot home the rebound and complete the 3-0 triumph.

Mary Kantono celebrating her debut goal on the national team | photo credit: Jackshots24

With the victory, Uganda take a commanding lead into the second leg on Monday, September 22, 2025. The aggregate winner will face either Burundi or Zambia in the next round of qualifiers.

Queen Cranes starting lineup:

Lillian Nakiirya (GK), Mariam Namataka, Barbara Anomo, Sumaya Nalumu, Desire Katisi Natooro ©, Sylvia Kabene, Imelda Kasemire, Dorine Aujat, Patricia Nayiga, Agnes Nabukenya.

Coach: Sheryl Ulanda Botes

Substitutes:

Sumaya Akanya,Hasifah Patricia Namboozo,Shamusa Najjuma,Peace Muduwa,Zabinah Nambozo,Mary Kantono,Monica Nanono,Angella Adeke,Meble Adong,Dorcus Kisakye.

Namibia lineup:

Tunga Sylvia Ndambelela Ndiweteko (GK),Joy Sweetness Atushe Goses,Unondjamo Kaetjavi,Shiwovanhu Indileni Ndahambekwa Haukongo,Wanda Garoes,Nanami Uarije,Senoritha Aochamus, Nancy Boipelo Lebang ©, Charlotte Martha Richter,Ndahafa Ndilimeke,Ontheedite Tokwane.

Coach: Lukas Hashiti

Substitutes:

Hilde Tjiueza (GK), Renalda Angel, Anna-Marie Kotze, Cherifa Cody Garoes, Shakeela Ngavirue, Unice Mafuta, Sheida Delany Job, Jullita Berndt, Beauty Rudo Munguma, Shannon Rolene.