KAMPALA, May 22 (Xinhua) -- Kenya held host Uganda to a 1-1 draw in a second round first leg match of the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup qualifiers on Friday at FUFA Kadiba Stadium in Kampala.
Shadia Nabirye gave Uganda the lead in the 13th minute. Following a well-coordinated move initiated by Immaculate Acen, Kenyan goalkeeper Mishel Okoyo blocked the initial effort, but Nabirye reacted quickly to tap in from close range.
Kenya responded positively and continued to press for an equalizer.
After the break, Kenya made tactical changes, introducing Emily Adhiambo and Gaudencia Maloba in place of Fleviah Khatenje and Ivy Atieno.
The substitutions paid off as Adhiambo leveled the score in the 61st minute with a spectacular long-range strike from well outside the penalty area.
Both teams pushed for a winner in the closing stages but were unable to convert their chances.
"I am happy that my players remained focused after going a goal down and managed to equalize against a strong Ugandan side. We now turn focus to the return leg to be played next weekend in Nairobi," Kenya head coach Mildred Cheche told Xinhua after the match.
Uganda Teen Cranes head coach Sheryl Ulanda Botes said her side created several good opportunities but lacked efficiency in front of goal.
"We need to go back to the drawing board and prepare well for the return leg," said Botes.
The winner between Uganda and Kenya will face either Tanzania or South Africa in the final round.
Four additional African teams will qualify to join host Morocco in the 2026 FIFA U17 Women's World Cup. ■
