Uganda Queen Cranes soar to victory with Kabene, Anomo, and Kantono’s stellar performance

The Uganda Queens Cranes kicked off their FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup qualifiers with a resounding 3-0 triumph over Namibia at the FUFA Stadium in Kadiba.

Sylvia Kabene, Barbara Anomo, and substitute Mary Kantono were the stars of the show, netting crucial goals in the second half to secure a convincing win for the hosts.

Uganda dominated the first half, with Agnes Nabukenya’s curling shot hitting the post and Kabene narrowly missing the target.

However, it was Kabene who broke the deadlock just two minutes into the second half.

Peace Muduwa’s teasing cross found Kabene, who controlled the ball before firing at goal.

Despite the Namibian goalkeeper’s effort, the ball slipped through her legs and into the net, giving Uganda a 1-0 lead.

The Cranes doubled their lead in the 82nd minute when Sumayyah Nalumu’s precise cross found an unmarked Barbara, who powered home a diving header to make it 2-0.

The win was sealed in stoppage time when Nabukenya’s long-range effort was parried by the goalkeeper, and Kantono reacted quickly to slot home the rebound, completing the 3-0 triumph.

With this victory, Uganda takes a commanding lead into the second leg on September 22, 2025.

The aggregate winner will face either Burundi or Zambia in the next round of qualifiers.