FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup Qualifiers: Nabukenya stars as Teen Cranes thrash Namibia
The Uganda U17 girls’ national football team, the Teen Queens, delivered a stunning performance, defeating Namibia 10-0 in the first leg of the FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup Qualifiers on Thursday evening at Hamz Stadium, Nakivubo.
Agnes Nabukenya’s remarkable six-goal haul, coupled with Rinah Ariho’s two goals and individual strikes from Joan Kizza Namulindwa and Isabella Blick, sealed the emphatic victory.
The match began with a blistering start, as Uganda took the lead in just six minutes.
A well-delivered corner kick was not cleared by the Namibian defense, allowing Agnes Nabukenya to easily score. Uganda’s dominance continued, with Rinah Ariho doubling the lead five minutes later, receiving a pass from Agnes Nabukenya inside the box.
Nabukenya added three more goals in the 13th, 18th, and 25th minutes, making it 5-0 for the visitors.
Rinah Ariho scored her second goal in the 45th minute, making it 6-0 for Uganda at halftime.
In the second half, Namibia defended better, avoiding concessions until the 64th minute when substitute Joan Kizza Namulindwa made a solo run and curled the ball into the left top corner.
Agnes Nabukenya added two more goals in the 67th and 71st minutes, stretching the lead for Sherly Botes’ side.
The fans erupted in cheers when Isabella Blick scored a beautiful goal with 12 minutes remaining, making it 10-0.
At the full-time whistle, Uganda emerged victorious, having thrashed Namibia 10-0 in the first leg.
The two teams will meet again on Sunday in the return leg at Hamz Stadium, Nakivubo.
The winner on aggregate between Uganda and Namibia will face Kenya in the second round of the qualifying stage.
Africa will have five representatives in the final tournament, with Morocco serving as the host nation.
The 2025 FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup tournament will take place between October 17 and November 8, 2025, in Morocco.
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