Uganda’s Queen Cranes held by Zambia’s Copper Princesses to 1-1 draw in thrilling first leg

The Uganda U-20 Women’s National Team, the Queen Cranes, drew 1-1 with Zambia’s Copper Princesses in a gripping first leg of the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup third-round qualifiers at FUFA Stadium Kadiba in Mengo on Saturday, February 7, 2026.

Captain Agnes Nabukenya put Uganda ahead in the 23rd minute, but Zambia equalized in the 58th minute through Edith Phiri, leaving the tie perfectly balanced ahead of the second leg in Ndola next weekend.

The Queen Cranes will look to overcome their Zambian counterparts and secure a spot in the final qualifying round, where they will face the winner of Ghana vs. South Africa.

The match is poised for a second leg thrilling conclusion, with a win for either team securing progression, and a draw (other than 1-1) favoring Zambia on away goals.