Uganda women's national under-17 football team were forced to settle for a 1-1 draw against Kenya women's national under-17 football team in the first leg of the second round of the FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup qualifiers at FUFA Stadium, Kadiba on Friday.
Uganda made a bright start and deservedly took the lead in the 12th minute through Shadia Nabirye. The move started with an impressive run from Immaculate Acen, who beat her markers before setting up Justine Ayerango. Although Ayerango’s initial shot was saved, Nabirye reacted quickest to slot home the rebound and hand the Teen Cranes an early advantage.

The hosts continued to dominate possession and pile pressure on Kenya for the remainder of the first half, but the visitors stayed compact defensively to keep the score at 1-0 heading into the break.
Uganda nearly doubled their lead early in the second half when Nabirye once again found space inside the penalty area, but her effort was blocked by the Kenyan defence.

Kenya gradually settled into the contest and began creating chances of their own, with Uganda goalkeeper Mayimuna Namuwaya producing an important save to deny the visitors.
The equaliser finally arrived just after the hour mark through Emily Adhiambo. A lapse in communication between Uganda’s defenders and goalkeeper allowed a loose clearance to fall kindly to Adhiambo, who quickly capitalised with a long-range strike while Namuwaya was off her line.

Kenya defended strongly in the closing stages to secure an important away draw ahead of the return leg at Nyayo National Stadium.
The winner on aggregate between Uganda and Kenya will advance to the next qualifying round to face either Tanzania women's national under-17 football team or South Africa women's national under-17 football team.