The Zambia U-20 Girls’ National Team secured a crucial 1–1 draw away to Uganda in the first leg of the third round FIFA Under-20 Women’s World Cup qualifiers at FUFA Stadium in Kampala on Saturday, setting up a tense return leg in Ndola.
Zambia came close to taking an early lead in the 15th minute when Mercy Chipasula found space inside the box, but her effort narrowly missed the target. Uganda responded with intensity and went ahead in the 23rd minute, with captain Agness Nabukenya giving the hosts the lead.
Just before halftime, Zambia’s technical bench made a double substitution in the 43rd minute, bringing on Lweendo Hanongo for Natasha Nkaka and Theresa Nayame for Lubasi Pumulo, a move aimed at regaining control of the game.
The changes had an immediate impact after the break. In the 59th minute, Edith Phiri restored parity with a composed finish, earning the Junior Copper Queens a vital away goal. Zambia made a final substitution in the 76th minute, introducing Natasha Kasema for Mercy Chipasula, while discipline became a talking point late in the game, with yellow cards shown to Margaret Gondwe (86’) and Edith Phiri (90’).
The first-leg draw leaves the tie finely balanced ahead of the second leg, scheduled for 14 February 2026 at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola, where Zambia will aim to leverage home advantage in pursuit of a place in the final round of qualification for the Poland 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup.
The winner of the Zambia–Uganda tie will advance to face either Ghana or South Africa for one of Africa’s four coveted spots at the World Cup. The 12th edition of the tournament will be hosted in Poland from 5 to 27 September 2026.
