By 
Uganda’s U20 Women’s National Team, the Queen Cranes, settled for a 1–1 draw against Zambia in the first leg of the third round of the 2026 FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup qualifiers on Saturday.
Playing at Kadiba Stadium, Uganda took the lead in the 23rd minute through captain Agnes Nabukenya, who fired home a powerful curling strike from outside the area after being set up by Martha Babirye.
Zambia returned stronger after the break and their pressure paid off just before the hour mark when Edith Phiri equalised from close range.
Uganda pushed for a winner, with Babirye missing a chance after a goalkeeping error and Nabukenya hitting the crossbar from a free kick, but Zambia held firm as they settled for a draw.
The return leg will be played at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Zambia, with the aggregate winner advancing to the fourth round to face either Ghana or South Africa.
