By 
Uganda’s dream of qualifying for the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup ended in heartbreak on Saturday evening after the Queen Cranes were held to a 1-1 draw by Ghana in the decisive second leg of the final qualification round at FUFA Stadium, Kadiba.
The result saw Uganda eliminated 3-2 on aggregate following their narrow 2-1 defeat in the first leg in Accra.
Needing at least a 1-0 victory to secure a historic maiden appearance at the World Cup, the Queen Cranes made the perfect start in front of a passionate home crowd.
Sylvia Kabene gave Uganda the lead in the seventh minute after producing a brilliant run down the left flank before squeezing the ball home from a tight angle to level the aggregate score at 2-2 and ignite belief inside the stadium.
Buoyed by the early breakthrough, Uganda dominated large spells of the contest, pressing forward with determination against a resilient Ghanaian side as they searched for the goal that would send them through.
The hosts gained further advantage in the 69th minute when Ghana’s Margaret Agyapomaa was sent off after stamping on Kabene while the Ugandan forward was already on the ground.
With Ghana reduced to ten players and the aggregate score still level, the Queen Cranes looked firmly in control and appeared on course to either force extra time or complete a famous comeback.
However, the turning point arrived with about 10 minutes remaining.
Goalkeeper Lilian Nakirya rushed out to clear a loose ball but miscued her effort, forcing a Uganda defender into a desperate challenge on a Ghanaian attacker near the edge of the box.
Linda Owusu Ansah stepped up and curled the resulting free-kick beyond Nakirya’s reach to silence the expectant home crowd and restore Ghana’s aggregate advantage.
Sherly Ulanda Botes’ side responded with urgency in the closing stages as they desperately searched for another goal.
Captain Agnes Nabukenya came closest for Uganda with a dangerous free-kick that drifted narrowly wide, while Nakirya later redeemed herself with an excellent save to deny Sarah Nyarko from long range.
Despite being second best for much of the encounter, Ghana capitalised on their key opportunity to secure qualification and celebrated wildly at the final whistle after booking their place at the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup, which will be held in Poland later this year.
For Uganda, whose qualification campaign was also ended by Ghana last year, the wait for a first-ever FIFA Women’s World Cup appearance continues.
Nevertheless, the Queen Cranes bowed out with heads held high after another spirited campaign that highlighted the continued growth and promise of women’s football in Uganda.
