Uganda vs Namibia U-17 Qualifiers: The U-17 women’s national team from Uganda demolished Namibia 10-0 during the first leg of FIFA Women’s U-17 World Cup Qualifiers. The win at Hamz Stadium in Kampala demonstrated Uganda’s exceptional technical abilities while laying a solid groundwork for their upcoming match.

Leading by example, the team’s captain Agnes Nabukenya delivered an outstanding performance with six remarkable goals. With the second match taking place in Kampala on Sunday, January 19, 2025, Uganda’s chances of qualifying look promising.

Match Overview: Uganda’s Masterclass 

• A Fierce Start to the Game

The match began with a clear message from Uganda: dominance.  Nabukenya scored the opening goal in the 6th minute with a precise shot that caught Namibia’s goalkeeper Leena Uime Andonyo completely off guard.

The lead doubled to two goals four minutes after Nabukenya’s first when Rinah Ariho exploited a defensive mistake. When Nabukenya scored again at the 12th minute mark the score reached 3-0 in Uganda’s favor.

Hafeni Victor Ndeitunga, Namibia’s head coach made a quick substitution bringing Otheedite Tokwane on the field for Christene Hausiku. The replacement of Christene Hausiku by Otheedite Tokwane didn’t manage to halt Uganda’s unrelenting offense.

• Nabukenya’s Hat-Trick and More

In the 18th minute Nabukenya achieved her hat-trick to make it 4-0 while her fourth goal followed soon with a tap-in assisted perfectly by Shadia Nabirye.

The team from Uganda established a dominant 5-0 lead by the 25th minute. Due to Uganda’s relentless offensive plays Namibia’s defense couldn’t hold back which led to another substitution. Shiwovanhu Indileni Ndahambekwa Haukongo came off the field and Anna Marie Kotze entered as defender to briefly stabilize Namibia’s backline.

During the 38th minute the Namibian captain Nancy Boipelo Lebang generated their best scoring opportunity of the first half. Nancy Boipelo Lebang’s shot missed the target and Namibia continued to remain without a goal. With the first half ending Uganda took the lead to 6-0 after Ariho scored her second goal.

Second-Half Dominance 

• Key Substitutions to Maintain Pressure

The Uganda team brought on multiple substitutes at the start of the second half. Haira Nabbosa left the field to make way for Goalkeeper Sharifa Kizito Namutebi while Loyce Komugisha entered for Belinda Hope Nabawanuka and Rashida Nakalema replaced Cynthia Kirenga.

The player rotations let Uganda keep their offensive drive going while providing important playing time to other team members.

• Continued Onslaught

The seventh goal for Uganda was scored by Joan Kizza Namulindwa immediately after she entered the game. She executed an electrifying run along the right side and scored by going to the near post during the 67th minute.

Nabukenya made headlines once again by scoring her fifth goal using a skillful lob shot that went over the goalkeeper. Moments after scoring her sixth goal which became Uganda’s ninth goal Nabukenya stunned Hamz Stadium spectators with another composed goal.

• The Final Blow

The team brought on Isabella Winifred Kabarozi Blick late in the match when she scored Uganda’s final goal. The right-footed strike by Blick came after a powerful header and secured her place in the history books.

Namibia tried several times to score but Uganda maintained their defensive strength throughout the match which resulted in a clean sheet.

Uganda vs Namibia U-17 Qualifiers: Key Performers of the Match 

1. Agnes Nabukenya

Nabukenya earned the title of match standout through her six-goal performance which showed off her precise finishing skills and leadership abilities.

2. Rinah Ariho

Ariho’s brace demonstrated her capacity to find and exploit defensive gaps while converting chances to score.

3. Joan Kizza Namulindwa

Namulindwa entered the game as a late replacement but he delivered an outstanding solo performance which resulted in Uganda’s seventh goal.

4. Isabella Winifred Kabarozi Blick

Blick scored a goal during her minimal playtime which confirmed Uganda’s command of the match.

Tactical Brilliance and Teamwork 

The team’s successful preparation and execution should be credited to Uganda’s head coach Sheryl Ulanda Botes. The team achieved success because of their high pressing game and quick passes which led to accurate scoring.

Namibia found it difficult to match Uganda’s speed and intensity during the match. Despite Coach Ndeitunga’s tactical modifications Namibia continued to struggle against Uganda’s persistent offensive plays.

What’s Next? The Return Leg 

The second leg match is scheduled for February 19, 2025 at Hamz Fortress in Kampala. With a 10-goal advantage Uganda commands the situation to ensure their qualification for the next stage of the FIFA Women’s U-17 World Cup Qualifiers.

However, complacency is not an option. Coach Botes will probably focus on keeping the team concentrated and completing their goals. Supporters should prepare for another exciting match as Uganda works to achieve similar results to their previous victory.

Uganda vs Namibia U-17 Qualifiers: Team Lineups and Match Officials 

Namibia Starting XI: The Namibia team lineup includes Leena Uime Andonyo as goalkeeper followed by Christene Hausiku, Jullita Berndt, Shiwovanhu Indileni Ndahambekwa Haukongo, Cherifa Cody Garoes, Renalda Angel Tamara Hangula, Sheida Delany Job, Kanene Tjizuu, Nancy Boipelo Lebang serving as captain and Miriam Ndapandula Michael and Grace Eises as outfield players.

Substitutes: The substitutes are Ujeouvi Mbaha (G.K), Ontheedite Tokwane, Wilma Negumbo, Unice Mafuta, Joy Sweetness Atushe Goses, Melania Mpandu Gawas and Anna Marie Kotze.

Uganda Starting XI: The starting lineup for Uganda features Haira Nabbosa as goalkeeper followed by Belinda Hope Nabawanuka, Charity Katusiime, Shadia Nabirye with captain Agnes Nabukenya leading the defense which includes Cynthia Kirenga and Dorine Aujat; the midfield consists of Martha Babirye and Patience Asanyo while the attack is led by Ritah Anitah Nambuusi and Rinah Ariho.

Substitutes: As backups stood by Sharifa Kizito Namutebi (G.K), Mariam Namataka, Loyce Komugisha, Isabella Winifred Kabarozi Blick, Joan Kizza Namulindwa, Rashidah Nakalema and Irene Kabarokole.

Match Officials:

• Referee: Rachel Nzigire (Cote D’Ivoire)
• Assistant Referees: The match officials were Mireille Mujanayi and Carine Yidi Puazi from Cote D’Ivoire who served as Assistant Referees.
• Fourth Official: Greta Musimu (Cote D’Ivoire)
• Match Commissioner: Ntebogang Tsietsi (Botswana)

Why Uganda’s Victory Matters 

The decisive victory achieved by Uganda demonstrates the development progress of women’s football in that country. The result illustrates how critical youth development initiatives are because they build players’ skills and get them ready to compete globally.

Uganda’s success extends beyond a single match because it demonstrates their ability to compete internationally while motivating future football talent.

Eyes on the Future 

The FIFA Women’s U-17 World Cup Qualifiers will forever remember Uganda’s 10-0 triumph over Namibia as one of the most commanding performances in tournament history. As the second leg approaches the team stands in a strong position to move to the next tournament phase.

The fans and supporters have another thrilling match to anticipate on January 19, 2025 when Uganda seeks to extend their winning sequence.