U-20 Women’s World Cup (Q): Ghana rally late to edge Uganda in narrow first leg

The Uganda U-20 women’s national team were edged 2-1 by Ghana after a spirited contest in Sunday’s final round, first leg clash from 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup qualifying at the Accra Sports Stadium.

The visitors made a bright start and were rewarded in the 35th minute when Agnes Nabukenya unleashed a stunning long-range strike that beat goalkeeper Belinda Maku to hand the visitors a deserved lead heading into the break.

Earlier, the Black Princesses had come close to opening the scoring, but captain Linda Owusu saw her effort come off the post in what was the hosts’ clearest chance of the first half.

After halftime, Ghana returned with renewed intensity and quickly found their way back into the game. Substitute Priscilla Mensah rose highest to head home from a well-delivered free kick by Owusu, restoring parity.

With momentum firmly on their side, the hosts pushed forward and eventually grabbed the winner late on. Latifa Abesik finished off a brilliant solo move, calmly slotting past Lillian Nakirya after being set up by Jessica Apiah.

Mensah could have added to the home side’s lead in the closing stages but missed two promising opportunities, leaving the score at 2-1.

⏰: Full Time.

We come from behind to get the crucial win.

🇬🇭 2:1 🇺🇬

We Keep going #StrongerTogether💪🏽 #ShineBlackPrincesses✨#BringBackTheLove 🥰 pic.twitter.com/N0pr39vFot

— Ghana Women National Teams 🇬🇭 (@GhanaWNT) May 3, 2026

The tie remains finely poised ahead of the return leg scheduled for this Saturday at FUFA Stadium, Kadiba, where the Queen Cranes will look to overturn the deficit and keep their World Cup qualification hopes alive, with the aggregate winner set to secure a place in Poland.