U-20 WWC (Q): Zambia happy with draw picked against Uganda

Zambia U-20 national team women’s head coach Florence Mwila described their result against Uganda as important, given the circumstances while vowing to finish their opponents in the return leg slated for home soil.

The Young Copper Queens secured a 1-1 draw away to Teen Cranes in the first leg of the third round FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup qualifiers played at FUFA Stadium in Kampala on Saturday.

Full-Time! ⏰

Uganda 1-1 Zambia
FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup Qualifiers#UGAZAM | #FIFAU20WWCQ pic.twitter.com/JYVbzRRYyu

— FUFA (@OfficialFUFA) February 7, 2026

Zambia came close to taking an early lead in the 15th minute when Mercy Chipasula found space in the box, but her effort went narrowly wide of the target. Uganda responded by applying pressure and were rewarded in the 23rd minute, when captain Agness Nabukenya gave the hosts the lead.

Edith Phiri levelled matters for Zambia

Just before the break, the Zambian technical bench made a double change in the 43rd minute, with Lweendo Hanongo replacing Natasha Nkaka, while Theresa Nayame came on for Lubasi Pumulo, as Zambia sought to regain control of the game.

The changes paid off after halftime, with Edith Phiri leveling matters in the 59th minute to restore parity for the Copper Queens. Zambia made another substitution in the 76th minute, as Natasha Kasema replaced Mercy Chipasula, while discipline came into focus late in the match with yellow cards shown to Margaret Gondwe (86’) and Edith Phiri (90’).

Speaking after the match, Mwila said: “A point away is very important. We knew we were going to face an aggressive and very fast team, so we had to change our strategy in order to contain Uganda.

“We have the return leg back home, we want to go back, and prepare adequately to get a win and qualify. The ball is now in our court and we must make sure to use the home advantage to help us qualify.”

The result left the tie finely balanced ahead of the return leg in Ndola, where Zambia will look to capitalise on home advantage as they push for a place in the final round of qualification for the Poland 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup.