U-20 WWC (Q): Zambia coach blames Uganda defeat on defensive lapses

Zambia women’s national U-20 team head coach Florence Mwila admitted her side paid for small defensive lapses after their dream of reaching the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in Poland ended in a loss at the Levy Mwanawasa on Saturday.

The Junior Copper Queens went into the return leg fixture having drawn 1-1 in the first leg played in Kampala. However, it was Uganda, who carried the day in Ndola, winning the fixture 1-0 to end Zambia’s dream.

📷—Full-time celebrations in Ndola as the Queen Cranes defeated Zambia 1–0 to advance 2–1 on aggregate to the final round of the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup Qualifiers.#QueenCranes | #FIFAU20WWCQ pic.twitter.com/ATtfi1ks13

— FUFA Women (@FUFAWomen) February 14, 2026

Zambia bowed out 2-1 on aggregate, while Uganda marched on to the final round, where they will meet Ghana who edged South Africa 2-1 over two legs.

Speaking after the game, Mwila admitted her side paid for small defensive lapses, but acknowledged visible progress from the 1-1 first-leg draw in Kampala to the defeat in Ndola.

‘This is not a good feeling’

“A few lapses here and there but with so much improvement from the game in Uganda. For every normal person this is not a good feeling. But it is a learning curve.” Mwila told FAZ Media after the game.

“Reaching this far shows that there’s light at the end of the tunnel because usually get knocked out in the early stages.”

Mwila further said the contest was fiercely competitive, but Zambia’s failure to convert their chances ultimately cost them.

“We didn’t do enough to win the game. We had our chances which never used, and it is unfortunate in such a stage, you don’t have to concede like we did. We have to accept the outcome and focus for next assignment.”

Uganda looked dominant from kick-off

From the first whistle, Uganda imposed themselves, pressing high and refusing to allow Zambia to dictate play.

Full-time! Zambia 0–1 Uganda | Agg: 1–2

FIFA U-20 Women World Cup Qualifiers#ZAMUGA | #FIFAU20WWCQ pic.twitter.com/xOhkhgQZUn

— FUFA (@OfficialFUFA) February 14, 2026

Their efforts paid off early as Angel Auki surged down the left flank and whipped in a low cross that Zambia failed to clear. Mary Kantono reacted quickest, stabbing home from close range to hand Uganda the lead.

Moments later, Uganda nearly doubled the lead as the Queen Cranes exploited the wings. Sylvia Kabeene picked out Kantono inside the box, but goalkeeper Chishala Mafunte ably dealt with it.

After the break, Zambia showed a sense of urgency in search of an equaliser and, in the 55th minute, Chipasula spotted goalkeeper Lilian Nakiirya off her line and attempted an effort, but the strike lacked power.

As the second half progressed, Uganda regained control while the tempo dropped, with much of the contest fought in midfield and along the flanks.

Uganda managed the game in the closing stages as they protected their slender lead until the final whistle confirmed Zambia’s exit.