Kenya and Tanzania have advanced to the third round of the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup qualifiers 2026.

After a 1-1 draw away to Ethiopia in the first leg, Kenya’s Rising Starlets produced a stunning performance to outclass their opponents 4-0 in the return leg played on Sunday at the Ulinzi Sports Complex in Nairobi.

The hosts were given an early scare when Ethiopian captain Mahelet Mitiku rattled the woodwork, with the rebound going just over the bar. That proved to be a wake-up call for Kenya, who quickly settled into their rhythm and took control of the match.

It didn’t take long for the breakthrough. In the 4th minute, Valarie Nekesa rose high to nod in a well taken cross from Vidah Akeyo. Twelve minutes later, Elizabeth Mideva doubled the lead with a fine low header from captain Fasila Adhiambo’s delivery.

Kenya’s skipper then produced a moment of brilliance in the 26th minute, her thunderous long-range effort hit the woodwork, bounced over the Ethiopian goalkeeper, and settled for the net to make it 3-0. The Starlets almost added a fourth before halftime when Lorine Ilavonga’s well-taken free kick narrowly missed the target.

The Rising Starlets who advanced on a 5-1 goal aggregate will now face Tanzania in the third round.

The Tanzanian side advanced on a 7-0 goal aggregate against Angola. After winning 4-0 in the first leg, Tanzania picked a 3-0 victory in a match played on Saturday in Luanda. Winfrida Hurbert Gerald, Asha Omary Ramadhani and Neema Paul Kinega scored for Tanzania.

In the other matches played CECAFA teams Burundi, Rwanda and South Sudan were eliminated. Burundi suffered a 2-0 defeat away to Zambia to bow out 4-1 on aggregate, while Nigeria humbled visiting Rwanda 4-0 to qualify on a 5-0 goal aggregate. South Sudan and Malawi settled for a 1-1 draw in the return leg, but the Southern African team qualified on a 3-1 goal aggregate.

Kenya and Tanzania joined Uganda in the third round. The third round of the qualifiers will be played in February 2026.

Uganda Queen Cranes have advanced to the third round of the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup 2026 qualifiers.

Uganda qualified on a 5-0 on aggregate and advanced to the third round where they will face the winner between Burundi and Zambia.

In the first leg Uganda stopped Namibia 3-0 and followed it up with a 2-0 victory in the return leg played at the FUFA Kadiba Stadium on Monday. Peace Muduwa and Agnes Nabukenya netted the goals.

Sheryl Ulanda, Uganda’s head coach says she was impressed with the attitude of the players in the two legs. We need to continue working hard ahead of the third round next,” added Ulanda.

Meanwhile, hosts South Sudan suffered a 2-0 defeat to Malawi in the first leg match played on Tuesday at the Juba National Stadium. Eneless Fabiano and Sarah Mulimbika netted the goals.

Three other teams from the CECAFA Zone will be in action in the return legs on September 27^th. Tanzania who humbled Angola 4-0 in the first leg will play away, while Burundi and Rwanda also play away to Zambia and Nigeria respectively.

Poland will host the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup 2026 September 5-27th.

Tanzania have humbled Angola 4-0 in the first leg of the second in the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup 2026 qualifiers.

The Tanzanite Queens scored in each half in the match played on Sunday at the Azam Complex in Dar es salaam.

Fresh from helping JKT Queens win the CAF Women’s Champions League CECAFA qualifiers, Winfrida Hubert Gerald netted a first half brace, while Hasnath Ubamba also picked a brace in the second half.

“We are happy the team managed to score four goals and concede none. We now wait for the return leg,” said Tanzania’s coach Bakari Shime.

In the other matches played Kenya held hosts Ethiopia to a 1-1 draw at the Abebe Bikila Stadium.

Elizabeth Mideva gave Kenya’s Rising Starlets the lead after only a minute, while Daniel Emush leveled matters after 66 minutes.

Rwanda suffered a 1-0 home defeat to Nigeria at the Kigali Pele Stadium. Janet Seimeyeha Akekoromoaei netted the lone goal after 70 minutes.

Action continues on Tuesday when South Sudan host Malawi at the Juba National Stadium.

The FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup 2026 will take place September 5-27^th in Poland.

Uganda Queen Cranes have defeated Namibia 3-0 in the first leg of the second round in the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup 2026 qualifier.

The hosts netted three second half goals to silence Namibia in a match played at the FUFA Kadiba Stadium in Kampala on Friday.

Sylvia Kabene gave Uganda Queen Cranes the lead after 47 minutes. She chested the ball well and shot at goal only for the Namibian goalkeeper to fumble with the ball.

The Namibians tried to fight back strongly, but failed to put the balls past Uganda’s goalkeeper Lillian Nakiirya.

Barbara Anono made it 2-0 for Uganda Queen Cranes, and Mary Kantono also got her name on the score sheet 10 minutes into added time.

Uganda’s head coach Sheryl Ulanda said they are happy to win the first leg with three goals before the return leg to be played on Monday in Kampala.

In Bujumbura, home side Burundi suffered a 2-1 defeat to Zambia. Chishala Mufunte opned the scoring for Zambia after 44 minutes, but Rukiya Bizimana leveled the score after 63 minutes. Ruth Muwowo restored Zambia’s lead after 88 minutes.

On Sunday Ethiopia will host Kenya, while Tanzania battle Angola, and Rwanda face Nigeria. Nest week on September 23^rd South Sudan will host Malawi at the Juba National Stadium.

Polland will host the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup 2026 September 5-27^th.