South Sudan, Rwanda pick wins in FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup qualifiers

South Sudan and Rwanda have registered wins in the first leg ties in the first round of the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup qualifiers 2026.

Nyamam Makuac netted a brace as South Sudan defeated Djibouti 5-0 at the Juba National Stadium.

Ludia Maika and Joan Adong had given the home side an early lead, and Makuac made sure they went into recess leading 3-0. After the break Makuac increased South Sudan’s lead, and Monica Nakamu made it 5-0.

In Kigali, Rwanda stopped Zimbabwe 2-1 in a match played at the Kigali Pele Stadium.

Darlene Ishmwe gave Rwanda the lead after only 3 minutes, but Bethel Kondo leveled matters after 18 minutes. Five minutes into the second half Scholastique Gikundiro made it 2-1 for Rwanda.

Zimbabwe continued to push forward in search of more goals, but the home side defended well.

The two teams from the CECAFA Zone will book places in the second round if they go past the return legs to be played in the next few days. In-case Rwanda qualify they will face Nigeria, while South Sudan will face the winner between Malawi and the Central African Republic.

The second round of the qualifiers will be played in September this year with Ethiopia facing Kenya, and Tanzania battling Angola in some of the matches. Uganda will take on Namibia, while Burundi battle Zambia in some of the other matches.

Four teams will qualify to represent Africa at the 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup to take place in Poland.