By Angu Lesley
Football Writer,kick442.com-Cameroon
Africa’s race for places at the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup intensified this weekend as the second round of qualifiers delivered drama, narrow escapes and commanding performances across the continent. With the fourth and final qualifying round scheduled for May 1–10, the picture is now clearer as the continent’s rising stars prepare for decisive battles.
Zambia 0-1 Uganda (Agg: 1-2)
Mary Kantono 7’
An early strike from Mary Kantono proved decisive as Uganda stunned Zambia away from home to seal a 2-1 aggregate victory. Kantono struck in just the seventh minute, giving the visitors a cushion they defended resolutely for the remainder of the encounter.
Zambia pushed for an equaliser but could not break down a disciplined Ugandan defence. The result sends Uganda into the fourth round where they will face Ghana in what promises to be a stern test.
Malawi 5-1 Guinea-Bissau (Agg: 6-2)
Alinafe Milanzi 5’, Victoria Mkwala 52’, Fatima Lali 71’, 90+4, Mayamiko Mkandawire 83’ | Lamarana Bari 2’
Malawi delivered one of the most emphatic performances of the round, thrashing Guinea-Bissau 5-1 to complete a dominant 6-2 aggregate win.
Despite conceding as early as the second minute through Lamarana Bari, Malawi responded swiftly. Alinafe Milanzi levelled three minutes later before Victoria Mkwala restored full control in the second half. Fatima Lali’s brace, including a stoppage-time finish, capped a stylish display as Malawi march confidently into the next round.
They now await either Nigeria or Senegal — a tie that will significantly raise the level of difficulty.
South Africa 0-1 Ghana (Agg: 2-3)
Priscilla Mensah 63’
Priscilla Mensah emerged the hero for Ghana, scoring the decisive goal in the 63rd minute to eliminate South Africa on aggregate.
Holding a slim first-leg advantage, Ghana showed composure under pressure away from home. South Africa pressed for a comeback but could not find the breakthrough. Ghana advance 3-2 on aggregate and will meet Uganda in Round 4 — a fascinating West versus East African showdown.
DR Congo 1-0 Côte d’Ivoire (Agg: 1-2)
Gracia Kalumba 49’
DR Congo secured a narrow 1-0 win through Gracia Kalumba but fell short on aggregate as Côte d’Ivoire advanced 2-1 overall.
The Ivorians absorbed sustained late pressure to protect their first-leg advantage. Their reward is a fourth-round clash against Benin, who enter the tie with growing confidence.
Tanzania 1-0 Kenya (Agg: 1-1, Tanzania win 3-1 on penalties)
Winifrida Gerald 70’
One of the round’s most dramatic encounters saw Tanzania overturn Kenya’s first-leg deficit. Winifrida Gerald’s 70th-minute goal levelled the tie on aggregate before Tanzania triumphed 3-1 in the penalty shootout.
The victory sets up a heavyweight clash against Cameroon in the final qualifying round.
Round 4 Fixtures (May 1–10)
• Cameroon vs Tanzania
• Ghana vs Uganda
• Côte d’Ivoire vs Benin
• Malawi vs Nigeria
Prospects for the Final Round
The fourth round promises high-stakes encounters.
Cameroon’s experience at youth level gives them an edge against Tanzania, but the East Africans have shown resilience and composure under pressure.
Ghana’s pedigree in women’s youth football positions them as favourites against Uganda, though Uganda’s tactical discipline and ability to score early could make the tie unpredictable.
Côte d’Ivoire will rely on defensive solidity against a confident Benin side capable of springing a surprise.
Malawi’s attacking firepower has been impressive, but facing either Nigeria — traditionally a powerhouse — or a resurgent Senegal would represent their toughest challenge yet.
With continental heavyweights and emerging forces colliding, the final qualifying round is poised to deliver compelling football as Africa edges closer to confirming its representatives on the global stage.
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