FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup Qualifiers: Cameroon Lead, Nigeria & Kenya Edge First Legs

CAMEROON, February 8, 2026 – Cameroon’s Under-20 Women’s team delivered a dominant performance on Sunday, crushing Botswana 5-0 in the first leg of the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup African qualifiers. The resounding victory puts them firmly in control of the tie as they prepare for the return leg on February 13th.

Elsewhere across the continent, Nigeria and Kenya secured narrow 1-0 victories over Senegal and Tanzania respectively, while Uganda and Zambia played to a 1-1 draw. Guinea-Bissau and Malawi also ended their first-leg encounter with a 1-1 stalemate, leaving both ties delicately poised ahead of the return matches.

The second legs of these crucial qualifiers are scheduled to kick off on February 13th, with the ultimate goal of securing coveted spots at the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup finals.

Kenya Edges Past Tanzania in Tight Contest

In Nairobi, Kenya narrowly defeated Tanzania 1-0 thanks to a late goal from Elizabeth Mideva in the 84th minute. The match was characterized by cautious play from both sides, with defensive discipline taking precedence over attacking flair. Tanzania focused on counter-attacks, while Kenya patiently sought openings. Mideva’s composed finish after a well-constructed passing move proved to be the decisive moment, giving Kenya a slender advantage heading into the return leg in Tanzania.

Uganda and Zambia Share the Spoils

At the Uganda stadium, the hosts and Zambia battled to a 1-1 draw in an entertaining and evenly matched contest. Agnes Nabukenya put Uganda ahead in the 22nd minute with a confident finish following a well-worked move. Zambia responded after the break, with Edith Phiri leveling the score in the 59th minute with a header. Uganda came close to regaining the lead late in the game, but Nabukenya’s powerful free-kick struck the crossbar. The return leg in Zambia, scheduled for February 14th, will determine which team advances.

Nigeria Claims Narrow Victory Over Senegal

Nigeria’s Falconets secured a valuable 1-0 first-leg advantage against Senegal in a fiercely contested tactical battle in Abeokuta. Despite having an early goal disallowed, Nigeria maintained pressure, and Kindness Chinaza Ifeanyi broke the deadlock in the 50th minute with a powerful header from a corner kick. Nigeria continued to threaten from set pieces but couldn’t extend their lead, leaving Senegal with a chance to overturn the deficit in the second leg.

Guinea-Bissau and Malawi Draw in Competitive Encounter

Guinea-Bissau and Malawi played to a 1-1 draw in a competitive first-leg match. Guinea-Bissau took the lead early in the second half when Quita Da Silva curled a superb free-kick into the net. Malawi responded with determination, equalizing in the 75th minute through Sarah Mlimbika, who finished with a composed effort after a strong individual run. The tie remains open, with a decisive return leg scheduled for February 14th.

Cameroon’s Dominant Display

Cameroon’s 5-0 victory over Botswana was the most emphatic result of the first-leg fixtures. Effa Essomba opened the scoring from the penalty spot in the 18th minute, and Beverly Nimpa doubled the lead before halftime. Cameroon continued to dominate after the break, adding three further goals through Rachou Assako, Aurore Tsimi, and Andree Ngo Bilong. This commanding performance leaves Cameroon in a strong position as they prepare for the return leg on February 13th.