U-20 Women’s World Cup (Q): Botes urges Queen Cranes to seize historic opportunity

The Uganda U-20 Women’s National Team are fully focused and motivated ahead of Saturday’s decisive FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup final round, second leg qualifier against Ghana at FUFA Stadium, Kadiba.

Uganda will host the West Africans in the return leg seeking to overturn a narrow 1-2 defeat suffered in the first leg in Accra last weekend.

Matchday. History awaits. 🇺🇬

Come rally behind the Queen Cranes today at the FUFA Stadium, Kadiba.

🕓 4:00 PM#UGAGHA | #FIFAU20WWCQ pic.twitter.com/GMAGD0c3DS

— FUFA (@OfficialFUFA) May 9, 2026

With an away goal already secured, the Queen Cranes remain firmly in contention for a historic place at the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup Poland 2026.

Head coach Sheryl Ulanda Botes believes the team is mentally prepared for the challenge and ready to fight for qualification on home soil.

“We are ready. The girls are positive. We reviewed the first leg and corrected the mistakes we made. We are going to fight to qualify for the World Cup,” Botes stated after the team’s final training session on Friday morning at FUFA Stadium, Kadiba.

Up for the grind 🇺🇬

The Uganda U-20 Women’s National Team intensifies preparations during today’s training session ahead of Saturday’s return leg against Ghana.

Free entrance at FUFA Stadium, Kadiba.#UGAGHA | #FIFAU20WWCQ pic.twitter.com/Eos7pcDGwa

— FUFA Women (@FUFAWomen) May 7, 2026

The South African tactician acknowledged Ghana’s quality, especially in midfield and attack, but stressed that Uganda has prepared adequately to counter their strengths.

“They are strong in midfield and have good speed upfront, but we know how to challenge their strengths and we are confident of getting a positive result tomorrow,” she added.

Botes further described the encounter as a massive moment not only for the players but also for women’s football in the country, with the team chasing history.

“It is a huge opportunity for all of us and for women’s football in Uganda. The belief is there and we are managing the pressure and expectations well. We want to become the first Uganda women’s national team to qualify for the World Cup,” she noted.

Team captain Agnes Nabukenya also echoed the coach’s confidence, revealing that the squad is in good condition and eager to deliver in front of the home fans.

“The players are ready. We have had very good training sessions and today we completed our final one with everyone in good condition. All the players are fit, motivated, and ready to give their best,” Nabukenya said.

The skipper also rallied Ugandans to turn up in big numbers and support the team in what promises to be a historic afternoon at Kadiba.

“Our focus is on delivering tomorrow. We call upon Ugandans to come and support us in big numbers,” she added.

Saturday’s match kicks off at 4:00pm EAT with the aggregate winner over the two legs earning qualification to the 2026 finals in Poland.

Should the teams finish level on aggregate, the away goals rule will apply, while penalties will decide the tie if necessary.