U-17 WWC (Q): Botes urges focus as Teen Cranes take commanding advantage from Harare

Uganda U-17 women’s national team head coach Sheryl Botes has lauded her side’s discipline and maturity after the Teen Cranes secured a 2-0 away victory over Zimbabwe in the first leg of their FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup qualifying clash on Sunday in Harare.

Vibes after seeing off Zimbabwe 2-0 in Harare #UgandaU17#WomenFootball pic.twitter.com/IU8oNKDy2h

— FUFA (@OfficialFUFA) April 12, 2026

The result gives Uganda a solid platform heading into the return leg, with Botes particularly impressed by how her players stuck to the tactical plan against a resilient Zimbabwean side.

She highlighted the team’s organisation and calmness on the ball as key factors behind the positive outcome.

“I am really proud of the girls for the way they managed the game,” Botes noted after the final whistle. “It wasn’t an easy opponent, but tactically we were disciplined, controlled possession well, and made our chances count.”

Despite the comfortable advantage, the coach was quick to stress that the job is far from complete, warning her players to remain grounded ahead of the decisive second leg in Kampala.

“We are not through yet. The return leg will be tough, and we must stay focused and avoid any complacency,” she cautioned.

Botes also reiterated her commitment to a possession-based philosophy, emphasizing its importance not just for this team but across all women’s national setups as Uganda aims for long-term success on the continent.

With qualification to the next round within reach, the tactician has rallied fans to turn up in numbers and support the team when they host Zimbabwe at FUFA Stadium, Kadiba.

Uganda will face either Kenya or Namibia in the next round if they progress, with Kenya currently holding a narrow 2-1 lead from their first-leg encounter.

The return leg is slated for April 18, 2026, where the Teen Cranes will look to finish the job and move a step closer to World Cup qualification.