U-20 WWC(Q): Uganda coach Botes wary of Zambia threats

Uganda women’s U-20 national team head coach Sheryl Botes admits Zambia may have the edge on paper ahead of their return leg of the 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup qualifiers against Zambia at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola on Saturday

Speaking during a press conference ahead of the game, Botes remained confident adding she sees the fixture as a measuring stick for her squad’s growth.

The Queen Cranes play tomorrow against Zambia in the return leg of the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup qualifiers.#WomenFootballUG | #FIFAU20WWCQ pic.twitter.com/RBwp9E99vO

— FUFA (@OfficialFUFA) February 13, 2026

The Queen Cranes completed their final training session on Wednesday at FUFA Stadium, Kadiba, before departing at 2:45 am aboard Ethiopian Airlines. The travelling delegation is headed by FUFA Executive Committee Member Madam Agnes Mugena.

Zambia is a formidable side

“We will be up against a formidable side but no team goes into the match to lose, we want to win at all costs,” Botes told the media.

Uganda captain Agness Nabukenya, who found the net in the first leg, is banking on belief and clinical finishing in Ndola. Nabukenya knows the task is tough but says football always leaves room for surprises.

“We know it is not easy to play against Zambia but in football anything is possible. I can score goals or anyone in the team can do it,” said Nabukenya.

The first leg in Kampala ended in a one-all draw, with the tie to be decided in Ndola. The aggregate winner between Uganda and Zambia will face either South Africa or Ghana in the final qualification round.

The match will kick off at 15:00 hours at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium and the team that wins the second leg will qualify for the final round, where they will face either Ghana or South Africa.

Uganda travelling squad;

Goalkeepers: Lillian Nakirya (St Noa Girls), Angella Adeke (Amus College WFC).

Defenders: Desire Katisi Natooro (Kenya Police Bullets FC, Kenya), Barbara Anomo (St Noa Girls), Hasifah Patricia Namboozo (Makerere University WFC), Zabinah Nambozo (Amus College WFC), Martha Babirye (El Cambio), Ritah Kadondi (UCU Lady Cardinals FC), Vicky Atyeronimungu (Amus College WFC).

Midfielders: Agnes Nabukenya (Kawempe Muslim Ladies FC), Krusum Namutebi (Kawempe Muslim Ladies FC), Imelda Kasemire (St Noa Girls), Patricia Nayiga (St Noa Girls), Dorcus Kisakye (Kawempe Muslim Ladies FC), Sumaya Nalumu (Kampala Queens WFC), Peace Muduwa (Kampala Queens WFC), Angel Kigongo Auki (Uganda Martyrs WFC).

Forwards: Sylvia Kabene (Hibernian FC, Malta), Mary Katono (She Corporate FC), Yasmeen Nalukwago (Rines SS WFC).