U-20 WWC (Q): Uganda coach Botes credits character for Zambia win

Uganda women’s U-20 national team coach Sheryl Botes praised the character and commitment of her players after they managed to beat Zambia 1-0 away to reach the next stage of the FIFA U=20 Women’s World Cup.

In the fixture played on Saturday, Uganda Queen Cranes progressed to the fourth and final round of the qualifiers following a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Zambia at the Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola.

Good morning Uganda 🇺🇬 #WomenFootballUG pic.twitter.com/hEo7PES5ZI

— FUFA (@OfficialFUFA) February 15, 2026

Uganda advanced on a 2-1 aggregate scoreline, having drawn 1-1 in the first leg played a fortnight ago at the FUFA Stadium, Kadiba. Botes made one change to the starting line-up from the Kampala encounter, with Imelda Kasemire replacing Krusum Namutebi in midfield.

Uganda will face Ghana in next round

The Queen Cranes began the contest brightly and made several early inroads around Zambia’s goal. Their positive start paid off in the seventh minute when Mary Kantono capitalised on a well-delivered cross to give Uganda an early lead.

Speaking after the game, Botes said: “I want to thank my team for the effort and character. We were told before coming here that no team had ever beaten Zambia at home, especially at this stadium.

FIFA U20 WWCQ: Uganda edge Zambia to reach the final round of FIFA U20Women’s World Cup Qualifiershttps://t.co/fwNYGIUXtF

— FUFA (@OfficialFUFA) February 15, 2026

“But as Uganda, we worked tirelessly and believed in ourselves.”

Ghana edged out South Africa 3-2 on aggregate

Botes further dedicated the victory to the people of Uganda and acknowledged the continued support for women’s football from FUFA leadership, including FUFA President Moses Magogo.

‘This victory is for the people of Uganda who have truly backed the team. I also appreciate FUFA President Hon. Magogo Moses Hassim for his continued support and love for women’s football. It is a very good win for us,” she said.

The result sets up a final-round tie against Ghana in May, after the West Africans edged South Africa 3-2 on aggregate to secure their place.

Africa will be represented by the best four teams to join 20 others from other continents at the 2026 FIFA Under-20 Women’s World Cup to take place in Poland later this year.