Uganda begin U20 World Cup Women Qualifier build-up with Zambia in sight

Uganda’s U20 women’s national team, the Queen Cranes, have officially switched focus to the 2026 FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup qualifiers after head coach Sheryl Ulanda Botes summoned a 32-player provisional squad to camp.

The team will start residential preparations this Saturday, January 24, 2026, with players expected to report at FUFA House in Mengo at 9:00am before travelling to the FUFA Technical Centre in Njeru for camp.

Uganda will host the first leg in February

The Queen Cranes face a crucial double-header against Zambia in the first round of the qualifiers. Uganda will host the first leg on February 7, 2026 at the FUFA Stadium, Kadiba, before travelling for the return leg in Zambia on February 14, 2026. The winner on aggregate over the two legs will progress to the next round of the qualification campaign.

Coach Botes has named a blend of locally-based talent and a few foreign-based players as she begins shaping a competitive side for the demanding tie against the Southern Africans.

With camp now underway, the Queen Cranes will be aiming to fine-tune their preparations and put themselves in a strong position ahead of the decisive two-legged tie against Zambia.

The full squad:

Goalkeepers:
Nakirya Lillian (St. Noa Girls), Adeke Angella (Amus College WFC), Nambuya Josephine (Kawempe Muslim Ladies FC), Chebet Charity (Uganda Martyrs Ladies WFC).

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

Midfielders:
Nolla Angella (Great Falls Reston Girls – USA), Nabukenya Agnes (Kawempe Muslim Ladies FC), Namutebi Krusum (Kawempe Muslim Ladies FC), Kasemire Imelda (St. Noa Girls), Najjuma Shamusa (Kampala Queens WFC), Nayiga Patricia (St. Noa Girls), Kisakye Dorcus (Kawempe Muslim Ladies FC), Wandera Dorine (Amus College WFC), Nalumu Sumaya (Kampala Queens WFC), Muduwa Peace (Kampala Queens WFC), Kasango Shakirah (St. Noa Girls FC), Phionah Arach (Rines SS WFC), Auki Angel Kigongo (Uganda Martyrs WFC), Mungutimu Sherinah (Boniconsili Girls FC).

Strikers:
Kabene Sylvia (Hibernian FC – Malta), Katono Mary (She Corporate FC), Nalukwago Yasmeen (Rines SS WFC), Nakintu Nusulah (Uganda Martyrs WFC).

Team Officials:
Sheryl Ulanda Botes – Head Coach
Ahumuza Collins – 1st Assistant Coach
Nantumbwe Sharifah – 2nd Assistant Coach
David Ribeiro – Goalkeeper Coach
Sebuliba George – Goalkeeper Coach
Sefika Pelin Bal – Sports Scientist
Nsubuga Allan Magunda – Video Analyst
Nkata Moses – Sports Scientist
Kabatalindwa Mable – Team Doctor
Nkuya Jackline – Physiotherapist
Namusisi Joan – Team Manager
Nakiguba Cissy Gaudensia – Equipment Manager
Namutebi Aminah – Team Media Officer