U-20 WWC (Q): Uganda have ability to damage Zambia – Botes

Uganda U-20 women’s national team head coach Sheryl Botes has summoned a 20-player squad for the return leg of the 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup qualifiers against Zambia, scheduled for Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola on February 14.

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.

The Uganda U20 Women’s National Team (Queen Cranes) has safely arrived in Zambia ahead of the return leg of the FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup qualifier against Zambia, scheduled for 14 February 2026 at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium.

The team is accommodated at Gloria Inn Hotel in Ndola. pic.twitter.com/8ESjGz0S7K

— FUFA (@OfficialFUFA) February 12, 2026

Botes remains confident of winning away

Uganda coach Botes expressed confidence in her side despite the expected cold and rainy conditions in Ndola.

“I believe we have the ability to do more damage in Zambia. I have been told it has been raining every day, so we will assess the situation on arrival. We will definitely train in the rain a day before the match so the girls can get used to the conditions,” Botes told FUFA Media.

“I am hopeful and I believe we can make an impact in Zambia.”

Second assistant captain Lillian Nakiirya assured fans the team remains motivated ahead of the decisive fixture.

“We have completed our last training session here at FUFA Stadium, Kadiba, as we prepare to depart for Zambia tonight. We are ready to play this game because it is vital for keeping our World Cup hopes alive,” said Nakiirya.

The first leg in Kampala ended in a 1-1 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.

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).

Officials
Agnes Mugena – Head of delegation
Sheryl Ulanda Botes – Head coach
Collins Ahumuza – First assistant coach
David Ribeiro – Goalkeeper coach
Sefika Pelin Bal – Sports scientist
Allan Magunda Nsubuga – Video analyst
Mable Kabatalindwa – Team doctor
Jackline Nkuya – Physiotherapist
Joan Namusisi – Team manager
Cissy Gaudensia Nakiguba – Equipment manager
Aminah Namutebi – Team media officer