WAFCON 2026 Qualifying: Crested Cranes hold first training session in Ethiopia ahead of return leg

The Uganda Women’s Senior National Team, the Crested Cranes, safely arrived in Ethiopia on Sunday and held their first training session in preparation for the return leg of their first round clash from 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) qualifying. The crucial fixture is set for Wednesday at Abebe Bikila Stadium in Addis Ababa.

Head coach Sheryl Botes has named a 20-player squad for this decisive encounter, as the team looks to build on their 2-0 first-leg victory at Hamz Stadium, Nakivubo. Late goals from Zaina Namuleme and Fazila Ikwaput secured a crucial advantage for Uganda but the team remains focused on sealing qualification.

Travelling Squad

Goalkeepers

Defenders

Midfielders

Forwards

Technical Team & Officials

Obote Dan – Leader of Delegation

Mukatabala Paul Nantulya – National Teams’ Officer

Sheryl Ulanda Botes – Head Coach

Lukula Charles Ayiekoh – Assistant Coach

Ashley Clifford De Beer – Sports Scientist

David Ribeiro – Goalkeeper Coach

Nsubuga Allan Magunda – Video Analyst

Kabatalindwa Mable – Team Doctor

Kyasiimire Darlian – Physiotherapist

Nakiguba Cissy Gaudensia – Equipment Manager

Namusisi Joan – Team Manager

Nabbanja Aisha – Media Officer

The winner on aggregate will advance to the second and final qualification round, where they will face either Tanzania or Equatorial Guinea. The Crested Cranes are determined to secure a place at the WAFCON finals for the first time since their last appearance in 2022.

The team departed Uganda on Sunday afternoon aboard Ethiopian Airlines and will finalize their tactical preparations before Wednesday’s showdown.