Queen Cranes begin camp ahead of Zambia U20 World Cup qualifier

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Uganda Women’s U20 national team, the Queen Cranes, have stepped up preparations for a crucial double-header against Zambia in the third round of the 2026 FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup qualifiers.

Head coach Sheryl Ulanda Botes has summoned a 32-player squad, which entered residential camp on January 24, 2026, at the FUFA Technical Centre in Njeru.

Uganda will host the first leg on February 7 at FUFA Stadium, Kadiba, before travelling to Lusaka for the return leg on February 14.

“Zambia is a strong and physical side, but we are preparing well. Our focus is discipline, teamwork and playing with confidence in both legs,” Botes said.

The squad blends talent from school football, FUFA Women Super League regulars and foreign-based players. Strong representation comes from St. Noa Girls, Kawempe Muslim Ladies, Kampala Queens, Amus College and Rines Secondary School, alongside players based in the USA, Kenya and Malta.

“This group has grown together. They are disciplined, hungry and ready to compete at this level. I trust their character and commitment,” she added.

The 32-player squad is made up of four goalkeepers, 10 defenders, 11 midfielders and four forwards.

In goal, Lillian Nakirya of St. Noa Girls leads a competitive goalkeeping department. She is joined by Angella Adeke from Amus College WFC, Josephine Nambuya of Kawempe Muslim Ladies FC and Charity Chebet from Shammah Queens FC.

The defence is strengthened by Kenya-based captain Desire Katisi Natooro of Kenya Police Bullets FC. She is supported by a solid group that includes Martha Babirye of El Cambio, Ritah Kadondi of UCU Lady Cardinals FC and Vicky Atyeronimungu of Amus College WFC.

Midfield is one of Uganda’s strongest areas, with several options available to provide both creativity and industry. Players such as Angella Nolla of Great Falls Reston Girls in the USA, Agnes Nabukenya, Dorcus Kisakye, Sumaya Nalumu and Peace Muduwa are expected to play a key role for the Queen Cranes.

Up front, goals will be expected from Malta-based Sylvia Kabene of Herbernian FC. She will be supported by Mary Katono of She Corporate FC, Yasmeen Nalukwago of Rines SS WFC and Nusulah Nakintu of Uganda Martyrs WFC.

Zambia reached this stage after edging Burundi, setting up what promises to be a tightly contested tie.

The winner on aggregate between Uganda and Zambia will advance to the final qualification round, where they will face either Ghana or South Africa for a place at the FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup.

“At this level, every opponent is strong. Whether it is Ghana or South Africa, we must first do our job against Zambia and earn the right to face them,” Botes said.

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 (Boni Consili Girls FC)

Forwards: Kabene Sylvia (Herbernian FC, Malta), Katono Mary (She Corporate FC), Nalukwago Yasmeen (Rines SS WFC), Nakintu Nusulah (Uganda Martyrs WFC)