Teen Cranes coach Sheryl Ulanda confident ahead of U-17 World Cup qualifier

FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup Qualifiers

Sunday 12th

Zimbabwe v Uganda 4pm

Uganda U-17 Women’s National Team head coach Sheryl Ulanda is confident in her side ahead of their FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup qualifier first leg against Zimbabwe on Sunday at Ngoni Stadium in Harare.

“The camp has allowed us to put together a strong and well-prepared team. The girls are ready to compete against Zimbabwe. I have observed their performances in the COSAFA Cup and know they are a strong side, but our focus is on achieving a positive result away from home,” Ulanda said before departure.

The Teen Cranes concluded their final training session on Thursday at FUFA Stadium, Kadiba, before flying out to Harare on Friday morning, ending a two-week residential training camp.

Zimbabwe head into the tie as a well-organised and competitive side, but Ulanda believes her players have prepared well enough to match them over the two legs.

“Training sessions have increasingly centred on structure, movement, and cohesion, which are key elements expected to influence performance against Zimbabwe,” she noted.

Uganda trimmed the squad from 39 players to a final 20, dropping 19 players after the training camp as the technical team settled on a balanced squad for the qualifiers.

“We have good players here, but we are going to fine-tune them to play at the highest level, at higher intensity, and be able to make better decisions under pressure, because there will be pressure,” she added.

The players dropped included goalkeepers Hawah Musa Kizza, Hudah Ayikoru and Sophia Nakkazi. Defenders Giovanna S. Aketogwanga, Nancy Jude Mandera and Rebecca Wembalazi were also left out.

Midfielders Sophia Musoke, Zainabu Birungi, Patience Asanya, Jennifer Onyango, Ester Namatovu, Kevin Nanyunja, Faith Nalwadda, Halima Mupyanga, Precious Wori and Jovia Nakagwa did not make the final squad. Forwards Teopista Keneema, Susan Nabyonga and Samantha Saire Tibiwa were also dropped.

The coach is expected to rely on key players such as Tracy Nabalanzi and Esther Namatovu in midfield, alongside experienced names including Ritah Anitah Nambuusi, Justine Ayerango, Shadia Nabirye and Cynthia Kirenga.

Uganda will aim to secure a positive result away from home before hosting the return leg on April 18.

“Zimbabwe is organised and competitive, but we are preparing well to match them, stay disciplined, and take our chances over the two legs,” Ulanda said.

The match is part of the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup qualifiers, which have attracted 31 teams across Africa and will be played over three knockout rounds starting this month.

The winner on aggregate between Uganda and Zimbabwe will advance to the second round to face either Namibia or Kenya.

From the CECAFA region, eight teams are taking part, including Kenya, Rwanda, Djibouti, South Sudan and Ethiopia.

Only four African teams will qualify for the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup, where they will join hosts Morocco.

Squad

Goalkeepers
Adam Mayimuna Namuwaya – St. Noa Girls FC (Uganda), and Sharifah K. Namutebi – Kampala Queens FC (Uganda).

Defenders
Martha Babirye – St. Noa Girls FC (Uganda), Ritah Anitah Nambuusi – Bukedea Comprehensive (Uganda), Jovia Nakirya – Rines SS WFC (Uganda), Angel Gerevans Dominic – SIA International WFC (Uganda), Phionah Arach – Rines SS WFC (Uganda), and Vicky Atyeronimungu – Amus College WFC (Uganda).

Midfielders
Grace Kawino – SIA International WFC (Uganda), Tahia Nantege – Isra Soccer Academy (Uganda), Tracy Nabalanzi – URA Ladies FC (Uganda), Lydia Nameseruka – Isra Soccer Academy (Uganda), Brenda Nassaka – St. Noa Girls FC (Uganda), Justine Ayerango – Rines SS WFC (Uganda), Immaculate Acen – SIA International WFC (Uganda), Sheila Mungutimu – Boni Consilii Girls FC (Uganda), and Cynthia Kirenga – URA Ladies FC (Uganda).

Forwards
Terry Mora Oseko – Nkoma Secondary School (Uganda), Shadia Nabirye – Kawempe Muslim Ladies FC (Uganda), and Joan Namakula – Isra Soccer Academy (Uganda).