Teen Cranes host junior starlets in crucial FIFA U-17 World Cup qualifier

FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup Qualifier

Friday (FUFA Stadium, Kadiba)
Uganda v Kenya 4pm

Second Leg
May 30 (Nyayo National Stadium, Nairobi)
Kenya v Uganda

Uganda's Teen Cranes will on Friday host regional rivals Kenya's Junior Starlets in the first leg of the FIFA Under-17 Women's World Cup second-round qualifiers at FUFA Stadium Kadiba.

The return leg will be played on May 30 at Nyayo National Stadium as the two East African sides battle for a place in the final qualification round for the tournament, which will be hosted in Morocco.

Uganda head coach Sheryl Ulanda Botes believes her side is ready for the difficult challenge posed by Kenya, who featured at the 2024 FIFA Under-17 Women's World Cup in the Dominican Republic.

"We know what is at stake, and we know Kenya is a solid team, especially when playing at home. But the girls are motivated, disciplined, and ready to fight for a positive result at home," said Botes.

The Teen Cranes entered residential training camp last Thursday at the FUFA Technical Centre ahead of the regional derby.

The squad largely retains the players who guided Uganda to a commanding 6-1 aggregate victory over Zimbabwe in the opening qualification round. Uganda secured a 2-0 away win before sealing qualification with a 4-1 victory in Kampala.

"The camp has been good. The players are responding well in training, and everyone understands the importance of these matches against Kenya," Botes added.

Uganda will rely on midfielders Tracy Nabalanzi, Jennifer Onyango, Grace Kawino, Brenda Nassaka, and Justine Ayerango to control the game, while forwards Shadia Nabirye, Susan Nabyonga, Monica Buteme, and Terry Mora Oseko are expected to lead the attack.

"Kenya remains one of the strongest teams in the region, but we have prepared well, and the girls believe they can compete strongly," she noted.

Kenya booked their place in the second round after dismantling Namibia 7-1 on aggregate.

However, Junior Starlets head coach Mildred Cheche has been forced to make two changes to her squad due to injuries to Rose Nangila and Lindey Atieno.

Kenya will now look to captain Beverline Awuor and Mwanakombo Bakari for inspiration as they seek another victory over Uganda.

The two sides last met in the same qualifiers last year, where Kenya eliminated Uganda 5-0 on aggregate.

The CAF African Under-17 Women's World Cup qualifiers are played in a three-round knockout format on a home-and-away basis, with aggregate scores deciding the winner.

This makes Friday's first leg in Kampala very important for Uganda. The Teen Cranes will need to avoid conceding at home, as away goals could prove decisive in the return leg in Nairobi.

Uganda will therefore target both victory and a clean sheet before traveling to Kenya for the decisive second leg.

The winner between Uganda and Kenya will face either Tanzania or South Africa in the final qualifying round.

Africa will have five representatives at the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup, including host Morocco.