Teen Cranes set to face Zimbabwe in FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup qualifiers

Uganda’s U17 Women’s National Football Team, the Teen Cranes, will take on Zimbabwe in the opening round of the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup Morocco 2026 African qualifiers.

The draw, conducted on Saturday, January 10 in Rabat, Morocco, where the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations is currently underway, pitted Uganda against Zimbabwe.

The Teen Cranes will travel for the first leg between April 10–12 before hosting the return fixture a week later in Kampala.

Head coach Sheryl Ulanda Botes welcomed the challenge, urging her players to remain disciplined and respectful of their opponents.

“Zimbabwe 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 aggregate winner will advance to the second round to face either Namibia or Kenya. A final third round will then determine the four African teams that will join hosts Morocco at the World Cup finals.

A total of 31 teams are competing in the qualifiers, which will be played across three knockout rounds starting in April 2026. Only four teams will secure Africa’s slots at the global tournament. From the CECAFA Zone, eight teams are involved. Kenya’s Junior Starlets, who featured at the 2024 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in the Dominican Republic, will face Namibia in the first round. Rwanda will meet Zambia, Djibouti will take on DR Congo, while South Sudan will battle Ethiopia.

The first-round matches are scheduled between April 10–19, the second round between May 22–31, and the final round from July 3–12, 2026.

Last year, the Teen Cranes held a five-day assessment camp featuring 33 players drawn from the FUFA Women Super League, FUFA Women Elite League, and schools.

Coach Botes expressed satisfaction with the progress made:

“I was happy with the improvement in their technical skills, tactical understanding, and intensity. The girls showed great willingness to learn.”

Several players caught the eye of the technical team. Goalkeepers Namutebi Kizito Sharifah and Nabbosa Haira impressed with their reflexes and positioning. Outfield players Nakintu Nusulah, Nanyunja Kevin, and Nabirye Shadia stood out for their confidence, movement, and decision-making.

Botes confirmed that the technical team will continue monitoring performances in both camp and league matches before naming the final squad.

“We are closely monitoring all the players, and the final squad will be selected based on consistency, discipline, and readiness,” she emphasized.

FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup

CECAFA fixture

Zimbabwe v Uganda

Namibia v Kenya

South Sudan v Ethiopia

Malawi v Burundi

Botswana v Tanzania

Rwanda v Zambia