Uganda U-20 women face decisive clash against Zambia

2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup

Return leg

Saturday 14th (Lusaka)

Zambia v Uganda 4pm

The Uganda U-20 Women’s National Team must defeat Zambia on Saturday to keep their 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup hopes alive.

The two sides meet in the return leg of the qualifiers at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola on Saturday, February 14. The first leg in Kampala ended 1–1, leaving the tie finely balanced.

Head coach Sheryl Botes is confident her team can deliver away from home.

“We give another chance to perform well and we go to win. We have been installing confidence in players. I believe we have the ability to do more damage in Zambia. I am hopeful and I believe we can make an impact,” Botes said.

“We are ready to play this game because it is vital for keeping our World Cup hopes alive. Zambia will likely approach the return leg in the same way. We must handle first and second balls better, but I don’t expect major changes to our overall approach.”

Botes has named a 20-player squad for the decisive match. Goalkeeper Lillian Nakirya (St. Noa Girls) was outstanding in the first leg, making three crucial saves to keep Uganda in the game. In defence, Desire Katisi Natooro (Kenya Police Bullets FC) and Vicky Atyeronimungu (Amus College WFC) restricted Zambia’s chances, especially in the first half.

The midfield will be vital in Ndola, with captain Agnes Nabukenya (Kawempe Muslim Ladies) and Angel Kigongo Auki expected to drive the team forward and create scoring opportunities. Uganda struggled in midfield during the first leg, and a stronger partnership between Nabukenya and Auki will be key to supplying quality balls to the forwards.

Up front, Sylvia Kabene (Hibernian FC, Malta), Mary Katono, and Yasmeen Nalukwago will lead the attack. Kabene, who has scored 12 goals in four matches across the senior and U-20 teams, remains Uganda’s main goal threat despite missing chances in the first leg.

Uganda eliminated Namibia 5–0 on aggregate in the second round, while Zambia knocked out Burundi 4–1. The winner of this tie will face either South Africa or Ghana in the final qualification round.

The Queen Cranes completed their final training session on Wednesday morning at FUFA Stadium, Kadiba, before departing at 2:45am on Thursday aboard Ethiopian Airlines.

Squad in Zambia

Goalkeepers:

Lillian Nakirya (St Noa Girls), Angella Adeke (Amus College WFC).

Defenders:

Desire Katisi Natooro (Kenya Police Bullets FC, Kenya), Barbara Anomo (St Noa Girls), Hasifah Patricia Namboozo (Makerere University WFC), Zabinah Nambozo (Amus College WFC), Martha Babirye (El Cambio), Ritah Kadondi (UCU Lady Cardinals FC), Vicky Atyeronimungu (Amus College WFC).

Midfielders:

Agnes Nabukenya (Kawempe Muslim Ladies FC), Krusum Namutebi (Kawempe Muslim Ladies FC), Imelda Kasemire (St Noa Girls), Patricia Nayiga (St Noa Girls), Dorcus Kisakye (Kawempe Muslim Ladies FC), Sumaya Nalumu (Kampala Queens WFC), Peace Muduwa (Kampala Queens WFC), Angel Kigongo Auki (Uganda Martyrs WFC).

Forwards:

Sylvia Kabene (Hibernian FC, Malta), Mary Katono (She Corporate FC), Yasmeen Nalukwago (Rines SS WFC).