Uganda U-20 women's head coach Botes calls for focus ahead of Ghana clash

FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup qualifier

Sunday 3rd (Accra Sports Stadium)

 First Leg
Ghana v Uganda 

Saturday 9th (FUFA Stadium Kadiba)

Second Leg
Uganda v Ghana

Uganda U-20 Women's National Team head coach Sheryl Ulanda Botes has admitted her side must stay focused and composed as they prepare for a decisive match against Ghana in the final round of the FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup 2026 qualifiers.

The two-legged tie will kick off with the first leg on Saturday, May 3, at the Accra Sports Stadium, before the return leg on May 9 at FUFA Stadium Kadiba. Uganda must overcome Ghana on aggregate to secure a historic place at the World Cup.

"The camp is very positive, and we are looking forward to the match. We have a good squad, and we believe in them," Botes said.

The Queen Cranes head into the encounter with confidence after eliminating Zambia in the previous round. Most of the players from that victory have been retained, with Zainabu Birungi coming into midfield in place of Dorcus Kisakye. The squad has also been boosted by the inclusion of four U-17 players, Martha Babirye, Phionah Arach, Vicky Atyeronimungu and Terry Moraa Oseko,  who recently impressed in Uganda's dominant win over Zimbabwe.

However, Botes is under no illusion about the challenge ahead, acknowledging Ghana's strength and experience at this level.

"We know it's going to be a tough match against Ghana, but we analysed their game against South Africa. We believe it will be a difficult match for both teams," she added.

The team has been camping at the FUFA Technical Centre in Njeru before departing for Accra under the leadership of FUFA Executive Committee member Agnes Mugena. The focus remains on delivering strong performances across both legs.

Uganda faces stiff competition for the limited World Cup slots, with only four African teams set to qualify alongside traditional powerhouses such as Nigeria, Cameroon and Ivory Coast.

"We need all the support from the people of Uganda. We are going to fight and make you proud. World Cup qualification is a high possibility — we are going to do this for the Ugandan people," Botes stated.

The winner on aggregate will secure a place at the 2026 FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup in Poland.

If successful, the Queen Cranes will become only the second Ugandan team to qualify for a FIFA World Cup, following the achievement of the U-17 men's team. Last year, the Uganda U-17 Men's National Team made history by qualifying for their first-ever FIFA U-17 World Cup 2025. They went on to reach the Round of 16, defeating France and Senegal before losing to Burkina Faso on penalties.

The boys' U-17 team is currently preparing for the U-17 Africa Cup of Nations 2026, where they will face Ivory Coast, Cameroon and DR Congo in the group stage. With history within reach, Uganda now turns its full attention to delivering when it matters most.

Squad

Goalkeepers:
Lillian Nakirya – St. Noa Girls FC (Uganda) and Angella Adeke – Amus College WFC (Uganda)

Defenders:
Desire Katisi Natooro – Kenya Police Bullets FC (Kenya), Barbara Anomo – St. Noa Girls FC (Uganda), Phiona Arach – Rines SS WFC (Uganda), Martha Babirye – St. Noa Girls FC (Uganda), Zabinah Nambozo – Amus College WFC (Uganda), Vicky Atyeronimungu – Amus College WFC (Uganda) and Ritah Kadondi – UCU Lady Cardinals FC (Uganda)

Midfielders:
Agnes Nabukenya – Kawempe Muslim Ladies FC (Uganda), Krusum Namutebi – Kawempe Muslim Ladies FC (Uganda), Imelda Kasemire – St. Noa Girls FC (Uganda), Zainabu Birungi – St. Noa Girls FC (Uganda) , Patricia Nayiga – St. Noa Girls FC (Uganda), Sylvia Kabene – Hibernian FC (Malta), Peace Muduwa – Kampala Queens FC (Uganda), Sumaya Nalumu – St. Noa Girls FC (Uganda), and Angel Kigongo Auki – Uganda Martyrs H/S WFC (Uganda)

Forwards:
Mary Katono – She Corporate FC (Uganda) and Yasmeen Nalukwago – Rines SS WFC (Uganda)