The Uganda U-20 Women’s National Team, the Queen Cranes, remain in residential camp at the FUFA Technical Centre, Njeru as preparations intensify for the final round of the African Qualifiers for the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup 2026.
The squad continues to engage in high-intensity tactical, technical and physical training sessions as focus sharpens ahead of the decisive two-legged tie against Ghana, with a place at the global showpiece in Poland at stake.
Midfielder Nalukwago Shamim of Standard Secondary School, Zzana has earned her maiden call-up to the Queen Cranes setup and has expressed confidence and determination as she settles into the team environment.
‘I am honoured to be part of this team for the first time. The experience has been very positive. I have met very talented, disciplined and focused players who are helping me adapt quickly and improve every day. I am learning a lot from both the coaches and my teammates, and the competition within the group is pushing everyone to raise their level.
The training sessions have been intense but very productive and we are fully committed to the team objectives. As players, we understand the importance of the upcoming matches against Ghana and we are preparing ourselves mentally and physically to give our very best in both legs as we push for World Cup qualification,’ said Nalukwago.
The Queen Cranes will face Ghana in the final qualification round, with the first leg scheduled for 3rd May 2026 at the Accra Sports Stadium before the return leg on 9th May 2026 in Kampala. The aggregate winner will secure qualification to the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup 2026 in Poland.
