The Uganda Senior Women’s National Team, the Crested Cranes, Head Coach Firew Hailegebreal Asefa has named the final travelling squad for the return leg of the 2028 CAF Women’s Olympic Qualifiers against Zambia.
Uganda will face the Copper Queens on Tuesday, 13 October 2026, at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola, aiming to build on their 2-1 first-leg victory at Hamz Stadium, Nakivubo.
The Crested Cranes completed their final training session on Saturday morning at Muteesa II Stadium, Wankulukuku, and have departed for Zambia aboard Ethiopian Airlines this morning. The travelling delegation is headed by FUFA Executive Committee Member Madam Agnes Mugena.
Speaking after the final training session, defender Zainah Nandede expressed confidence in the team’s preparations and the positive atmosphere in camp.
‘We are delighted and in high spirits since Thursday, and the coaches have worked hard to make sure we go and do well away in Zambia. Today, we had our last training here in Uganda, and everyone showed commitment and determination,’ she said.
The Crested Cranes will be seeking to secure progression to the next qualification round, where the winner of the tie will face either Mauritius or Ghana.
Travelling Squad
Goalkeepers:
Vanessa Edith Karungi – Brøndby IF Women (Denmark), Ruth Aturo – Simba Queens FC (Tanzania) and Lillian Nakirya – St. Noa Girls FC (Uganda)
Defenders:
Shadia Nankya – HAC Féminines Women FC (France), Bridget Nabisaalu – She Maroons FC (Uganda), Barbara Anomo – St. Noa Girls FC (Uganda), Hadijah Babirye – Kawempe Muslim Ladies FC (Uganda), Jamilah Nabulime – KCCA Women FC (Uganda), Jane Nantongo – UCU Lady Cardinals FC (Uganda), Zainah Nandede – Simba Queens FC (Tanzania)
Midfielders:
Phiona Nabbumba – FC Midtjylland (Denmark), Joan Nabirye – Yanga Princess FC (Tanzania), Agnes Nabukenya – Kawempe Muslim Ladies FC (Uganda), Kamiyati Naigaga – KCCA Women FC (Uganda), Peace Muduwa – KCCA Women FC (Uganda), Shamira Nalugya – FC Dynamo Brest (Belarus)
Forwards:
Fazila Ikwaput – East Bengal WFC (India), Sylvia Kabene – Mġarr United Women FC (Malta), Jesca Namanda – She Corporate FC (Uganda), Joanitah Ainembabazi – KCCA Women FC (Uganda), Laki Otandeka – Coamo FC, Marrion Amangati – KCCA Women FC (Uganda), Angel Auki Kigongo – Uganda Martyrs Lubaga WFC (Uganda)
Officials
Agnes Mugena –Leader of Delegation
Firew Hailegebreal Asefa – Head Coach
Collins Ahumuza – Assistant Coach
Moses William Nkata – Sports Scientist
George Ssebuliba – Goalkeeper Coach
Allan Magunda Nsubuga – Video Analyst
Mable Kabatalindwa – Team Doctor
Darlian Kyasiimire – Physiotherapist
Prossy Nalwadda – Equipment Manager
Margret Namirimu – Team Manager
Paul Mutakabala Nantulya –FUFA National Teams Officer
Leilah Shamirah Nabisere – Media Officer
