Uganda U-17 Women’s National Team head coach Sheryl Ulanda Botes has commended her players for their tactical discipline and composure following the Teen Cranes’ 2-0 victory over Zimbabwe in the first leg of the African Qualifiers for the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup 2026 played in Harare on Sunday.
Speaking after the match, Botes expressed satisfaction with the team’s execution of the game plan against a competitive opponent. She noted that the players managed the game well and remained organised throughout the contest.
‘We tried to manage the game, and I am so proud of the girls. The opponents were not an easy team, but we approached the game tactically well. We got the goals and managed possession very well,’ she said.
Despite the advantage secured away from home, Botes cautioned against complacency ahead of the return leg in Kampala, stressing the need for continued focus and discipline.
‘But it’s not over yet. I expect a tough match in the return leg, and we shall not be complacent,’ she added.
The coach also underlined the importance of a possession-based approach across all women’s national teams, noting that such a playing philosophy is vital for sustained success on the continental stage.
Botes further called upon Ugandans to rally behind the team in the decisive second leg and urged fans to turn up in large numbers to support the Teen Cranes at FUFA Stadium, Kadiba.
The aggregate winner will progress to face either Kenya or Namibia in the next qualification round, with Kenya holding a 2-1 advantage from the first leg.
The return leg is scheduled for 18th April 2026, with Uganda carrying a two-goal advantage as they aim to secure progression to the next round of the qualifiers.
