Uganda U-20 Women’s National Team (Queen Cranes) head coach Sheryl Ulanda Botes has named the final travelling squad for the final round of the African Qualifiers of the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup 2026 against Ghana. The first leg is scheduled for Sunday, 3rd May 2026, at the Accra Sports Stadium, with kick-off set for 3:30 PM local time / 6:30 PM East Africa Time (EAT).
The Queen Cranes completed their final training session on Thursday evening at the FUFA Technical Centre, Njeru, and will depart later tonight for Accra. The travelling delegation is headed by FUFA Executive Committee Member Madam Agnes Mugena.
The squad is largely comprised of the core of players who eliminated Zambia in the previous round, with only one change in midfield. Zainabu Birungi comes into the team, replacing Dorcus Kisakye.
The team has been in residential camp at the FUFA Technical Centre, Njeru, as preparations intensified ahead of the crucial encounter.
Speaking after the evening training session, head coach Sheryl Ulanda Botes expressed confidence in her squad and the work done so far.
‘The camp is very positive, and we are looking forward to the match. We have a good squad, and we believe in them,’ she noted.
Botes acknowledged the quality of the opposition but emphasised that Uganda is equally prepared after analysing Ghana’s previous matches.
‘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 also called upon Ugandans to rally behind the team as they chase a historic World Cup qualification.
‘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.’
Travelling 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, Martha Babirye – El Cambio (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 – Kampala Queens 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)
Officials
- Agnes Mugena – Head of Delegation
- Sheryl Ulanda Botes – Head Coach
- Joan Namusisi – Team Manager
- Collins Ahumuza – Assistant Coach
- David Ribeiro – Goalkeeper Coach
- Sefika Pelin Bal – Sports Scientist
- Allan Magunda Nsubuga – Video Analyst
- Mable Kabatalindwa – Team Doctor
- Jackline Nakuya – Physiotherapist
- Cissy Gaudensia Nakiguba – Equipment Manager
- Leilah Shamirah Nabisere – Media Officer
