The Uganda U-20 Women’s National Team, the Queen Cranes, have commenced preparations for the forthcoming African Qualifiers for the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup 2026.
The team entered residential camp on Sunday, 19th April 2026 at the FUFA Technical Centre in Njeru as they gear up for a decisive two-legged tie against Ghana in the final round of qualification. The first leg is scheduled between 1st–3rd May 2026, with the return leg set for 9th May 2026.
The Queen Cranes held their first training session at the FUFA Technical Centre, focusing on tactical organisation and physical conditioning as the technical team fine-tunes the squad ahead of the crucial fixture.
The tie falls under the fourth and final round of the qualifiers, with the aggregate winner securing a place at the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup 2026 in Poland.
Speaking after the session, head coach Sheryl Ulanda Botes highlighted the team’s mentality and focus ahead of the assignment.
‘We commenced our first preparations this morning, and I have already seen a positive mentality from the players. They are confident,’ she said.
‘We have only a few sessions to prepare, so we are using this time to find the right combinations, especially as we aim to get a good result away against Ghana.’
She also emphasised the integration of emerging talent into the squad.
‘We have also included some young players from schools. We want to integrate them into the team because they bring healthy competition in camp.’
Squad
The provisional squad includes;
Goalkeepers
Lillian Nakiirya–St. Noa Girls FC (Uganda), Angella Adeke–Amus College WFC (Uganda), Elizabeth Atieno–Amus College WFC (Uganda), Josephine Nambuya–Kawempe Muslim Ladies FC (Uganda), Nuriat Nawegulo–She Maroons FC (Uganda).
Defenders
Desire Katisi Natooro–Kenya Police Bullets FC (Kenya), Barbara Anomo–St. Noa Girls FC (Uganda), Hasifah Patricia Namboozo–Makerere University WFC (Uganda), Zabinah Namboozo–Amus College WFC (Uganda), Patricia Nakato Nankyanzi–Rines SS WFC (Uganda), Martha Babirye–St. Noa Girls FC (Uganda), Phionah Arach–Rines SS WFC (Uganda), Ritah Kadondi–UCU Lady Cardinals FC (Uganda), Vicky Atyeronimungu–Amus College WFC (Uganda).
Midfielders
Agnes Nabukenya–Kawempe Muslim Ladies FC (Uganda), Krusum Namutebi–Kawempe Muslim Ladies FC (Uganda), Angel Gerevans Dominick–St. Noa Girls FC (Uganda), Jennifer Namagembe Onyango–St. Noa Girls FC (Uganda), Mary Kituyi–Bududa High School (Uganda), Zainabu Birungi–St. Noa Girls FC (Uganda), Imelda Kasemire–St. Noa Girls FC (Uganda), Patricia Nayiga–St. Noa Girls FC (Uganda), Shamim Nalukwago–Standard Secondary School, Zana (Uganda), Dorine Wandera–Amus College WFC (Uganda), Sumaya Nalumu–St. Noa Girls FC (Uganda), Peace Muduwa–Kampala Queens FC (Uganda), Sylvia Kabene–Hibernian FC (Malta), Angel Kigongo Auki–Uganda Martyrs Lubaga FC (Uganda), Lillian Asiyanzo–Standard High Secondary School, Zana (Uganda), Megan Mukiibi–RSL El Paso DPL (USA).
Forwards
Mary Kantono–She Corporate FC (Uganda), Yasmeen Naluwago–Rines SS WFC (Uganda), Terry Moraa Oseko–Nkoma Secondary School (Uganda), Hadijah Balinabyo–BUL WFC (Uganda).
Officials
Sheryl Ulanda Botes–Head Coach
David Ribeiro–Goalkeeper Coach
Sefika Pelin Bal–Sports Scientist
Ahumuza Collins–Assistant Coach
Nantumbwe Sharifah–Assistant Coach
Ssebuliba George–Goalkeeper Coach
Nsubuga Allan Magunda–Video Analyst
Nkata Moses–Sports Scientist
Kabatalindwa Mable–Team Doctor
Nakuya Jackline–Physiotherapist
Nakiguba Cissy Gaudensia–Equipment Manager
Namusisi Joan–Team Manager
Nalwadda Prossy–Equipment Officer
Nabisere Leilah Shamirah–Media Officer
