The Uganda U-17 Women’s National Team, the Teen Cranes, will face Zimbabwe on Sunday, 12th April 2026 at Ngoni Stadium in Harare in the first leg of the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup qualifiers.
Kick-off is scheduled for 3:00 PM local time, 4:00 PM East African Time, as Uganda targets a positive result away from home to take control of the tie.
The Teen Cranes held their final training session on Saturday evening at Ngoni Stadium in Harare ahead of the crucial encounter.
Speaking after the session, head coach Sheryl Ulanda Botes expressed confidence in her side and emphasised the team’s readiness in all departments.
‘We are very confident. We have worked on both our offensive and defensive structures and built combinations that will give us an attacking threat. Our objective is to win and make the people of Uganda proud,’ Botes said.
Coach Botes confirmed the team leadership, with Martha Babirye appointed captain and Phionah Arachi named as her assistant.
Captain Babirye welcomed the responsibility and highlighted the team’s determination heading into the fixture.
‘It is an honour to lead this team. The squad is in good shape, the atmosphere in camp is positive and we are fully focused on securing a strong result away from home,’ she said.
The winner over the two legs will progress to the next round of the qualification campaign. The return leg is scheduled for Saturday, 18 April 2026 at FUFA Stadium, Kadiba. The aggregate winner will face either Namibia or Kenya in the next phase of the qualifiers.
Squad
Goalkeepers
Adam Mayimuna Namuwaya – St. Noa Girls FC (Uganda), and Sharifah K. Namutebi – Kampala Queens FC (Uganda).
Defenders
Martha Babirye – St. Noa Girls FC (Uganda), Ritah Anitah Nambuusi – Bukedea Comprehensive (Uganda), Jovia Nakirya – Rines SS WFC (Uganda), Angel Gerevans Dominic – SIA International WFC (Uganda), Phionah Arach – Rines SS WFC (Uganda), and Vicky Atyeronimungu – Amus College WFC (Uganda).
Midfielders
Grace Kawino – SIA International WFC (Uganda), Tahia Nantege – Isra Soccer Academy (Uganda), Tracy Nabalanzi – URA Ladies FC (Uganda), Lydia Nameseruka – Isra Soccer Academy (Uganda), Brenda Nassaka – St. Noa Girls FC (Uganda), Justine Ayerango – Rines SS WFC (Uganda), Immaculate Acen – SIA International WFC (Uganda), Sheila Mungutimu – Boni Consilii Girls FC (Uganda), and Cynthia Kirenga – URA Ladies FC (Uganda).
Forwards
Terry Mora Oseko – Nkoma Secondary School (Uganda), Shadia Nabirye – Kawempe Muslim Ladies FC (Uganda), and Joan Namakula – Isra Soccer Academy (Uganda).
Officials
Agnes Mugena – Leader of Delegation
Sheryl Ulanda Botes – Head Coach
Collins Ahumuza – First Assistant Coach
David Ribeiro – Goalkeeper Coach
Moses William Nkata – Sports Scientist
Allan Magunda Nsubuga – Video Analyst
Mable Kabatalindwa – Team Doctor
Jackline Nakuya – Physiotherapist
Joan Namusisi – Team Manager
Cissy Gaudensia Nakiguba – Equipment Manager
Leilah Shamirah Nabisere – Media Officer
Last Training
