FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup qualifiers: Botes Hopeful As Queen Cranes Travel to face Zambia.

Uganda U-20 Women’s National Team head coach Sheryl Botes is hopeful her side can pick positive results despite the expected cold and rainy conditions in Ndola.

I believe we have the ability to do more damage in Zambia. I have been told it has been raining every day, so we will assess the situation on arrival. We will definitely train in the rain a day before the match so the girls can get used to the conditions. I am hopeful and I believe we can make an impact in Zambia.’ boates told Fufa.co.ug

She has named a 20-player squad for the return leg of the 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup qualifiers against Zambia, scheduled for 14 February 2026 at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola.

The squad is comprised of two goalkeepers, Seven defenders, eight Midfielders and three forwards.

The Queen Cranes completed their final training session on Wednesday morning at FUFA Stadium, Kadiba, before departing at 2:45 am aboard Ethiopian Airlines. The travelling delegation is headed by FUFA Executive Committee Member Agnes Mugena.

Second assistant captain Lillian Nakiirya assured fans that the team remains motivated ahead of the decisive fixture.

‘We have completed our last training session here at FUFA Stadium, Kadiba, as we prepare to depart for Zambia tonight. We are ready to play this game because it is vital for keeping our World Cup hopes alive.’

The first leg in Kampala ended in a one-all draw, with the tie to be decided in Ndola. The aggregate winner between Uganda and Zambia will face either South Africa or Ghana in the final qualification round.

Travelling squad

Goalkeepers:
Lillian Nakirya (St Noa Girls), Angella Adeke (Amus College WFC).

Defenders:
Desire Katisi Natooro (Kenya Police Bullets FC, Kenya), Barbara Anomo (St Noa Girls), Hasifah Patricia Namboozo (Makerere University WFC), Zabinah Nambozo (Amus College WFC), Martha Babirye (El Cambio), Ritah Kadondi (UCU Lady Cardinals FC), Vicky Atyeronimungu (Amus College WFC).

Midfielders:
Agnes Nabukenya (Kawempe Muslim Ladies FC), Krusum Namutebi (Kawempe Muslim Ladies FC), Imelda Kasemire (St Noa Girls), Patricia Nayiga (St Noa Girls), Dorcus Kisakye (Kawempe Muslim Ladies FC), Sumaya Nalumu (Kampala Queens WFC), Peace Muduwa (Kampala Queens WFC), Angel Kigongo Auki (Uganda Martyrs WFC).

Forwards:
Sylvia Kabene (Hibernian FC, Malta), Mary Katono (She Corporate FC), Yasmeen Nalukwago (Rines SS WFC).

Officials

Agnes Mugena – Head of delegation
Sheryl Ulanda Botes – Head coach
Collins Ahumuza – First assistant coach
David Ribeiro – Goalkeeper coach
Sefika Pelin Bal – Sports scientist
Allan Magunda Nsubuga – Video analyst
Mable Kabatalindwa – Team doctor
Jackline Nkuya – Physiotherapist
Joan Namusisi – Team manager
Cissy Gaudensia Nakiguba – Equipment manager
Aminah Namutebi – Team media officer