The Uganda Women’s National Football Team, the “Crested Cranes,” is gearing up for a highly anticipated clash against Ethiopia in the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) Qualifiers. Head coach Sheryl Botes has announced a provisional 39-player squad as the team prepares for the first leg, set to take place in Kampala on February 21. The return fixture will be held in Ethiopia just five days later on February 26.
During the squad announcement, Botes stressed the significance of the upcoming fixtures, acknowledging the intensity of the task ahead. “We are playing Ethiopia and we know it is going to be a tough challenge,” Botes stated. “There is always a rivalry between Uganda and Ethiopia, and we hope the team will be strong enough to put up a good performance. Qualifying for WAFCON won’t be easy, but we must work tirelessly with our players now.”
Botes also expressed her confidence in integrating young, emerging talents into the squad. Among the fresh faces are U17 players Martha Babirye, Doreen Aujat, Shadia Nabirye, Agnes Nabukenya, and Rinah Ariho. She emphasized the importance of offering these young players the opportunity to learn from the senior squad, which will help build their experience for future challenges, including World Cup qualifiers against Kenya.
“It’s always good to bring in young players and give them an opportunity in the senior national team so they can gain experience and learn how to train and compete with the best,” Botes explained.
One standout addition to the squad is promising goalkeeper Lillian Nakiirya. After impressing in U17 engagements against Zambia and Cameroon, Botes sees great potential in Nakiirya and is eager to see her grow by competing with top senior players like Ruth and Daisy. Nakiirya is also expected to feature in the upcoming U20 World Cup qualifiers.
However, several notable players have missed out on the squad due to injuries. Fauzia Najjemba and Vanessa Karungi are both recovering from knee surgeries, with Botes confirming that they remain part of her future plans. Aisha Nantongo, who shone in the CAF Women’s Champions League, has also been left out, but Botes is hopeful to work with her in future camps.
As the Crested Cranes prepare to kick off their qualification journey, the team is set to begin training on February 9 at Cranes Paradise Hotel, Kisaasi, with sessions at Hamz Stadium in Nakivubo. The team is aiming for a strong return to WAFCON after their last appearance in Morocco in 2022, with hopes of securing a spot in the prestigious competition.
