Uganda U-20 Women’s National Team head coach Sheryl Ulanda Botes has named a 20-player squad for the return leg of the 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup qualifiers against Zambia. The highly anticipated fixture is set for February 14, 2026, at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola.
The Queen Cranes concluded their final training session on Wednesday morning at FUFA Stadium, Kadiba, before departing for Zambia in the early hours of Thursday aboard Ethiopian Airlines. The travelling delegation is led by FUFA Executive Committee Member Madam Agnes Mugena.
Uganda heads into the decisive encounter following a 1-1 draw in the first leg played in Kampala. With the tie finely balanced, the aggregate winner will advance to face either South Africa or Ghana in the final qualification round.
Coach Botes expressed optimism about her team’s chances, despite reports of persistent rainfall and cold conditions in Ndola.
“I believe we have the ability to do more damage in Zambia,” Botes said. “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.”
Second assistant captain Lillian Nakiirya echoed the coach’s confidence, emphasizing the importance of the match in keeping Uganda’s World Cup ambitions alive.
“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,” she said.
The squad features a blend of domestic and international talent, including forward Sylvia Kabene, who plies her trade with Hibernian FC in Malta, and defender Desire Katisi Natooro of Kenya Police Bullets FC.
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)
