Queen Cranes Step Up Preparations Ahead of Crucial Ghana Tie in Women's World Cup Qualifiers

The Uganda U-20 Women’s National Team, known as the Queen Cranes, has officially started its preparations for the final round of the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup 2026 African Qualifiers.

The team checked into a residential camp at the FUFA Technical Centre in Njeru on Sunday, April 19, 2026. They are gearing up for a decisive two-legged showdown against Ghana, with a spot at the World Cup in Poland on the line.

The first leg is scheduled to take place between May 1 and 3, 2026, followed by the return fixture on May 9. The aggregate winner of this fourth and final qualifying round will secure one of Africa's coveted places at the global tournament.

During their first training session, the Queen Cranes focused on tactical organisation and physical conditioning as the coaching staff works to fine-tune the squad for the critical encounter.

Head coach Sheryl Ulanda Botes commented on the team's mindset after the initial session, expressing confidence in their readiness.

"We commenced our first preparations this morning, and I have already seen a positive mentality from the players. They are confident," she stated as per FUFA.

"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."

Botes also highlighted the inclusion of new talent from school teams, emphasizing their role in fostering a competitive environment within the camp.

"We have also included some young players from schools," she added. "We want to integrate them into the team because they bring healthy competition in camp."

The following players have been called up for the preliminary squad:

Goalkeepers: Lillian Nakiirya (St. Noa Girls FC), Angella Adeke (Amus College WFC), Elizabeth Atieno (Amus College WFC), Josephine Nambuya (Kawempe Muslim Ladies FC), Nuriat Nawegulo (She Maroons FC).

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

Midfielders: Agnes Nabukenya (Kawempe Muslim Ladies FC), Krusum Namutebi (Kawempe Muslim Ladies FC), Angel Gerevans Dominick (St. Noa Girls FC), Jennifer Namagembe Onyango (St. Noa Girls FC), Mary Kituyi (Bududa High School), Zainabu Birungi (St. Noa Girls FC), Imelda Kasemire (St. Noa Girls FC), Patricia Nayiga (St. Noa Girls FC), Shamim Nalukwago (Standard Secondary School, Zana), Dorine Wandera (Amus College WFC), Sumaya Nalumu (St. Noa Girls FC), Peace Muduwa (Kampala Queens FC), Sylvia Kabene (Hibernian FC, Malta), Angel Kigongo Auki (Uganda Martyrs Lubaga FC), Lillian Asiyanzo (Standard High Secondary School, Zana), Megan Mukiibi (RSL El Paso DPL, USA).

Forwards: Mary Kantono (She Corporate FC), Yasmeen Naluwago (Rines SS WFC), Terry Moraa Oseko (Nkoma Secondary School), Hadijah Balinabyo (BUL WFC).

Team Officials

Head Coach: Sheryl Ulanda Botes

Assistant Coaches: Ahumuza Collins, Nantumbwe Sharifah

Goalkeeper Coaches: David Ribeiro, Ssebuliba George

Sports Scientists: Sefika Pelin Bal, Nkata Moses

Video Analyst: Nsubuga Allan Magunda Team Doctor: Kabatalindwa Mable

Physiotherapist: Nakuya Jackline

Team Manager: Namusisi Joan

Equipment Manager: Nakiguba Cissy Gaudensia

Equipment Officer: Nalwadda Prossy

Media Officer: Nabisere Leilah Shamirah