Teen Cranes Eye Kenya Scalp on Enemy Territory to Keep U17 World Cup Dream Alive

Uganda’s Teen Cranes will be looking to seal a ticket to the final round of the World Cup qualifiers when they take on Kenya in the return leg in Nairobi on Saturday.

Coach Sheryl Botes Ulanda named a strong squad of 20 which will travel to Nairobi on Thursday for the return leg match at the Nyayo National Stadium and there is hope that they will secure qualification.

In the first leg played in Uganda last week, the game ended 1-1 and therefore there is a lot to play for as there is no side with an advantage.

Uganda’s Teen Cranes struck first last week with Shadia Nabirye finding the back of the net just 13 minutes into the match. However, their lead was cancelled out in the second half by Kenya’s Junior Starlets when Emily Adhiambo scored an equaliser in the 60th minute.

Adhiambo, who was a second-half substitute, showed class when she picked a loose ball from nearly 40 yards out and floated it into the net. Kenya had launched an attack but the Uganda goalkeeper came off her line to clear the ball and it fell to Adhiambo.

Spotting the goalkeeper off her line, Adhiambo controlled the ball well before firing in with the custodian not able to get back in time to save it.

Uganda will be wary of playing Kenya, buoyed by their home supporters, but will count on their experience and good run so far in the qualifiers.

The Teen Cranes secured their spot in this round after a dominant performance against Zimbabwe, advancing with a commanding 6-1 aggregate victory in the initial stage of the qualifiers.

A win against Kenya will see them make it to the final round of the qualifiers, where they will take on either Tanzania or South Africa, for a ticket to the 2026 FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup to be hosted by Morocco from October 17 to November 7.

Goalkeepers: Sharifah Kizito Namutebi – Kampala Queens FC and Adam Mayimuna Namuwaya – St. Noa Girls FC.

Defenders: Ritah Anitah Nambuusi – Bukedea Comprehensive School, Martha Babirye – St. Noa Girls FC, Jovia Nakirya – Rines SS WFC, Tahia Nantege – Isra Soccer Academy, Phionah Arach – Rines SS WFC and Vicky Atyeronimungu – Amus College WFC.

Midfielders: Tracy Nabalanzi – URA Ladies FC, Angel Gerevans Dominick – SIA International WFC, Lydia Nameseruka – Isra Soccer Academy, Brenda Nassaka – St. Noa Girls FC, Justine Ayerango – Rines SS WFC, Joan Namakula Aketogwanga – Isra Soccer Academy, Giovanna Aketogwanga – St. Noa Girls FC, Cynthia Kirenga – URA Ladies FC, Grace Kawino – SIA International WFC and Immaculate Acen – SIA International WFC.

Strikers: Shadia Nabirye – Kawempe Muslim Ladies FC and Monica Buteme – Bugisu High School.