Kampala, Uganda: Uganda’s U-20 women national team, the Queen Cranes, begin their quest for a place at the FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup this Saturday when they host Zambia in the first leg of the second-round African qualifier at FUFA Stadium, Kadiba.
The tie will be decided over two legs, with Uganda hosting the opener on Saturday, February 7 (4:00 pm) before travelling to Lusaka for the return fixture on Saturday, February 14. The aggregate winner will advance to the final qualification round, where either Ghana or South Africa await.
Head coach Shirley Botes has named a provisional 30-player squad, blending locally based talent with players plying their trade abroad, underlining Uganda’s intent to secure a strong home result ahead of what is expected to be a demanding away leg.
Uganda’s strength is expected to lie in midfield, where Agnes Nabukenya, Shamusa Najjuma and Auki Angel Kigongo provide balance, work rate and tactical discipline. The addition of US-based Angella Nolla brings creativity and a different tempo, giving the Queen Cranes an option to control possession and disrupt Zambia’s rhythm.
In attack, the pressure will be on Sumayah Nalumu and Malta-based Sylvia Kabene to convert chances, supported by Mary Katono, Yasmeen Nalukwago and Nusulah Nakintu. Uganda are expected to press aggressively in front of home fans, aiming to build an advantage before the Lusaka return leg.
At the back, captain Desire Katisi Natooro anchors the defence, marshaling a unit that includes Martha Babirye, Ritah Kadondi and Vicky Atyeronimungu. In goal, Lillian Nakirya leads a goalkeeping group that combines school football promise with league experience.
Full Provisional Squad
Goalkeepers: Lillian Nakirya (St. Noa Girls), Angella Adeke (Amus College WFC), Josephine Nambuya (Kawempe Muslim Ladies FC), Charity Chebet (Uganda Martyrs Ladies 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), Patricia Nakato Nanyanzi (Rines SS WFC), Martha Babirye (El Cambio), Patricia Babirye (Bunya SSC), Ritah Kadondi (UCU Lady Cardinals FC), Vicky Atyeronimungu (Amus College WFC), Charity Katusiime (Amus College WFC)
Midfielders: Angella Nolla (Great Falls Reston Girls – USA), Agnes Nabukenya (Kawempe Muslim Ladies FC), Krusum Namutebi (Kawempe Muslim Ladies FC), Imelda Kasemire (St. Noa Girls), Shamusa Najjuma (Kampala Queens WFC), Patricia Nayiga (St. Noa Girls), Dorcus Kisakye (Kawempe Muslim Ladies FC), Dorine Wandera (Amus College WFC), Sumayah Nalumu (Kampala Queens WFC), Peace Muduwa (Kampala Queens WFC), Shakirah Kasango (St. Noa Girls), Phionah Arach (Rines SS WFC), Auki Angel Kigongo (Uganda Martyrs WFC), Sherinah Mungutimu (Boni Consili Girls FC)
Forwards: Sylvia Kabene (Hibernians FC – Malta), Mary Katono (She Corporate FC), Yasmeen Nalukwago (Rines SS WFC), Nusulah Nakintu (Uganda Martyrs WFC)
With qualification at stake and continental heavyweights looming in the next round, Uganda will be banking on home advantage, discipline and midfield control to edge past Zambia and keep their World Cup dream alive.
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