Buikwe, Uganda: Uganda U-20 Women’s National Team midfielder Dorine Wandera has expressed strong confidence in the Queen Cranes camp as preparations intensify ahead of a decisive FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup qualifier against Ghana.
Wandera, who features for Amus College WFC, said the team is fully focused and determined to deliver results in the high-stakes two-legged tie.
“I am proud to be here. All the players are well prepared and focused. We want to give our best against Ghana and qualify for the World Cup. It is everyone’s dream to play at the World Cup,” Wandera said during training at the FUFA Technical Centre in Njeru.
She highlighted the unity and competitive spirit within camp as a key driver of the team’s readiness. “The environment here is very good. Everyone is working hard, supporting each other and pushing for the same goal. That spirit is helping us prepare well,” she added.
Uganda is set to face Ghana in the final qualification round for the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup 2026, scheduled to take place in Poland. The first leg will be played between May 1 and 3 in Accra, before the return leg in Kampala on May 9.
The aggregate winner will secure one of Africa’s limited slots at the global tournament.
Head coach Sheryl Ulanda Botes expressed confidence in the squad’s mentality and early preparations. “We commenced our preparations and I have already seen a positive mentality from the players. They are confident,” Botes said.
She noted that the technical team is working against time to build the right combinations ahead of the away fixture.
“We have only a few sessions to prepare, so we are using this time to find the right balance, especially as we aim to get a good result away against Ghana,” she explained.
Botes also emphasised the importance of integrating emerging talent into the national setup. “We have included some young players from schools. They bring energy and healthy competition, which is important for the team,” she said.
The provisional squad blends experienced domestic players with foreign-based talent, all competing for final selection ahead of the crucial tie.
Four players from the Uganda U-17 side that thrashed Zimbabwe 4-1 in Kampala to seal a 6-1 aggregate victory have been promoted. These include Martha Babirye (St. Noa Girls FC), Phionah Arach (Rines SS WFC), Vicky Atyeronimungu (Amus College WFC), and Terry Moraa Oseko (Nkoma Secondary School).
Uganda’s squad features a strong mix across all departments, with goalkeepers, defenders, midfielders, and forwards drawn from top domestic clubs and international setups.
Queen Cranes provisional squad includes;
Goalkeepers: Lillian Nakiirya–St. Noa Girls FC (Uganda), Angella Adeke–Amus College WFC (Uganda), Elizabeth Atieno–Amus College WFC (Uganda), Josephine Nambuya–Kawempe Muslim Ladies FC (Uganda), Nuriat Nawegulo–She Maroons FC (Uganda).
Defenders: Desire Katisi Natooro–Kenya Police Bullets FC (Kenya), Barbara Anomo–St. Noa Girls FC (Uganda), Hasifah Patricia Namboozo–Makerere University WFC (Uganda), Zabinah Namboozo–Amus College WFC (Uganda), Patricia Nakato Nankyanzi–Rines SS WFC (Uganda), Martha Babirye–St. Noa Girls FC (Uganda), Phionah Arach–Rines SS WFC (Uganda), Ritah Kadondi–UCU Lady Cardinals FC (Uganda), Vicky Atyeronimungu–Amus College WFC (Uganda).
Midfielders: Agnes Nabukenya–Kawempe Muslim Ladies FC (Uganda), Krusum Namutebi–Kawempe Muslim Ladies FC (Uganda), Angel Gerevans Dominick–St. Noa Girls FC (Uganda), Jennifer Namagembe Onyango–St. Noa Girls FC (Uganda), Mary Kituyi–Bududa High School (Uganda), Zainabu Birungi–St. Noa Girls FC (Uganda), Imelda Kasemire–St. Noa Girls FC (Uganda), Patricia Nayiga–St. Noa Girls FC (Uganda), Shamim Nalukwago–Standard Secondary School, Zana (Uganda), Dorine Wandera–Amus College WFC (Uganda), Sumaya Nalumu–St. Noa Girls FC (Uganda), Peace Muduwa–Kampala Queens FC (Uganda), Sylvia Kabene–Hibernian FC (Malta), Angel Kigongo Auki–Uganda Martyrs Lubaga FC (Uganda), Lillian Asiyanzo–Standard High Secondary School, Zana (Uganda), Megan Mukiibi–RSL El Paso DPL (USA).
Forwards: Mary Kantono–She Corporate FC (Uganda), Yasmeen Naluwago–Rines SS WFC (Uganda), Terry Moraa Oseko–Nkoma Secondary School (Uganda), Hadijah Balinabyo–BUL WFC (Uganda).
At continental level, competition remains intense, with only four African teams set to qualify for the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup. Traditional powerhouses such as Ghana, Nigeria, Cameroon, and Ivory Coast are all battling for the limited slots.
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