Kampala, Uganda: Queen Cranes Midfielder Patricia Nayiga has expressed confidence in the Uganda U-20 Women’s National Team ahead of a decisive two-legged clash against Ghana U20 Women’s National Team in the final round of qualification for the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup 2026.
Uganda will face Ghana in the first leg on May 3 at the Accra Sports Stadium before hosting the return leg on May 9 at FUFA Stadium, Kadiba in Kampala, with the aggregate winner securing a place at the World Cup in Poland.
Nayiga said the team is in strong condition and fully focused on the task ahead.
“We are in good condition, and the coaches are giving us all the necessary technical support. As players, we are doing our best to earn a place at the World Cup. We believe we can get a positive result against Ghana and qualify,” she said.
The team is currently in residential camp at the FUFA Technical Centre in Njeru, where preparations have intensified ahead of the high-stakes encounter.
“Training is intense and focused, and every player understands the task ahead. We are united, disciplined, and ready to fight for the badge and make Uganda proud,” Nayiga added.
Uganda’s squad has been boosted by four players promoted from the U-17 team, including Martha Babirye, Phionah Arach, Vicky Atyeronimungu and Terry Moraa Oseko, who recently played a key role in Uganda’s 6-1 aggregate victory over Zimbabwe.
The tie comes against the backdrop of stiff continental competition, with only four African teams set to qualify for the global tournament alongside traditional powerhouses such as Nigeria, Cameroon, and Ivory Coast.
If Uganda qualifies, the team, commonly known as the Queen Cranes, will become only the second Ugandan side to feature at a FIFA World Cup, following the historic qualification of the U-17 boys team last year.
In a related development, Uganda has also received a boost on the officiating front, with centre referee Lucky Kasalirwe and assistant referee Brianson Musisi selected by CAF for a preparation course ahead of the U-17 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.
The tournament, scheduled from May 13 to June 2, will serve as a qualifier for the FIFA U-17 World Cup.
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