Kampala, Uganda: Uganda women’s national under-17 football team have officially entered residential camp ahead of their crucial FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup second-round qualifier against regional rivals Kenya.
Uganda will host the first leg on May 22 at FUFA Stadium Kadiba before travelling to Nairobi for the return leg on May 30 at Nyayo National Stadium.
Head coach Sheryl Ulanda Botes has summoned a provisional squad as preparations intensify for what is expected to be a demanding East African derby.
The squad largely retains the core players who guided Uganda to a dominant 6-1 aggregate victory over Zimbabwe in the opening qualification round.
The Teen Cranes first secured a 2-0 away win before sealing qualification with a convincing 4-1 triumph in Kampala.
Among the forwards named in the squad are Shadia Nabirye of Kawempe Muslim Ladies FC, Susan Nabyonga from SIA International Women Football Club, Terry Mora Oseko and Monica Buteme.
The team began training camp on Thursday at the FUFA Technical Centre Njeru as the technical bench sharpens tactics ahead of the high-stakes encounter.
Coach Botes faces a major test against Kenya’s Junior Starlets, who gained valuable international exposure after featuring at the 2024 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in the Dominican Republic.
Kenya booked their place in the second qualification round after thrashing Namibia 7-1 on aggregate, underlining their pedigree and experience at this level.
The winner over the two legs will advance closer to the final qualification round for the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup scheduled to be hosted in Morocco.
Coach Botes has opted for a balanced squad blending youth league talent with emerging school stars, with notable representation from SIA International WFC, St. Noa Girls and Rines SS WFC.
Provisional Squad
Goalkeepers: Sharifah Kizito Namutebi, Hawa Kizza, A. Mayimuna Namuwaya, Sophia Nakazzi
Defenders: Ritah Anitah Nambuusi, Martha Babirye, Jovia Nakirya, Ester Namatovu, Tahia Nantege, Phionah Arach, Vicky Atyeronimungu, Rebecca Wembabazi
Midfielders: Tracy Nabalanzi, Jennifer N. Onyango, Angel Gerevans Dominick, Trinah Nakawuki, Lydia Nameseruka, Brenda Nassaka, Justine Ayerango, Joan Namakula, Editor Akatukwasa, Giovanna Aketogwanga, Cynthia Kirenga, Grace Kawino, Immaculate Acen, Halima Mupyanga, Sheila Mungutimu
Strikers: Shadia Nabirye, Susan Nabyonga, Terry Mora Oseko, Monica Buteme
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