FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup Qualifiers
Return Leg: Saturday at Nyayo National Stadium, Nairobi.
Kenya v Uganda 4 pm
First leg Result: Uganda 1 Kenya 1
NAIROBI, Kenya: Uganda’s U-17 women’s national team, the Teen Cranes, face arguably the biggest match of their campaign on Saturday when they take on Kenya’s Junior Starlets in the decisive return leg of the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup qualifiers at Nyayo National Stadium.
The two East African rivals head into the clash level at 1-1 on aggregate following last week’s first leg in Kampala, leaving everything to play for in Nairobi as both sides chase a place in the next qualification round and keep alive their dream of reaching the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco.
For Uganda, the equation is simple but challenging. The Teen Cranes must avoid defeat and find a way past a Kenyan side that carries valuable experience from the 2024 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in the Dominican Republic.
Teen Cranes assistant captain Angel Gerevans Dominick believes the team is ready for the challenge and has called on Ugandans living in Kenya to rally behind the squad.
“I thank Almighty God for giving me the opportunity to be part of this team. Our coaches have prepared us well for the second leg and I call upon all Ugandans in Kenya to come and support us in big numbers. We promise to fight for a positive result,” Dominick said.
The return leg presents a stern test for coach Sheryl Botes and her charges, who must improve on their first-leg performance if they are to progress.
Botes has emphasized the importance of defensive discipline and efficiency in front of goal, warning that the margins between success and elimination are extremely thin.
“We must score goals and stay very disciplined defensively because one mistake can change everything. We also need to be more clinical in front of goal,” the South African tactician noted.
Away Goals Could Prove Decisive
The tie remains delicately poised because of the away goals rule.
Kenya secured a potentially crucial away goal in Kampala, meaning Uganda cannot afford a goalless draw in Nairobi. Any scoring draw would favour the Teen Cranes due to away goals, while a victory for either side guarantees progression.
The situation places added pressure on Uganda to find the back of the net while remaining compact at the other end.
Football analysts believe the first goal could significantly influence the outcome, with an early Kenyan strike forcing Uganda into a more aggressive approach.
World Cup Dream Within Reach
Saturday’s encounter is about more than regional bragging rights.
The winner will move one step closer to securing one of Africa’s qualification slots for the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup, scheduled for Morocco from October 17 to November 7.
The tournament will feature five African representatives, including hosts Morocco, making qualification one of the most fiercely contested campaigns on the continent.
Uganda has made significant progress in women’s youth football in recent years, and qualification would represent another major milestone for the country’s growing reputation in the women’s game.
Travelling Squad
Goalkeepers: Sharifah Kizito Namutebi (Kampala Queens FC), 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), 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), Immaculate Acen (SIA International WFC).
Forwards: Shadia Nabirye (Kawempe Muslim Ladies FC), Monica Buteme (Bugisu High School).
The match kicks off at 4pm East African time at Nyayo National Stadium.
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