With a place at the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup within touching distance, Uganda’s U-20 women’s national team—the Queen Cranes—have entered a decisive phase of their campaign. Head coach Sheryl Ulanda Botes has unveiled a 35-player provisional squad as preparations intensify for a high-stakes double-header against Ghana in the final round of qualifiers.
Only 180 minutes now separate either side from qualification, raising the stakes for what promises to be a fiercely contested tie.
Uganda will convene for residential training on Saturday, 18 April, at the FUFA Technical Centre in Njeru, where the squad is expected to undergo a focused two-week build-up. The first leg of the encounter is scheduled between 1–3 May 2026, setting the stage for a crucial opening battle.
In contrast, Ghana appear to hold a slight preparatory advantage, having entered camp as early as 29 March. By the time the teams meet, the West Africans will have benefited from nearly a full month of structured training.
History, too, leans in Ghana’s favour. The two nations last met in 2022, where Ghana asserted dominance with 2-1 and 5-0 victories across both legs, advancing with a commanding 7-1 aggregate. They would later seal World Cup qualification by overcoming Ethiopia 5-1 on aggregate.
Uganda, meanwhile, remain in pursuit of a historic first qualification, while Ghana boast seven appearances on the global stage—underlining the scale of the challenge ahead for the East Africans.
Across the continent, the final qualifying round features eight teams battling for just four coveted slots. Alongside Uganda versus Ghana, the fixtures include Cameroon against Tanzania, Nigeria facing Malawi, and Ivory Coast taking on Benin.
The qualification format is straightforward yet unforgiving: the aggregate winner over two legs advances. If tied, the away goals rule applies, and if still level, the contest proceeds directly to penalties—without extra time.
Eligibility regulations require all players to be born on or after 1 January 2006, ensuring the competition remains strictly within the U-20 category.
The successful teams will represent Africa at the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup set for Poland from 5 to 27 September 2026. At the previous edition in Colombia, Ghana, Morocco, Nigeria, and Cameroon carried the continent’s hopes.
Globally, Korea DPR enter as reigning champions, while Germany and the United States share the record for most titles, with three each.
For Uganda, this is more than just another qualifier—it is a chance to rewrite history.
The 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).
Officials
Sheryl Ulanda Botes–Head Coach
David Ribeiro–Goalkeeper Coach
Sefika Pelin Bal–Sports Scientist
Ahumuza Collins–Assistant Coach
Nantumbwe Sharifah–Assistant Coach
Ssebuliba George–Goalkeeper Coach
Nsubuga Allan Magunda–Video Analyst
Nkata Moses–Sports Scientist
Kabatalindwa Mable–Team Doctor
Nakuya Jackline–Physiotherapist
Nakiguba Cissy Gaudensia–Equipment Manager
Namusisi Joan–Team Manager
Nalwadda Prossy–Equipment Officer
Nabisere Leilah Shamirah–Media Officer
The team enters residential camp at FUFA Technical Centre, Njeru, on Saturday 18th April 2026.
Format of play
The qualifiers are played on a home-and-away two-legged basis, with the aggregate score determining the winner. In the event that the teams are level on aggregate after both legs, the away goals rule will apply, and if still tied, the winner will be decided by a penalty shoot-out with no extra time.
This fixture falls under the fourth round of the qualifiers, where victory over the two legs will secure qualification to the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup 2026.
