The 6th edition of the FUFA Women’s Cup round of 32 got underway over the weekend with 9 matches played across the country but sadly all host teams failed to capitalise on home advantage as they got eliminated from this year’s competition.
Cup holders She Corporate FC cruised to the round of 16 after squeezing past Iganga based side Busoga Queens 1-0. Adweru Barbra scored the all-important goal that delivered the victory for the Jinja based side and keep them on track of defending their crown.
Olila were a no match for their hosts seeing off Sacred Hearts 4-1 thanks to goals from Grace Aluka (2), Lwalisa Dorcus and Atwani Brenda.
Finance Trust Bank FUFA Women Super league outfits She Maroons FC and Lady Doves narrowly survived and needed penalties to beat their respective opponents to reach the round of 16.
Lady doves overcame Gold Star ladies 8-7 on penalties after tying 2-2 in normal time whereas She Maroons beat She Kasese 4-1 on penalties after a 1-all draw.
In other matches Asubo Ladies eliminated fellow FUFA Women Elite league opponents UCU Lady Cardinals after beating them 3-1 at home in Mukono.
Pabo Ladies eliminated Highway Ladies defeating them by a 2-1 score line whereas Kawempe Muslim Ladies FC beat Royal Dreamers from Bushenyi 2-0 to advance.
The round of 32 will conclude with all remaining fixtures set to be played over this weekend.
Uganda’s Teen Cranes suffered a 2-0 defeat to Kenya U17 Women’s team in the first leg of the second-round qualifiers for the 2025 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup. The match took place on Saturday evening at Hamz Stadium, Nakivubo.
Kenya started strongly, launching early attacks, but the Teen Cranes’ defense, marshaled by goalkeeper Haira Nabbosa, stood firm.
As the game progressed, Uganda grew into the contest, but a defensive lapse in the 37th minute saw Edina Nasipwondi break the deadlock after beating the offside trap.
Teen Cranes captain Agnes Nabukenya had a golden opportunity to equalize but fired over the bar with only the goalkeeper to beat.
The visitors then doubled their lead in first-half stoppage time, with Joan Ogola calmly slotting past Nabbosa after a surging run down the left flank.
At the start of the second half, Uganda’s head coach Sheryl Botes made a double substitution, introducing Justine Ayerango and Patience Asango for Shadia Nabirye and Shamira Namukabirye in an attempt to turn the tide. More changes followed, with Rinah Ariho replacing Mariam Namataka, and Joan Kizza Namulindwa coming on for Nabukenya, who was forced off with a knock.
Despite pushing for a response, Uganda struggled to break through Kenya’s resilient defense. Nabbosa was called into action to deny the dangerous Brenda Achieng, who had breached the backline.
The result gives Kenya a crucial 2-0 advantage heading into the return leg on March 18, 2025, in Nairobi. The aggregate winner of this tie will face either Cameroon or Ethiopia in the final qualification round for a place at the 2025 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup later this year.
UCU Lady Cardinals FC – Asubo Ladies FC UCU Mukono 3pm
Pabo United WFC – Highway Ladies FC Pabo P/S Play Grd, Amuru 3pm
Royal Dreamers WFC – Kawempe Muslim Ladies FC, Bushenyi Main 3pm
With the league title and relegation races heating up at different level, teams will now turn their attention to the FUFA Women’s cup weekend with the round of 32 of the 6th edition of the knock out competition set to kick off this weekend with over 10 match ups.
Action gets underway in Bukedea when Gold Stars FC hosts Lady Doves FC from Masindi at the Amus College School playground.
Last seasons’ winners She Corporate will start their title defense in Iganga when they visit Busoga Queens in their quest to retain the trophy a feat that has not been achieved by any of the other 5 previous winners.
She Corprate starting XI that wlon the Cup in the 2023/2024 Season
In other fixtures, Isra Soccer Academy WFC will host Amus College WFC, She maroons will be in Kasese to face She Kasese FC, Uganda Martyrs Lubaga Junior team will will host FC Tooro Queens whereas Lango Queens host St. Noa Girls Zzana FC in Lira and Sacred Hearts WFC play Olila H/S WFC in Gulu.
2022/2023 Winners of the FUFA Women’s Cup – Uganda Martyrs Lubaga WFC
It will be FUFA Women Elite League affair in Mukono when UCU Lady Cardinals FC host Asubo Ladies FC, as Pabo United WFC host Highway Ladies FC in Amuru. In the other fixture Kawempe Muslim Ladies FC will make the long trip to Bushenyi to face off the Royal Dreamers WFC.
With fans mobilization and increasing the popularity of womens’ football among the populace through creating awareness of women football at this round, teams playing in the lower divisions below the Finance Trust Bank FUFA Women Super League were given advantage to host matches meaning that there won’t be any home advantage for teams playing in the top tier division.
The team with more goals at the end of the match shall be the winner of the match and if teams are still tying by goals at the end of the match, kicks from penalty mark shall be applied to determine the winner.
The Uganda U17 Women’s National Team, fondly known as the Teen Cranes, is set to host their Kenyan counterparts on Saturday, 8th March 2025, at the Hamz Stadium, Nakivubo. This encounter marks the second round of the 2025 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup Qualifiers.
Ahead of this fixture, coaches from both teams addressed members of the media at a press conference held at the FUFA Complex in Mengo, offering insights into their preparations and expectations for the game.
Uganda’s head coach Sheryl Botes reflected on the team’s preparation and strategic approach for the crucial fixture against Kenya.
“We had eight days to prepare the team. From what we have done so far, we are confident we can give Kenya a run for their money,” she asserted.
Recognising the strength of the opposition, she added, “They are a formidable team that has previously participated in the World Cup. They bring a lot of experience and skill, so I wouldn’t use the same team that played against Namibia.”
The coach also stressed the importance of securing a home victory. “One of our key areas of focus is to get the win at home.”
Uganda U17 Women’s captain – Agnes Nabukenya
“Playing on the National Senior team has helped me gain endurance, learn new tactics and this enables me to provide able leadership to my team. We have been prepared well to get the win against Kenya. The team is ready to show everything that has been learnt in camp. We know expectations are high following our big win over two legs against Namibia but the players in camp are grounded. Playing infront of our fans gives us extra motivation to search for good results in the first leg and plan later for the return match”
The head coach of the Kenyan U17 team Mildred Cheche expressed confidence in her squad’s readiness for the challenge ahead.
“We are not worried. We are prepared. Football is a game of 90 minutes, and a lot can happen within that time,” she stated.
She also highlighted the team’s developmental structure, noting the integration of younger players into the squad.
“We have players from the U15 team who have graduated to the U17 level to fill the gaps left by those who moved up to the U20 team.”
Acknowledging Uganda’s impressive performance in the previous round, she admitted,
“We expect challenging opposition. Looking at the previous game Uganda played against Namibia, it shows they are well-organised.”
She also extended her respect to the Uganda head coach, saying, “I have much respect for Coach Botes.”
Kenya U17 Women’s captain – Halima Imbachi
“We know that it is a derby match between these two countries. It is a very big day for us and we know it will not be easy. We are ready to go and face Uganda”
Uganda advanced to this stage in emphatic fashion, overpowering Namibia with a resounding 18-1 aggregate victory in the first round. This dominant performance has positioned the Teen Cranes as strong contenders in the qualifiers.
The winner of the Uganda vs Kenya tie will proceed to the third round, where they will face either Ethiopia or Cameroon in their quest for a place at the 2025 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.
As the Uganda Women’s National Team, the Crested Cranes, prepared for their crucial Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) qualifier against Ethiopia, player safety took centre stage.
At the Cranes Paradise Hotel in Kisasi, Dr. Apollo Ahimbisibwe, FUFA’s Head of Medical, delivered an important presentation on FIFA’s ‘Suspect and Protect’ concussion awareness campaign.
The campaign, launched in 2024 by FIFA in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO), aims to educate players, coaches and medical personnel about the dangers of concussion—a serious brain injury that requires immediate attention.
Dr. Ahimbisibwe emphasized that in a contact sport like football, every player is at risk, and understanding concussion symptoms is crucial for long-term well-being.
‘Football ought to be a sport that is safe and secure for all players. The concussion campaign is a step in the right direction of ensuring the safety of all players. Everyone in the sport needs to notice the signs of concussion, which can take up to 72 hours to appear,’ Dr. Ahimbisibwe explained.
FUFA’s commitment to this initiative ensures that all national teams, including the Crested Cranes, receive the necessary education and resources to identify and manage concussions effectively.
“We are glad that the campaign has given us a chance to learn more about how to manage concussion risks. Many times, we want to play and forget about our health in search of results,” noted Crested Cranes defender Jolly Kobusinge.
According to FIFA (inside.fifa.com), the ‘Suspect and Protect’ campaign is designed to increase sign and symptom recognition, highlight that symptoms may take up to 72 hours to appear, and offer guidance on how to return to play safely following a suspected or confirmed concussion. This global initiative seeks to ensure that football remains a safe and enjoyable sport for all participants.
By incorporating the ‘Suspect and Protect’ campaign into Uganda’s football ecosystem, FUFA aims to create a safer environment for players at all levels.
As the Crested Cranes prepared to take the field against Ethiopia, their knowledge of concussion risks and management was strengthened, ensuring that player health remains a top priority both on and off the pitch.
The campaign will now be taken to the two U17 National Junior teams of men and women currently in camp preparing for international engagements. The clubs have also been lined up to be taken through the concussion campaign.
The Uganda U17 Women’s National Team, the Teen Cranes, continued their rigorous training regime in preparation for the FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup 2025 qualifiers.
The first leg of the qualifier is scheduled to take place on 8th March at Hamz Stadium, Nakivubo, before the return leg in Kenya on 16th March. The Teen Cranes are focused on putting up a strong performance to secure a favourable result in this two-legged tie.
Defender Assimwe Zidah, who plays for Boni Consilii Girls’ Vocational Secondary School, expressed her excitement and determination ahead of the upcoming fixtures.
Assimwe Zidah’s Reflections on the Team’s Preparations
“My name is Asimwe Zidah from Boni Consilii Girls’ Vocational Secondary School. I come from the Western Region. First of all, I take this opportunity to thank God because I’m on the Under-17 National Team,” she said
“So far, the training that we are having is very good because we are working hard and putting in the right attitude and sacrifice towards achieving the goals that our coaches have set for us. As players, we are determined to win the upcoming games. We are specifically preparing for the match against Kenya on 8th March, and we are very committed to winning because we have been putting in the effort and will continue to work hard,” she added
Asimwe Zidah wearing jersey number 12 during one of the training sessions
First training at Hamz Stadium Nakivubo
Second training session at Kampala Quality Playground
Third training session at Luzira Prisons Grounds
Fourth training session at Kampala Quality Playground
Makerere University 0-0 FC Tooro Queens Uganda Martyrs Lubaga 1-0 She Maroons FC Kampala Queens FC 2-0 She Corporate FC Olila H/S Grd 2-0 Rines SS WFC Kawempe Muslim Ladies 2-0 Wakiso Hill WFC
Prisons wardresses ‘martyred’ in Lubaga
Enjoying a resurgence in form in the second round, Uganda Martyrs ladies had to dig deep to beat the She Maroons at the St. Gerald stadium. Skipper Latifah Nakasi fresh from national team duty scored the winner from the penalty spot early into the first half which turned out to be the winner and enough to secure all three points for the hosts. The visitors pushed for an equalizer and threatened for most of the time but their resilient hosts held on to register their consecutive win of the second round. Workaholic midfielder Nakanjako Immaculate was consequently named the player of the match.
Kampala Queens flawless run continues
Kampala Queens registered another commanding victory at home to subject rivals She Corporates to second round misery.The table leaders were held at bay by their gritty rivals until deep into the second half until when Shamira Nalugya capitalized on a defensive lapse to launch a fierce shot from outside the area to finally beat Molly Naava in the She Corporate’s goal who had until that moment proved unbeatable. Shamira was a few minutes later turn into provider as defender Jamilah Nabulime found herself unmarked in the area to head home ‘the Queens of Soccer’ second goal and eventually kill off any hopes of a comeback from ‘the Sharks’. The Queens went on to monopolise possession to the frustration of their opponents. Nalugya’s outsatnind display earned her the player of the match award.
Olila tame stubborn Rines in Soroti.
In Soroti Olila WFC’s Dorcus Lwalisa carried the day scoring a brace to inspire her side to a very crucial victory at home. Lwalisa Dorcus’ double ensured that the Soroti based side got maximum points off Rines SS WFC breathing life into their relegation survival campaign. On top of being on the winning side at the end of the 90 minutes, Lwalisa’s exploits on the day earned her the Player of the match award.
Makerere struggles at home
Makerere University WFC winless streak in the seocn round continued after being held by Tooro Queens at home on Saturday. The university side has now picked just 2 points in three games of the second round having drawn with Kawempe Muslim Ladies on match day 12 before losing to Kampala Queens on match day 13. Tooro Queens’ Kasemire Imelda put up a suberb performance to eran her the player of the match award.
Kawempe Muslim sink Wakiso Hill further
Kawempe Muslim Ladies returned to winning ways after a slow to the second round that had seen fail to win in their opening. Two first half goals by Esther Nangendo and Jovia Nakagolo were enough to seal victory for the valley warriors who are now playing the chasing game behind rivals Kampala Queens. Youngster Nakagolo Jovia scooped the player of the match award.
Makerere University – FC Tooro Queens, Makerere University Playground
Uganda Martyrs Lubaga – She Maroons, UMHS Lubaga
Kampala Queens FC – She Corporate FC, MTN Omondi Stadium
Olila H/S Grd – Rines SS WFC, Olila H/S Playground
Sun 2nd March 2025
Kawempe Muslim Ladies – Wakiso Hill WFC, Kawempe Muslim SS
Lady Doves FC – Amusi College WFC, Katusabe Grd (Postponed)
The Finance Trust Bank FUFA Women Super League returns this weekend with fixtures that promise to give the fans another exciting match day of women football across the two days this weekend with four fixtures lined up for Saturday and one more on Sunday.
The league had taken a two-weeks break that involved the senior national women football team face off with Ethiopia in a double header of the first round of the TotalEnergies Women Africa Cup of Nations 2026 qualifiers that concluded on Wednesday. Current leading top scorer Resty Kobusobozi (10 goals) led the legion of local stars that were part of Sheryl Botes side which fell at the hands of Ethiopia on penalties in Addis Ababa. Lady Doves and Kobusobozi will be made to wait for another weekend to see their stars in action as the game with Amus College was postponed.
Makerere host Tooro Queens
The Makerere university side will not want to lose a second game on the bounce having suffered a 2-0 loss at the hands of Kampala Queens in their last fixture. They hope to get their first win of the second round when they host the relegation-threatened Queens from Tooro who lost their last game to Uganda Martyrs at home.
Uganda Martyrs ladies want to make it 2 in 2.
After getting maximum points on match day 13 when they visited Tooro Queens in Fort Portal, the Kiddawalime girls will want to build on that to further improve their standings on the table and hope for a better finish after having a rather hard first round that saw them slide in the bottom half of the table all the time. They host She Maroons, a very unpredictable side that blows hot and cold. Having won the first leg at their backyard in Luzira 2-0 the Prisons’ side will come with confidence and try to collect a point at the St Gerald stadium.
She Corporate will attempt to halt the immaculate Queens’ run
In what can easily be termed as the biggest match of match day 14, former champions She Corporate visit the MTN Omondi stadium in attempt to put a halt on the Kampala Queens good run that has seen them gain advantage at the top of the table on 28 points and yet to test defeat. Kampala Queens is the only team yet to taste defeat this season. The now Jinja based side found it hard to get results in the first round but switching base form Nakawa to now Bugembe stadium in Jinja seems to have come with luck amassing 4 points out of the possible 6 in their last two fixtures. Kampala Queens won the reverse fixture played at the MUBS arena in Nakawa 1-0 and will be hoping to subject their rivals to yet another loss to keep their title charge on course.
Olila counting on home advantage against stubborn Rines
The Soroti based side will bank on home advantage when they host one of the most stubborn sides in the league – Rines SS SFC at the Olila H/S playground. The hosts find themselves in the relegation battle after a series of bad results and every game is like a final to them. In Rines they host a side that is very unpredictable but their recent home loss to fellow strugglers Tooro Queens on matchday 12 gives them hope that they can as well pull off a decent result.
Kawempe Muslim want to keep title defence dream alive, Wakiso remains winless
On Sunday Kawempe Muslim will do anything to win to keep pressure on runaway leaders Kampala Queens. After their surprising home loss to She Maroons on match day 13, the Valley Warriors take on Wakiso Hill WFC a side that is yet to win a game in this season and it is hard to believe that Kawempe Muslim will be their first victim.
The hosts are buoyed by the return of their captain Shakira Nyinagahirwa who has been sidelined for more than a season with a knee injury. The star player was introduced in the game against She Maroons though she couldn’t help her side to avoid defeat. With her availability Kawempe is expected to be a different animal expected to push the Queens of Soccer to the limit.
The Uganda Senior Women’s National Football Team, the Crested Cranes, endured a painful elimination from the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) Qualifiers after falling to Ethiopia in a dramatic second-leg encounter at the Abebe Bikila Stadium on Wednesday afternoon.
Despite carrying a 2-0 advantage from the first leg, Uganda succumbed to a spirited Ethiopian comeback, losing 2-0 in normal time before suffering a 5-4 defeat in the penalty shootout.
Aregash Kalsa and Etsegenet Girma were Ethiopia’s heroes, netting crucial goals to level the aggregate score at 2-2 and force the game into spot-kicks.
Uganda had chances to seal qualification early on but failed to capitalize, with Resty Nanziri and Fazila Ikwaput misfiring. Ethiopia, too, missed key opportunities in the first half before stepping up the pressure after the break.
The game took a decisive turn in the 55th minute when Uganda was reduced to 10 players following Fazila Ikwaput’s second booking. Ethiopia took advantage, with Kalsa scoring a stunning long-range goal in the 66th minute.
Uganda held on desperately to their aggregate lead, but in the dying moments of added time, Girma curled in a brilliant free kick to force a penalty shootout.
In the shootout, Phiona Nabbumba struck the post for Uganda, while Daisy Nakaziro made a crucial save against Senaf Wakuma. However, Ethiopian goalkeeper Terikwa Bergena denied Resty Kobusobozi, sealing Ethiopia’s triumph.
Ethiopia will now face Tanzania in the final qualification stage, with the latter eliminating Equatorial Guinea 4-2 on aggregate.
For Uganda, head coach Sheryl Botes Ulanda will shift focus to the Uganda U17 Girls’ National Team, the Teen Cranes, as they gear up for their 2025 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup Qualifier against Kenya on March 8th in Uganda.
The draw for the round of 32 of the 6th edition of the FUFA Women’s Cup was conducted on Wednesday 26th February 2025 at FUFA House.
The draw featured 32 teams, which were divided into two pots.
Pot A: Will had the 12 Finance Trust Bank FUFA Women Super League Teams and the top two teams from each of the Finance Trust Bank FUFA Women Elite League Groups (4 teams) while Pot B had the remaining 10 Finance Trust Bank FUFA Women Elite League teams and 6 regional teams.
Defending champions She Corporate will start the title defence campaign with an away trip to Busoga Queens while current Finance Trust Bank FUFA women super league leaders Kampala Queens will visit Jinja City Queens.
Meanwhile former champions Makerere University will make to trip to play Ateker WFC while Kawempe Muslim Ladies FC will play Royal Dreamers on the road.
Round of 32 Draws
SIA international Academy vs Uganda Martyrs Lubaga
Jinja City Quuens vs Kampala Queens
Busoga QUEENS vs She Corporate
Isra Soccer Academy vs Amus College
Ateker WFC vs Makerere University
Gold Star Ladies vs Lady Doves
Boni Consil WFC vs Kawempe Muslim SS
She Kasese vs She Maroons
Uganda Martyrs JR vs FC Tooro Queens
She Geme vs Wakiso Hill WFC
Lady Eagles vs Riness SS
Lango Queens vs St Noa Girls
Scrade Heart vs Olila HS WFC
UCU Lady Cardinals vs Asubo Ladies
Royal Dreamers vs Kawempe Muslim WFC
Pabo United vs Highway Ladies
Round 32 games will be played between 9th – 16th March 2025.
Meanwhile at the same event, the round of 16 draws where confirmed as follows,
The stage is set for a blockbuster clash as the Ethiopian national women’s football team hosts their Ugandan counterparts in Addis Ababa in the second leg of the first round of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations 2026 Qualifiers at the Abebe Bikila Stadium on Wednesday at 3:00PM (EAT).
Both sides are expected to present a strong challenge in this do-or-die encounter, which will determine the team that advances to the second and final round of qualifiers, where the winner on aggregate will face the victor between Equatorial Guinea and Tanzania.
Uganda carry a 2-0 advantage from the reverse fixture played in Kampala at the Hamz Stadium four days ago. They staged a late assault that saw Zaina Namuleme and Fazila Ikwaput score at the tail end of the match. The closely contested first leg underlined the quality of both teams, promising a fiercely competitive return leg.
History favours the Crested Cranes in this competition, as they previously defeated Ethiopia 2-1 on penalties after a 2-2 aggregate draw to qualify for the 2022 edition of Africa’s premier women’s football tournament, which was staged in Morocco.
However, the home side has a reputation for rising to the occasion in big matches, and they will be determined to overturn the first-leg result and possibly shock the Crested Cranes.
With both teams boasting immense quality in their squads, this fixture promises to be a thrilling encounter.
Quotes
Crested Cranes Head Coach and Team Captain
“We have finalized everything today we are all positive and the girls are in good condition. We need to tighten up a little bit in all our departments so that we don’t give the opponent a chance to score goals. Today’s training was a repetition of what we have been training all along, especially in our first game and it’s all about repeating what we want them to do until perfection.” – Sheryl Botes, Crested Cranes Head coach
“The mood in the camp is very good everyone is focused and our major goal here is to beat Ethiopia, get the points and qualify to the next stage. We had a challenge with the weather but thank God we are now used, we came early so we’ve learnt to deal with it. In the last training, we’ve concentrated on set pieces and we are now good to go.” – Viola Nambi, Crested Cranes Captain
Ethiopian Head Coach and Team Captain
“We were unlucky to concede a goal in the final moments of the first game, but the match is far from over. In front of our supporters, we are fully committed to giving our best effort to qualify for the next round. We firmly believe in our ability to achieve this goal.” – Yoseph Geberwold, Ethiopia Lucy Head Coach
“We lost the first game but that doesn’t mean the game is over we have another 90min tomorrow. We are very sure tomorrow we will win and qualify. I believe we will qualify.” – Loza Abera, Ethiopia Lucy Captain
The draw for the round of 32 of the 6th edition of the FUFA Women’s Cup will be conducted on Wednesday 26th February 2025 at FUFA House, starting at 10:00 am and will be live on FUFA Tv.
The draw will feature 32 teams, which will be divided into two pots.
Pot A: Will have the 12 Finance Trust Bank FUFA Women Super League Teams and the top two teams from each of the Finance Trust Bank FUFA Women Elite League Groups (4 teams).
Pot B: Will have the remaining 10 Finance Trust Bank FUFA Women Elite League teams and 6 regional teams.
The Uganda Women Senior National Team, Crested Cranes, arrived safely in Ethiopia and conducted training ahead of the return leg of the TotalEnergies Women Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) 2026 Qualifiers scheduled for Wednesday, 26th February 2025 at Abebe Bikila Stadium, in Addis Ababa.
Crested Cranes training at Abebe Bikila Stadium this evening ahead of Wednesday’s TotalEnergies WAFCON return leg match with Ethiopia in Addis Ababa. Uganda leads 2-0 from the first leg.#ETHUGApic.twitter.com/5pRestx8f2
The Uganda Women’s Senior Team, the Crested Cranes, is set to face Ethiopia’s Lucy in the second leg of the TotalEnergies Women Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) 2026 Qualifiers on Wednesday, 26th February 2025 at Abebe Bikila Stadium, in Addis Ababa.
Head coach Sheryl Botes has named a 20-player squad for the crucial encounter, as the team seeks to build on their 2-0 victory in the first leg at Hamz Stadium, Nakivubo.
Zaina Namuleme and Fazila Ikwaput scored late goals to give Uganda a vital advantage.
FUFA Executive Committee Member Dan Obote will lead the contingent.
Uganda Teen Cranes head coach Sheryl Botes has announced a provisional squad of 32 players for camp ahead of the second qualifying round of the FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup 2025 qualifiers against Kenya. The first leg is set for March 8 at Hamz Stadium, Nakivubo, with the return leg scheduled for March 16 in Kenya.
Uganda secured their place in this round after an emphatic 18-1 aggregate victory over Namibia in the first phase of qualification. The ultimate goal is to secure a spot in the FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup, set to take place in Morocco from October 17 to November 8, 2025.
Provisional Squad:
Goalkeepers
Nabbosa Haira – Kawempe Muslim SS WFC
Namutebi Sharifah Kizito – Kampala Queens FC
Angudeyo Brenda – Uganda Martyrs Lubaga WFC
Tendo Jemimah Bynum – Rines SS WFC
Defenders
Babirye Martha – El Cambio
Nambuusi Ritah Anitah – Devine Soccer Academy
Assimwe Zidah – Boni Consilii Girls FC
Niwandinda Mackline – Boni Consilii Girls FC
Abahwera Shabella – Makerere University WFC
Katusiime Charity – Tagy WFC
Tushemerirwe Evas – Boni Consilii Girls FC
Mupyanga Halima – Rines SS WFC
Kainza Joyce – Amus College WFC
Imurinde Uwayo Ashanti – Boni Consilii Girls FC
Apetcho Elizabeth – Bukedea Comprehensive
Midfielders
Nalunkuuma Bushirah M. – Rines SS WFC
Namukabirye Shamirah – Rines SS WFC
Nandyowa Nusifah – Uganda Martyrs Lubaga WFC
Balinabyo Hadijah – Jinja City Queens FC
Ainemababazi Esther – Boni Consilii Girls FC
Asanyo Patience – El Cambio
Aujat Dorine – Amus College WFC
Namataka Mariam – Amus College WFC
Komugisha Loyce – Boni Consilii Girls FC
Ayerango Justine – Rines SS WFC
Namulindwa Joan Kizza – Boni Consilii Girls FC
Nabirye Shadia – Kawempe Muslim Ladies FC
Ayiorwoth Peace – Boni Consilii Girls FC
Forwards
Nabukenya Agnes – Kawempe Muslim Ladies FC
Ariho Rinah – Boni Consilii Girls FC
Ainemababazi Angel – Rines SS WFC
Nakintu Nusulah – Uganda Martyrs Lubaga WFC
Sheryl Ulanda Botes – Head Coach
The team enters the residential camp at Cranes Paradise Hotel to start preparations on Monday 24th February 2025
The Crested Cranes secured a crucial 2-0 victory over Ethiopia’s Lucy in the first leg of their WAFCON 2026 qualifier, thanks to late strikes from Zaina Namuleme and Fazila Ikwaput.
It was a game of few clear-cut chances, especially in the first half with both sides struggling to break each other down.
Uganda suffered an early setback in the 29th minute when defender Bridget Nabisalu was forced off due to injury, and replaced by Phiona Nabulime.
Before halftime, Resty Nanziri, Ikwaput, and Namuleme all tested Ethiopia’s defence but were unable to find a breakthrough.
The Crested Cranes increased their attacking intensity in the second half, with Ikwaput coming close, only to be denied by the Ethiopian goalkeeper.
In a bid to inject fresh energy, Head Coach Sheryl Botes made a double substitution after the hour mark, introducing Resty Kobusobozi and Agnes Nabukenya for Phiona Nabbumba and captain Viola Nambi.
Ethiopia had their own moments to take the lead, but Uganda’s shot-stopper Ruth Aturo remained sharp to keep them at bay.
Just as the game seemed destined to end in a stalemate, Namuleme was fouled just outside the 18-yard box in the 89th minute. She stepped up and expertly converted the free kick to give Uganda the lead.
With five minutes added to stoppage time, Ikwaput sealed the win with a composed finish inside the box, giving the Crested Cranes a commanding 2-0 advantage heading into the return leg.
Uganda will now travel to Addis Ababa for the second leg on February 26, where the aggregate winner will progress to the next qualification round.
The Crested Cranes conducted their last training this afternoon at the Hamz Stadium Nakivubo ahead of Friday’s fixture against Ethiopia, which will be hosted at the same venue.
Excitement is reaching its peak as Uganda’s Crested Cranes prepare to host Ethiopia’s Lucy in the first leg of the 2026 WAFCON qualifiers on Friday, February 21, at the Hamz Stadium, Nakivubo.
Both teams have wrapped up their preparations, with their respective coaches and captains exuding confidence ahead of the highly anticipated encounter.
At the pre-match press conference held at FUFA House, Mengo, Crested Cranes head coach Sheryl Botes and captain Viola Nambi, along with Ethiopia’s head coach Joseph Gebrewod and skipper Loza Abera, shared their thoughts on the upcoming battle.
Sheryl Botes (Crested Cranes Head Coach)
“The first few days in camp were a bit challenging as the players sought to regain confidence. However, we have key principles we want to apply in the match, and I am confident we will execute them well.”
“Ethiopia is a strong offensive team with a new coach and eight players from their U-20 side that competed at the 2023 African Games in Ghana. Loza is a standout player, Senaf has netted 14 goals in their league, and Aregash is a powerful attacking force. Their midfield is also highly mobile.”
“The Ethiopia team I remember from my time in South Africa played a very possession-based game, but they tried different tactics against Nigeria in the African Games. We will need to be compact and neutralize Loza, who is a threat on both feet and possesses great experience.”
“I encourage fans to come and support us. This is the senior team, and the best players will be showcasing their skills.”
“Pressure is always there, but I am more concerned when players do not perform well in training. It takes time to implement a game plan, especially with female players, as we often have to start afresh whenever they regroup in camp.”
“Our main goal is to qualify for WAFCON, and we have a chance with a potential clash against Tanzania or Equatorial Guinea in the next round. But for now, our focus is entirely on Ethiopia.”
“People sometimes question position changes, but some players struggle in their club roles. Our job is to assess and refine them to maximize their potential. While we have long-term plans to upskill our squad, for now, we rely on international players.”
Viola Nambi (Crested Cranes Captain)
“I’ve been with the team for the last three days, and I can confidently say we are in a good mental and physical state. We have committed ourselves to staying strong and overcoming any challenges that arise.”
“As players, we have held meetings to boost morale, and I have spoken individually with teammates to inspire them.”
“There’s no pressure. It is an honour to captain this team. I believe in the squad and the selected players, and I am ready to lead by example.”
Joseph Gebrewod (Ethiopia Lucy Head Coach)
“The spirit in camp is high, and the players are inspired. Though our preparation time has been short, we have worked to balance both experienced and young players.”
“Playing the first leg away is always tough, but our aim is to give our best and set the tone for the return leg.”
“Senaf Wakuma is a great player, but we also have other key professionals like Loza Abera and Aregash Tadese. We are preparing them well to ensure we get a positive result.”
Loza Abera (Ethiopia Lucy Captain)
“I recently started a new chapter with DC Power, which has given me valuable experience. I know Uganda has many professional players, and we lost to them the last time we played here.”
“But football is unpredictable; every match presents a new challenge. We will do our best to win tomorrow.”
“Our team is in good shape, with excellent coordination and a strong winning mentality. Since this is a national team match, we are determined to secure victory. I expect a competitive game.”
The return leg will take place in Addis Ababa on February 26, with the aggregate winner advancing to the next round. Uganda will be hoping to capitalize on home advantage to gain an early edge in the tie.
