Crested Cranes head coach Sheryl Botes has confirmed her leadership team ahead of Uganda’s Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) 2026 Qualifiers against Ethiopia.
Forward Viola Nambi, who plays for Finnish side Aland United Women FC has been named team captain. She will be assisted by experienced forward Fazila Ikwaput, who plies her trade with Gokulam Kerala WFC in India as the first deputy.
Goalkeeper Ruth Aturo, currently with Tanzanian outfit Tausi WFC will serve as the second deputy captain.
Uganda will kick off their WAFCON 2026 qualification campaign against Ethiopia’s Lucy with a home fixture on Friday, 21st February 2025, at Hamz Stadium, Nakivubo. The return leg will take place in Addis Ababa on 26th February with the aggregate winner advancing to the next qualification round.
With only two days to go before the Uganda Crested Cranes face off against Ethiopia in the first leg of the 2026 WAFCON Qualifiers, the excitement and intensity in camp are reaching a fever pitch.
Under the guidance of head coach Sheryl Botes, the team has been engaged in intense tactical drills, while the arrival of foreign-based stars has injected a fresh wave of energy and determination into the squad.
As the Crested Cranes prepare to take on Ethiopia at the Hamz Stadium, Nakivubo, on Friday, FUFA Media caught up with some of the foreign-based players to gauge their thoughts on the upcoming clash.
Fazila Ikwaput, determined as ever, shared her thoughts: “I feel great representing my country. My hard work at club level has paid off, and I’m here to help Uganda qualify for WAFCON. We know Ethiopia won’t be easy, but we’re ready.”
Phiona Nabulime echoed Ikwaput’s sentiments, emphasizing the team’s unity and focus: “The atmosphere in camp is fantastic. The coaches are preparing us well, and we’re united by one goal – qualification. Ethiopia is a strong side, but we believe in ourselves. I urge fans to turn up in big numbers and rally behind us.”
Ruth Aturo highlighted the team’s high morale and expectations: “Training has been intense, and every player is giving 100% effort. The morale is through the roof, and we’re all focused on securing a positive result on Friday.’
Bridget Nabisalu praised Coach Botes’ philosophy and approach: “I’ve worked with Coach Botes since her arrival, and she’s fantastic. She treats everyone equally and instills confidence in us all. We’re adapting well to her system, and I believe we’ll put on a strong performance.”
The Crested Cranes will host Ethiopia in the first leg of their WAFCON 2026 Qualifier on Friday, 21st February 2025, at Hamz Stadium, Nakivubo. The return leg will be played in Addis Ababa, with the aggregate winner advancing to the next round.
Uganda is banking on home support to gain an early advantage in the first leg.
Crested Cranes and Kampala Queens player Zaina Nandede has welcomed her transition in role, expressing confidence in her ability to perform regardless of position.
Positional Change! From wing wizard to defensive dynamo: The evolution of Zainah Nandede of Kampala Queens in the Crested Cranes pic.twitter.com/Hr05yW0Oe0
Despite playing as a right winger for her club Kampala Queens, Nandede has adapted seamlessly to the right-back role at the national team under coach Sheryl Botes.
“I feel comfortable playing in different positions on the pitch, whether as a forward at my club or as a defender for the national team. It wasn’t difficult for me to adapt when the coach changed my position because it’s the same wing (right). I have steadily adjusted, and it’s only a matter of knowing when to do what in each role,” Nandede stated.
So far, Nandede has played as a right-back in four international friendly matches under Botes, featuring twice against the Democratic Republic of Congo and twice against Algeria, delivering impressive performances in all games.
Uganda is currently preparing to take on Ethiopia in the first round of the WAFCON 2026 Qualifiers.
Uganda’s senior women’s national football team, the Crested Cranes, has officially begun preparations for the forthcoming WAFCON 2026 qualifiers.
Uganda will face Ethiopia in the first qualification phase, with the first leg scheduled for 21st February 2026 at Hamz Stadium, Nakivubo, while the return leg will take place five days later in Ethiopia.
The team, which entered a residential camp at Cranes Paradise Hotel in Kisasi on Sunday, 9th February, had its first training session today at Hamz Stadium, Nakivubo.
Of the 39 players summoned, only 11 are yet to join camp, namely:
Head coach Sherly Ulanda Botes K hopes that the Under-17 players will gain confidence by training alongside the senior players, which is why she included them in the squad.
“We have successfully had our first session today, and the reaction from the players was good. We have high hopes for those coming from abroad, and we believe they will boost the confidence of their teammates, especially those from the Under-17 squad.”
The winner on aggregate between Uganda and Ethiopia will face Tanzania or Equatorial Guinea in the second qualification round.
The Finance Trust Bank FUFA Women Super League witnessed thrilling action on Matchday 13 as teams battled for crucial points over the weekend of 8th and 9th February 2025. Here’s a breakdown of the results
Saturday, 8th February 2025
Kampala Queens FC continued their fine form, sealing a commanding 2-0 victory against Makerere University WFC to boost their position in the league standings. They remain at the top of the Finance Trust Bank FUFA Women Super League table. Shamirah Nalugya stood up and led by example to give her team the lead before Peace Muduwa doubled the team’s advantage to go six points clear at summit.
Namuleme with an outstanding performance for She Makerere despite the loss against Kampala Queens FC
Olila H/S WFC 1-1 She Corporate FC
A closely contested match saw Olila H/S WFC and She Corporate FC share the spoils in a 1-1 draw, with both teams showing resilience throughout the game in Soroti. Namanda Jesca netted for the visitors while seasoned defender turned striker Grace Aluka saved the day for Olila High School WFC with a late leveler.
FC Tooro Queens 0-2 Uganda Martyrs Lubaga WFC
Star players Auki Angel Kigongo and captain Latifah Nakasi were on target as Uganda Martyrs Lubaga WFC secured a perfect away victory in Fort Portal. However, the result left FC Torro Queens glued at the bottom of the league.
Sunday, 9th February 2025
Kawempe Muslim Ladies FC 1-2 She Maroons FC
She Maroons FC stunned defending champions Kawempe Muslim Ladies FC with a hard-fought 2-1 victory at the Valley. She Moroons staged an impressive second half comeback to hand Kawempe their second successive home defeat. Shadia Nabirye handed Kawempe a first half lead on nine minutes which they protected till early in the second half before Mercy Nabwire and Immaculate Kizza struck. The game also witnessed the return to action of Shakirah Nyinaghirwa from a long injury lay off that kept her out of action for the entire 2023/2024 season.
Lady Doves FC 1-0 Wakiso Hill WFC
Lady Doves FC edged past Wakiso Hill WFC with a narrow 1-0 win, earning three crucial points in their quest for a strong league finish. Lady of the moment Resty Kobusobozi found the back of the net as she took her season’s league tally to 10 goals.
Amus College WFC 2-2 Rines SS WFC
A thrilling encounter saw Amus College WFC and Rines SS WFC play out a dramatic 2-2 draw, highlighting the competitive nature of the league. Patricia Nakato Nanyanzi scored twice for the visitors while Ruth Nyakato and Eunice Nabwoba scored for the home side.
The league will now take a three week break to allow the National Senior Women’s team ‘Crested Cranes’ start preparations for the two legged Women’s Africa Cup of Nations Qualifiers against Ethiopia on 21st and 26th February 2025.
Kampala Queens – Makerere University WFC, MTN Omondi Stadium 10am (Live on FUFA Tv)
Olila H/S WFC – She Corporate FC, Olila Grounds -10am
Sunday 9th February 2025
Kawempe Muslim Ladies – She Maroons FC, Kawempe Muslim SS Ground – 10am (Live on FUFA Tv)
Lady Doves FC – Wakiso Hill WFC, Katusabe Ground -10am.
Amus College WFC – Rines SS WFC, Amus Stadium -10am
Kampala Queens FC is riding high on a rich vein of form as they kick off the second round of the Finance Trust Bank Women Super League.
The Queens of Soccer aim to consolidate their top position and potentially extend their lead, depending on the outcomes of games involving reigning champions Kawempe Muslim Ladies and close challengers Amus College School WFC.
In an intriguing matchup, Kampala Queens’ long-serving captain, Zaina Namuleme now with Makerere University WFC, will face her former side. Namuleme is in top form, having earned a call-up to the National Senior team, the Crested Cranes, for the WAFCON Qualifiers against Ethiopia.
In Fort Portal, Tooro Queens will battle Uganda Martyrs Ladies in a crucial match for survival. Tooro Queens stunned Rines SS WFC last weekend and will look to build on that momentum.
Uganda Martyrs Lubaga WFC coached by Edward Kasozi, with 10 points, are only two points clear of the relegation zone and will seek to improve their standing. She Corporate, fresh from a winning start to the second round, will travel to Soroti to face Olila HS WFC.
Olila is struggling to avoid relegation after a poor run of results in the first round and having three points deducted for failing to honor a league fixture. Olila hopes to build on their priceless point earned last week against She Maroons.
On Sunday, champions Kawempe Muslim will host She Maroons, seeking to end their poor run of results. Kawempe Muslim handled by Ayub Khalifan are three points behind the leaders and need a win to keep their title defense hopes alive. A win for She Maroons could see them leapfrog Rines SS WFC, who visit Amus College School WFC.
In another match, winless Wakiso Hill WFC will face wounded Lady Doves at their Katusabe stadium in Masindi. Lady Doves were defeated by the ‘Sharks’ on match day 12 and will look to redeem themselves against Wakiso Hill.
Rinah Ariho, a 16-year-old striker, has taken Ugandan football by storm with her impressive skills and humble demeanour.
Off the pitch, she is soft-spoken and kind, but on the field, she transforms into a fierce goal-scorer. Ariho’s journey to stardom began in Mwanjari, Kabale, where she grew up playing football with her brother, Grant Agaba. Her brother’s passion inspired her to pursue her own football dreams. Ariho was spotted by Obumwe Football Academy while playing for her primary school team in Kabale.
Under the academy’s guidance, Ariho settled into the number 9 position, excelling in training sessions and competitions. Her talent caught the attention of Boni Consilii Girls’ Vocational School in Isingiro, which offered her a sports scholarship in Senior one upon completion of her studies at Kabale Primary School.
Ariho Rinah (2nd left) with other Teen Cranes stars
Ariho credits her mother, Mercy Turanzyomwe, for encouraging her to pursue football despite societal challenges.
‘My mother has been my rock, supporting me every step of the way. I feel I should give back to my parents, especially my mother, who unlike other parents to their daughters, did not discourage me in any way. She has been encouraging me to work hard both in class and in football so I want to keep focused so that I can achieve something for her’ Ariho says.
Today, Ariho is a key player for the Teen Cranes, Uganda’s national U17 team. Her impressive performance in the USSSA U16 girls’ tournament earned her a call-up to the national team.
She trained with the Crested Cranes team in Kampala but was not considered for the trip to Algeria when the final squad was announced. However, she gained valuable experience.
On her first call up to the national team, Ariho felt challenged because she was imagining how she was going to rub shoulders with her seniors, some of whom are her role models and have been her inspiration.
Ariho Rinah (white) battles Namibia opponents during the women U17 world cup qualifier at Nakivubo Stadium
But because she knew she had proved herself on the field of play, she slowly but steadily gained the confidence in training with the professional and senior players.
‘At first, I was naive and that inferiority complex had taken its toll on me but after a day of interaction, I found the players very supportive, friendly and social. I am grateful for their reception. I am happy for the experience picked during training under coach Botes. It was all about excitement for me’ noted the striker.
Ariho was later summoned to the National team of players Under 17 and managed to contribute three goals to the Teen Cranes’ 18-1 aggregate victory over two legs against Namibia in the FIFA Women’s U17 World Cup qualifiers.
‘It was more exciting and encouraging, scoring my first goal in national team colours and recording a hattrick against Namibia. I dedicated the goals to both my brother (Agaba) and mother (Mercy Turanzyomwe) who have been so encouraging and supportive to me’ said Ariho.
Ariho’s success is not just a testament to her hard work and natural talent, but also to the support of her family, particularly her mother.
Despite facing challenges and discouragement from some sections of society, Ariho’s mother encouraged her to pursue her passion for football.
Ariho, a second born in a family of four kids, would have become a different athlete of any sport and not a footballer, had her brother Grant Agaba chosen differently too.
‘I grew up seeing my brother play and sometimes, we would play together in the compound. We later started going for football competitions where my brother was a star for the team as I watched on as a fan. This attracted me to football. I have since not played any other sport but football’ Ariho recalls.
Agaba, who is the elder brother of his three siblings and now plays for Kigezi Homeboyz FC junior team, and together with Ariho’s increasing capabilities, has led to the recruitment of the other two little brothers Billgates Ayebazibwe (8) and Bob Nkera (4) to the same club for the underage teams.
Boni Consiili’s Rinah Ariho (green) controls the ball in a secondary school’s football competition
As Ariho prepares for the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) qualifier against Ethiopia, she remains focused on her goals, both on and off the pitch.
Ariho is one of the five U17 ‘Teen Cranes ‘players in the Crested Cranes squad of 39 players summoned this week. The other four Teen Cranes players in the squad are Martha Babirye, Nusurah Nakintu, Doreen Aujat and Agnes Nabukenya.
Ariho is determined to excel academically, sitting for her Uganda Certificate of Education (UCE) exams this year at Boni Consilii Girls Vocational School in Isingiro, while continuing to make a name for herself in the world’s most popular sport.
With her dedication, talent, and humble spirit, Rinah Ariho is an inspiration to young footballers everywhere, and her future in the sport looks bright.
Fact file
Name: Ariho Rinah
Date of Birth-1st September 2009
Place of birth-Mwanjari, Kabale district
Parents-Turanzyomwe Mercy and Tumwijukye Godfrey
School: Boni Consilii Girls’ Vocational School, Isingiro
Ariho Rinah handing over the top scorer’s accolade and the USSSA U16 girls trophy to then Boni Consilii headmistress Rev Sr Grace Mary Naturinda and other school administrators
The Uganda Women National team ‘Crested Cranes’ head coach Sheryl Botes today named a 39-player provisional squad as Uganda gears up for the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) 2026 Qualifiers against Ethiopia.
Uganda Women Senior Team Head coach Sheryl Botes has named 39 players in the initial squad for the Crested Cranes ahead of the first round of the TotalEnergies Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) 2026 Qualifier matches against Ethiopia.#WAFCON2026Q | #WomenFootballUGpic.twitter.com/OjY1RVX8MZ
The first leg will be played in Kampala on Friday, 21st February before Uganda travels to Ethiopia for the return fixture on Wednesday, 26th February.
While addressing the media during the announcement of the squad, Botes acknowledged the magnitude of the task but emphasised the importance of the preparations.
Botes on Ethiopia
‘We are playing Ethiopia and we know it is going to be a tough challenge. There is always a rivalry between Uganda and Ethiopia and we hope the team will be strong enough to put up a good performance. Qualifying for WAFCON won’t be easy but we have to work tirelessly with our players now’
Botes on young players in the squad
Botes also expressed her commitment to integrating young players into the senior team setup. Botes feels that the emerging talent will learn good lessons from the senior players before eventually getting back to the Teen Cranes camp that will also start preparations for the World Cup qualifiers against Kenya.
‘It is always good to bring in young players and give them an opportunity in the senior national team so they can gain experience and learn how to train and compete with the best.”
💬 "It's always good to introduce younger players to the senior national team so they can truly experience and understand how to compete with the best." — Sheryl Botes, Head Coach #WAFCON2026Qpic.twitter.com/Nn4cnJrkls
The U17 ‘Teen Cranes ‘players in the squad are; Martha Babirye, Doreen Aujat, Nusurah Nakintu, Agnes Nabukenya and Rinah Ariho.
Botes on qualities of promising goalkeeper Lillian Nakiirya
“Lillian’s performance during the U17 engagements against Zambia and Cameroon we thought she was amazing and outstanding and it’s always good to bring younger players into the senior team so that they really feel the experience and compete with the best which is Ruth and Daisy. We want her to come play in the U20 starting with the world cup qualifiers soon and that’s why she is here”
Botes on Fauzia Najjemba, Vanessa Karungi, Aisha Nantongo missing out on squad
“Fauzia and Karungi are still recovering from knee injuries after both being operated. I think sometimes they need to fully recover but they are definitely in my plans. Fauzia has got immense talent and experience which we need. For Nantongo, her and Shadia did well in the CAF Women Champions League. Nantongo is definitely in my plans, maybe not for this camp. Let me see what the current team can do but she is definitely in my plans. I would want to see her because I have never had her in my camps so it would be good for me to have her but for this camp let me have a look at the local talent.”
With just weeks left until kick-off, the Crested Cranes will be aiming to fine-tune the squad and tactics as they chase a spot at WAFCON 2026.
The Crested Cranes are aiming for a return to WAFCON after their last appearance in 2022 in Morocco. The team will enter camp on Sunday, 9th February, at Cranes Paradise Hotel, Kisaasi with training sessions scheduled at Hamz Stadium, Nakivubo.
Uganda Women Senior Team Head coach Sheryl Botes has named 39 players in the initial squad for the Crested Cranes ahead of the first round of the TotalEnergies Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) 2026 Qualifier matches against Ethiopia.
Uganda is set to host the first leg on Friday 21 st February 2025 in Kampala while the return leg will be played 5 days later on Wednesday 26 th February in Addis Ababa.
The Crested Cranes will be looking forward to return to Africa’s premier women football final tournament since 2022 when they faced hosts Morocco, Senegal and Burkina Faso in the group stage but finished 3 rd before facing early elimination. It was Uganda’s 2nd overall appearance at the WAFCON Finals with the first coming in 2000.
Uganda will be hoping to make a step better having fallen to Algeria 3-2 in 2023 on aggregate in the last Qualifiers for 2024 WAFCON campaign. Crested Cranes put up a spirited fight in the return leg which ended 1-1 at the Stade Olympic D’Oran as they looked to overturn the first leg 2-1 loss at the FUFA Technical Centre, Njeru.
Sheryl Botes also emphasised the importance of including U17 players Martha Babirye, Doreen Aujat, Shadia Nabirye, Agnes Nabukenya and Rinah Ariho in the squad as she feels some of the emerging talent will learn good lessons from the senior players before eventually getting back to the Teen Cranes camp that will also start preparations for the World Cup qualifiers against Kenya.
The team will enter camp on Sunday 9th February 2025 at Cranes Paradise Hotel Kisaasi and train from Hamz Stadium, Nakivubo. The players summoned are featuring in the Uganda Women football competitions unless stated.
Saturday, 1 February 2025 Rines SS WFC 1-2 FC Tooro Queens Wakiso Hill WFC 0-1 Amus College WFC Makerere University 0-0 Kawempe Muslim Ladies
Sunday, 2 February 2025 She Corporate FC 1-0 Lady Doves FC She Maroons FC 0-0 Olila HS WFC Uganda Martyrs Ladies 0-1 Kampala Queens FC
The second round of the Finance Trust Bank FUFA Women Super League got underway on Saturday with exciting fixtures that produced very interesting results.
Riness Stunned
Wakiso based Rines SS WFC were stunned when their relegation threatened visitors Tooro Queens snatched victory to breathe life back into their survival efforts. This was Tooro Queens’ second win of the campaign and increased their points tally to 8 from 12 games, 3 above Wakiso Hill and one less of Soroti side Olila HS WFC.
Kabaculezi Mary and Kasemire Imelda scored for the visitors whereas Patricia Nakato Nanyanzi was on tartget for the home side.
FC Tooro Queens goalkeeper, Cecilia Kamuli walked away with the Woman of the match accolade.
Kawempe Muslim lose more ground
Kawempe Muslim’s title defence was dealt another blow when they were held to a goalless draw by Makerere University WFC. The draw now leaves Kawempe 3 points adrift table leaders Kampala Queens. Despite the slip the Valley Warriors remain in second place on 25 points just one more than Amus College who occupy third place on 24 points.
Makerere’s Hasifah Namboozo was named Woman of the Match.
Wakiso Hill’s winless streak in the top tier women football league continued when they succumbed to yet another loss, the seventh of the season.
They were beaten by Amus College WFC 1-0 thanks to Edina Wanda 69th minute strike. The Antelopes are now the only side yet to test victory and lie in the dismal 12th position on the 12 team log with 5 points from 5 draws.
Judith Mawuwa of Wakiso Hill was voted player of the match.
New home blessings for the Sharks in Jinja
The change of home from the MUBS arena in Nakawa, Kampala to Kyabazinga stadium in Jinja might have come with blessings for She Corporate who largely struggled to get results in the first round when they beat Lady Doves FC 1-0 at their new home.
Jesca Namanda scored the all-important goal for the She Corporate with the win taking their tally to 14 points level with fellow university side Makerere who drew with Kawempe Muslim to maintain their seventh place.
The Sharks are eighth on the table.
Olila earn vital away point
Soroti side Olila HS WFC put up a resilient performance and earned a priceless point on the road when they played to goalless draw with Prisons side She Maroons FC in Luzira.
The point helped them maintain their 10th position on 9 points just one ahead of Tooro queens who sit in 11th on 8 points.
The Queens break stubborn Martyrs
Pursuing a second league title in 3 years, Kampala Queens were able to squeeze another win past stubborn rivals Uganda Martyrs Ladies at the St Gerald’s stadium in Lubaga on Sunday morning.
The Lubaga ladies largely kept their visitors at bay and almost finished the first half goalless before Muduwa Peace capitalised on the defensive lapse to race past an oncoming Sharon Kaidu in the hosts’ goal to slot home in an empty net in the 39th minute.
The Queens are now unbeaten in 12 league games, winning 8 and drawing 4 without a loss amassing 25 points in their remarkable run.
However, the loss leaves Uganda Martyrs in 9th place on 10 points.
Two games produced goalless draws, Three 1-0 wins and three away wins. A total of six goals were scored in the six games of match day 12 played across two days.
Makerere University WFC vs Kawempe Muslim Ladies FC
Sunday, 2nd February 2025
She Corporate FC vs Lady Doves FC
She Maroons FC vs Olila HS WFC
Uganda Martyrs Lubaga vs Kampala Queens FC
The Finance Trust Bank FUFA Women Super League action is all set for a frantic return this weekend after a month long break as six matches are lined up across Saturday and Sunday.
After an exciting end to the first round that had defending champions Kawempe Muslim ladies and title contenders Kampala Queens fiercely face off in the very last game of the first phase, fans can only expect a super exciting second round of games both in the title run in and battles to beat the drop.
In the only three fixtures of Saturday, Rines SS will welcome relegation threatened Tooro Queens at the Kabaka Kyabaggu stadium whereas fellow strugglers Wakiso Hill will welcome Amus College at the St. Mary’s stadium Kitende.
Bottom placed Wakiso Hill and Tooro Queens are tied on points having managed 5 each from the 11 games of the first round.
The ambitious side from Bukedea is in 3rd place on 21 points only 4 adrift the top whereas Rines SS in fifth on 17 points.
Kawempe Muslim Ladies who relinquished their top spot on the final day to their archrivals Kampala Queens will start away against stubborn Makerere University who are placed 7th with 13 points. Despite a strong start of their title defence and winning all their games in October, the 5 time champions struggled to win some of their games and faltered towards the end of the first round dropping points in matches against Lady Doves and Amus College before falling 4-1 eventually and suffering obliteration at the hands of Kampala Queens.
On Sunday, She Corporate will welcome Lady Doves at their new home at Kyabazinga Stadium Bugembe in Jinja. The former champions will be looking to add to the 11 points they amassed in the first round leaving them in 8th place only one point ahead of Uganda Martyrs Lubaga Women in the 9th position and 3 ahead of Olila HS in the 10th.
Table leaders Kampala Queens will be making the trip to the St. Gerald stadium to face Uganda Martyrs a side that had a rather grinding first round spending it in the bottom half.
Kampala Queens will want to make a statement by grabbing all the 3 points from a side that forced a draw against them in the reverse fixture at the MTN Omondi stadium.
Kampala Queens, with seven wins and 4 draws and yet to test defeat top the table with 25 points closely followed by the ‘Valley Warriors’ of Kawempe who have won the same number of games, drawn 3 and lost once at the hands of the ‘Queens of Soccer’.
The top scorer’s race is another exciting battle to look out with Lady Doves’ Resty Kobusobozi in the lead at the half mark with 9 goals.
Last season golden boot winner Agnes Nabukenya is second in the race with 6 goals whereas Rines’ Arach Phiona and Amus College’s Apisa Shalyne on 5 goals each.
Uganda U17 Women’s National Team progressed to the second round of the FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup Qualifiers with relative ease after completing a double over Namibia.
The Teen Cranes made sure they made light work over their counterparts in the return leg on Sunday at Hamz Stadium, Nakivubo winning 8-1.
It should be noted that Uganda had won the first leg on Thursday 10-0.
In today’s game, coach Sheryl Botes made five changes from the team that had started on Thursday.
Captain Agnes Nabukenya, Shadia Nabirye, Hope Nabawanuka, Patience Asanyo and Doreen Aujat all started on bench.
These were replaced by Irene Kabarokole, Isabella Blick, Joan Kizza Namulindwa, Loyce Komugisha and Mariam Namataka.
Uganda took the lead through Renalda Angel Tamara’s own goal in the 15th minute.
Namulindwa doubled the lead in the 35th minute before Blick stretched the scoreline with a close range tap in a minute later.
Upon restart, coach Botes rang changes, bringing on goalkeeper Haira Nabbosa, Nabirye and Shalom Nambuya for Dorcus Namboozo, Cynthia Kirenga and Kabarokole in that order.
Namulindwa got her second goal of the day a minute after the break before completing her hat trick in the 50th minute.
Rinah Ariho made it six in the 53rd minute before substitutes Nabirye and Nakalema got onto the score sheet later.
Namibia pulled one back in the 68th minute through Shiwovanhu Haukongo.
The win means Uganda progresses to the second round 18-1 on aggregate and will face Kenya in March this year.
Uganda U17 Women’s National Team put up a scintilating performance to obliterate Namibia in the first leg of the FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup Qualifiers (first round).
The Teen Cranes registered a 10-0 win in the game played at Hamz Stadium, Nakivubo on Thursday.
Captain Agnes Nabukenya ochestrated the damage, scoring six goals in the one-sided affair.
Rinah Ariho bagged a brace while Joan Kizza Namulindwa and Isabella Blick Kabarozi added goal each to complete the riot.
Nabukenya opened the scores as early as the six minute finishing from close range.
Ariho doubled the advantage for Uganda in the 11th minute before Nabukenya netted her second and third in quick succession. She later got another before the break and Ariho made it six shortly before halftime.
After recess, coach Sheryl Botes made changes, introducing goalkeeper Sharifah Namutebi for Haira Nabbosa, Joan Kizza Namulidwa replaced Shadia Nabirye and Cynthia Kirenga paving way for Rashidah Nakalema.
Namulidwa made it seven in the 65th minute before Agnes Nabukenya came through again with two other goals to take her tally on the day to six.
Substitute Isabella Blick Kabarozi put the icing on the cake with a calm finish in the 80th minute after coming on.
Uganda leads with a huge margin going into the return leg slated for Sunday at the same venue.
The winner on aggregate between Uganda and Namibia will take on Kenya at the second qualification phase.
Uganda U17 Women’s National Football Team Coach Sheryl Botes Ulanda, has today trimmed the number to 25 players that will continue preparing for the CAF qualifier to the FIFA U17 Women World Cup tie against Namibia.
39 players had been summoned to start preparations and entered residential camp at the FUFA Technical Centre Njeru on Wednesday.
“This morning we have released some players and we are left with 25 player as we continue with our preparations ahead of the games against Namibia.” She confirmed.
She also expressed satisfaction with the level of fitness and how the players have adhered to instructions.
“The players have really been positive since we arrived here. We are going to keep organizing video sessions so we explain to them what we want them so and they have it in their minds. They know what is at stake now and what we are up against and we are constantly giving them the confidence and belief that beating Namibia is attainable and that it is a collective effort not individual,” She said
Adding, “The girls look good and positive and am happy that even from the session that we had this so far, good questions from them came up and you could see they were eager to learn and understand what it is that we want them to do against Namibia.”
The games will be played next week with Namibia hosting the first leg on Thursday, January 16 while the return leg will come three days later. Both games will be played at Hamz Stadium, Nakivubo.
The winner on aggregate will face Kenya at the second qualification phase.
Coach Sheryl Botes Ulanda has summoned a provisional squad of 39 players to the Uganda U17 Women’s National Team camp.
The team summoned will begin preparations on Wednesday, 8th January 2025 for the 2025 FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup Qualifier duel against Namibia. The residential camp will be held at FUFA Technical Centre, Njeru.
Namibia will host the first leg on 16th January 2025 while the return leg will take place on 19th January 2025. Both games will be played at Hamz Stadium, Nakivubo.
The winner on aggregate will face Kenya at the second qualification phase.
Uganda Senior Women’s National Football Team, The Crested Cranes wound up their stay in Algeria on Saturday with yet another international friendly game.
The game played at the Tchacker Stadium in Blida, Algiers ended in a 1-0 win for the hosts.
The decisive goal arrived in the 34th minute with Ghoutia Karchourni scoring direct from a free kick.
Coach Sheryl Botes made two changes from the team that had started the first game with Resty Nanziri and Ruth Aturo starting ahead of Shakirah Nankwanga and Daisy Nakaziro respectively.
It should be noted that the first leg played on Wednesday ended in a 2-1 win for Algeria.
The coach believes the team picked valuable lessons and hopes to use them going forward.
“I’m first of all happy that we got two intensive games against such an opponent like Algeria. I believe the players benefited a lot facing such a team twice,” she said.
“Definitely, we had some positives picked despite losing both games and these can only be building blocks going forward.”
The team continues to prepare ahead of a busy schedule next year that will have the 2026 Africa Women’s Cup of Nations qualifiers.
