The Uganda Women’s Senior National Team, the Crested Cranes, safely arrived in Ethiopia on Sunday and held their first training session in preparation for the return leg of their first round clash from 2026 Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) qualifying. The crucial fixture is set for Wednesday at Abebe Bikila Stadium in Addis Ababa.
Head coach Sheryl Botes has named a 20-player squad for this decisive encounter, as the team looks to build on their 2-0 first-leg victory at Hamz Stadium, Nakivubo. Late goals from Zaina Namuleme and Fazila Ikwaput secured a crucial advantage for Uganda but the team remains focused on sealing qualification.
Travelling Squad
Goalkeepers
Nakaziro Daisy
Nakiirya Lillian
Defenders
Nantongo Aisha
Nabulime Phionah
Nandede Zainah
Namusoke Esther
Namande Margret
Kobusinge Jolly
Komuntale Sumaya
Midfielders
Nabirye Joan
Nabbumba Phiona
Najjuma Teddy
Nabukenya Agnes
Namuleme Zaina
Nambi Violah
Kobusobozi Resty
Auki Kigongo Angel
Forwards
Ikwaput Fazila
Nanziri Resty
Nakasi Latifah
Technical Team & Officials
Obote Dan – Leader of Delegation
Mukatabala Paul Nantulya – National Teams’ Officer
Sheryl Ulanda Botes – Head Coach
Lukula Charles Ayiekoh – Assistant Coach
Ashley Clifford De Beer – Sports Scientist
David Ribeiro – Goalkeeper Coach
Nsubuga Allan Magunda – Video Analyst
Kabatalindwa Mable – Team Doctor
Kyasiimire Darlian – Physiotherapist
Nakiguba Cissy Gaudensia – Equipment Manager
Namusisi Joan – Team Manager
Nabbanja Aisha – Media Officer
The winner on aggregate will advance to the second and final qualification round, where they will face either Tanzania or Equatorial Guinea. The Crested Cranes are determined to secure a place at the WAFCON finals for the first time since their last appearance in 2022.
The team departed Uganda on Sunday afternoon aboard Ethiopian Airlines and will finalize their tactical preparations before Wednesday’s showdown.
Comments