Uganda U17 Women’s National Team head coach Sheryl Ulanda Botes has praised her side’s discipline and composure following the Teen Cranes’ 2-0 win over Zimbabwe in the first leg of the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup qualifiers in Harare.
Uganda secured a crucial away advantage on Sunday, with Botes highlighting her players’ ability to execute the game plan against a competitive opponent. She pointed to their organisation and control of possession as key to the result.
“We tried to manage the game, and I am so proud of the girls. The opponents were not an easy team, but we approached the game tactically well. We got the goals and managed possession very well,” Botes said.
Despite the two-goal cushion, Botes warned against complacency ahead of the return leg in Kampala, insisting the tie remains open.
“But it’s not over yet. I expect a tough match in the return leg, and we shall not be complacent,” she added.
The coach also stressed the importance of maintaining a possession-based playing style across Uganda’s women’s national teams, describing it as key to long-term success at continental level.
Uganda will host Zimbabwe in the second leg on April 18 at FUFA Stadium Kadiba, with Botes calling on fans to turn up in large numbers to back the team.
The aggregate winner will progress to the next round of qualification, where they will face either Kenya or Namibia. Kenya currently hold a 2-1 lead from the first leg of that tie.
