Uganda’s U-20 women’s national team, the Queen Cranes, have intensified preparations ahead of their crucial final-round qualifier against Ghana in the African qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup.
The team remains in residential camp at the FUFA Technical Centre in Njeru, where they are undergoing high-intensity tactical, technical and physical training sessions as focus sharpens on the two-legged tie.
Uganda will face Ghana in the first leg on Sunday, 3 May, at the Accra Sports Stadium before hosting the return leg in Kampala on 9 May. The aggregate winner will secure qualification for the 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in Poland.
Midfielder Patricia Nayiga has expressed confidence in the camp’s readiness, saying the players are fully committed to making history.
“We are in good condition, and the coaches are giving us all the necessary technical support. As players, we are doing our best to earn a place at the World Cup. We believe we can get a positive result against Ghana and qualify,” Nayiga said.
Nayiga, who plays for St Noa Girls FC, said the mood in camp remains positive as the squad continues to push through intense sessions in a bid to arrive in Ghana fully prepared.
The Queen Cranes are now just two matches away from a first-ever appearance at the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup, with the upcoming double-header set to determine whether Uganda can book a place at the global showpiece in Poland.
Uganda has been building momentum in recent weeks, with several players speaking positively about the atmosphere and ambition within the camp as the team chases a historic qualification.
