Uganda’s U-17 women’s national team, the Teen Cranes, will face Ethiopia in an international friendly on Thursday as they step up preparations for the 2026 CECAFA U-17 Women’s Championship.
The Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA) confirmed that the match will be played in Addis Ababa on June 11, giving head coach Sheryl Ulanda Botes one final opportunity to assess her squad before the regional tournament gets underway in Tanzania.
The Teen Cranes delegation departed Uganda on Tuesday and will first stop in Ethiopia before travelling on to Dar es Salaam for the championship, which runs from June 13 to June 23.
FUFA Honorary Executive Committee member John Chrizestom Kalibbala is leading the travelling contingent, which includes 20 players and 11 officials.
Botes has selected a squad drawn from several clubs and academies across the country, with St. Noa Girls FC contributing the largest number of players. Kampala Queens, URA Ladies, Rines SS WFC, ISRA Soccer Academy, Kawempe Muslim Ladies and Amus College WFC are also represented in the travelling party.
The friendly against Ethiopia is expected to provide a valuable test for Uganda ahead of a demanding group stage campaign at the CECAFA tournament.
Uganda was drawn in Group B alongside South Sudan, Zanzibar and Djibouti. The Teen Cranes will open their campaign against Djibouti on June 14 at the Azam Complex Stadium before facing Zanzibar two days later at KMC Stadium. Their final group match will be against South Sudan on June 18, also at KMC Stadium.
The regional championship offers another opportunity for Uganda’s emerging young talents to gain international experience and continue their development on the East African stage.
Among the notable players in the squad are goalkeeper Adam Mayimuna Namuwaya, defenders Sharifah Kizito Namutebi and Martha Babirye, midfielder Grace Kawino, and forwards Angel Gerevans Dominick and Rashidah Nakalema.
Botes will be assisted by Colines Ahumuza, while the technical team also includes goalkeeping coach Cissy Gaudensia Nakiguba, sports scientist Farouk Vidah Luwagga, video analyst Allan Magunda Nsubuga, team doctor Mable Kabatalindwa, physiotherapist Jackline Nakuya, equipment manager Prossy Nalwadda, media officer Aminah Namutebi and team manager Joan Namusisi.
