Uganda’s U-17 Women’s national football team, the Teen Cranes, have arrived in Nairobi ahead of their must-win second-leg clash against Kenya in the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup qualifiers.
The match, set for March 16, 2025, at Nyayo National Stadium, will determine who advances to the final qualification round.
Trailing 2-0 from the first leg in Kampala, Uganda faces an uphill battle but remains confident of overturning the deficit.
Head coach Sheryl Botes has named a 20-player squad led by captain Agnes Nabukenya, with key players like goalkeeper Haira Nabbosa and midfielder Sharifa Namutebi expected to play crucial roles.
The team, accompanied by FUFA Executive Committee Member Issa Magola Kakaire as the leader of the delegation, will look to build on the positives from the first leg.
Despite the loss, Nabbosa’s goalkeeping heroics and moments of attacking promise from Nabukenya and Justine Ayerango showed the team’s potential.
Botes has emphasized the need for sharpness in front of goal, having seen her side miss key opportunities in the first leg. “We need to be more clinical and take our chances early. The players know what is at stake, and we are prepared to fight,” she said.
Kenya, on the other hand, will be looking to protect their advantage, with first-leg scorers Edina Nasipwondi and Joan Ogola expected to lead the charge.
However, Uganda is determined to spoil the party in Nairobi, knowing that an early goal could shift the momentum in their favor.
With a World Cup dream hanging in the balance, the Teen Cranes will need a spirited performance to defy the odds and keep their qualification hopes alive.
Full Traveling Squad
1. Nabbosa Haira – Kawempe Muslim WFC
2. Namutebi Sharifa Kizito – Kampala Queens FC
3. Babirye Martha – El Cambio
4. Assimwe Zaidah – Boni Consilii Girls FC
5. Niwandinda Mackline – Boni Consilii Girls FC
6. Katusiime Charity – Tagy WFC
7. Mupyanga Halima – Rines SS WFC
8. Kainza Joyce – Amus College WFC
9. Imurinde Uwayo Ashanti — Boni Consilii Girls FC
10. Nalunkuuma Bushira Muhammad – Rines SS WFC
11. Asanyo Patience – El Cambio
12. Aujat Dorine – Amus College WFC
13. Namataka Mariam – Amus College WFC
14. Ayerango Justine – Rines SS WFC
15. Komugisha Loyce – Boni Consilii Girls FC
16. Nabirye Shadiah – Kawempe Muslim Ladies FC
17. Ayiorwoth Peace – Boni Consilii Girls FC
18. Nabukenya Agnes – Kawempe Muslim Ladies FC
19. Ariho Rinah – Boni Consilii Girls FC
20. Nakintu Nusulah – Uganda Martyrs Lubaga WFC
Head Coach: Sheryl Botes
