Crested Cranes Begin Road to LA 2028 Olympics Against Zambia

Uganda’s national women’s football team, the Crested Cranes, will begin their journey towards the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games in October 2026 when they face Zambia in the second round of the African Olympic qualifiers.

According to the squad announcement released by the Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA), Uganda will face Zambia over two legs, with the first fixture scheduled for 8 October 2026 and the return leg set for 13 October 2026.

Head coach Sheryl Ulanda Botes has named a 34-player squad for the two-legged encounter. The squad comprises four goalkeepers, 12 defenders, 12 midfielders and six forwards.

The squad features players based both in Uganda and abroad, with representatives from clubs in countries including Denmark, Tanzania, France, China, Kenya, India, Malta, England and the United States.

Among the goalkeepers is Vanessa Edith Karungi of Brøndby IF Women, alongside Ruth Aturo of Simba Queens FC, Lillian Nakiirya of St. Noa Girls FC and Angella Adeke of Amus College WFC.

Uganda will be seeking to progress further in the Olympic qualification process after falling short in the previous campaign.

During the Paris 2024 Olympic qualifiers, the Crested Cranes were eliminated by Cameroon in the second round after Cameroon won the return leg 3–0 after extra time, overturning Uganda’s 2–0 first-leg advantage.

The upcoming tie against Zambia presents another opportunity for the Crested Cranes to move closer to what would be Uganda’s first-ever appearance in the Olympic women’s football tournament.

Full Crested Cranes Squad

Goalkeepers

Karungi Vanessa Edith — Brøndby IF Women
Aturo Ruth — Simba Queens FC
Nakiirya Lillian — St. Noa Girls FC
Adeke Angella — Amus College WFC

Defenders

Nankya Shadia — HAC Féminines Women FC
Nantongo Aisha — RSL Shaanxi Zhidan Women FC
Nabisaalu Bridget — She Maroons FC
Anomo Barbara — St. Noa Girls FC
Babirye Hadijah — Kawempe Muslim Ladies FC
Nabulime Jamilah — KCCA Women FC
Nambozo Zabinah — Amus College WFC
Arach Phionah — Rines SS WFC
Nantongo Jane — UCU Lady Cardinals FC
Nandede Zainah — Simba Queens FC
Amangat Marion — KCCA Women FC
Auki Kigongo Angel — Uganda Martyrs Lubaga WFC

Midfielders

Nabbumba Phiona — FC Midtjylland
Nabirye Joan — Yanga Princess FC
Nabukenya Agnes — Kawempe Muslim Ladies FC
Balinabyo Hadijah — BUL Women FC
Naluyima Kauthara — She Maroons FC
Kayesu Yuster — KCCA Women FC
Nakagolo Jovia — Kawempe Muslim Ladies FC
Laki Otandeka — Coamo FC
Kunihira Margret — Kenya Police Bullets
Mukiibi Megan — ENMU Women Soccer
Muduwa Peace — KCCA Women FC
Tibiwe Samantha — MUBS-Nakawa

Forwards

Ikwaput Fazila — East Bengal WFC
Kabene Sylvia — Mġarr United Women FC
Muya Karin — Watford Women FC
Kantono Mary — Luweero Giant Queens FC
Namanda Jesca — She Corporate FC
Ainembabazi Joanitah — KCCA Women FC

Technical Team

Sheryl Ulanda Botes — Head Coach
Ahumuza Colines — Assistant Coach
Nakiguba Cissy Gaudensia — Goalkeeping Coach
Nkata Moses William — Sports Scientist
Nsubuga Allan Magunda — Video Analyst
Kabatalindwa Mable — Team Doctor
Kyasiimire Darlin — Physiotherapist
Nalwadda Prossy — Equipment Manager
Nabisere Leilah Shamirah — Media