Botes Names 35-Player Queen Cranes Provisional Squad Ahead of Ghana U-20 Women’s World Cup Qualifiers

By: Geoffrey Mugabi

The head coach of the Uganda U-20 Women’s National Team, the Queen Cranes, Sheryl Ulanda Botes, has named a 35-player provisional squad ahead of their FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup qualifiers against Ghana.

Botes confirmed a squad comprising five goalkeepers, nine defenders, 16 midfielders, and five forwards.

The team will enter a residential training camp on Saturday, 18 April, at the FUFA Technical Centre in Njeru as preparations intensify for the crucial double-header.

Uganda will face Ghana in the fourth and final round of qualification, with the first leg scheduled to be played between 1–3 May, while the return leg will take place on 9 May.

The winner on aggregate after the two legs will qualify for the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup.

In the event that the aggregate score is level, the tie will be decided by penalties, with no extra time to be played.

The tournament will be held in Poland and marks the 12th edition of the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup, scheduled to run from 5 to 27 September 2026. Korea DPR are the reigning champions.

Squad

Goalkeepers
Lillian Nakiirya–St. Noa Girls FC (Uganda), Angella Adeke–Amus College WFC (Uganda), Elizabeth Atieno–Amus College WFC (Uganda), Josephine Nambuya–Kawempe Muslim Ladies FC (Uganda), Nuriat Nawegulo–She Maroons FC (Uganda).

Defenders
Desire Katisi Natooro–Kenya Police Bullets FC (Kenya), Barbara Anomo–St. Noa Girls FC (Uganda), Hasifah Patricia Namboozo–Makerere University WFC (Uganda), Zabinah Namboozo–Amus College WFC (Uganda), Patricia Nakato Nankyanzi–Rines SS WFC (Uganda), Martha Babirye–St. Noa Girls FC (Uganda), Phionah Arach–Rines SS WFC (Uganda), Ritah Kadondi–UCU Lady Cardinals FC (Uganda), Vicky Atyeronimungu–Amus College WFC (Uganda).

Midfielders
Agnes Nabukenya–Kawempe Muslim Ladies FC (Uganda), Krusum Namutebi–Kawempe Muslim Ladies FC (Uganda), Angel Gerevans Dominick–St. Noa Girls FC (Uganda), Jennifer Namagembe Onyango–St. Noa Girls FC (Uganda), Mary Kituyi–Bududa High School (Uganda), Zainabu Birungi–St. Noa Girls FC (Uganda), Imelda Kasemire–St. Noa Girls FC (Uganda), Patricia Nayiga–St. Noa Girls FC (Uganda), Shamim Nalukwago–Standard Secondary School, Zana (Uganda), Dorine Wandera–Amus College WFC (Uganda), Sumaya Nalumu–St. Noa Girls FC (Uganda), Peace Muduwa–Kampala Queens FC (Uganda), Sylvia Kabene–Hibernian FC (Malta), Angel Kigongo Auki–Uganda Martyrs Lubaga FC (Uganda), Lillian Asiyanzo–Standard High Secondary School, Zana (Uganda), Megan Mukiibi–RSL El Paso DPL (USA).

Forwards
Mary Kantono–She Corporate FC (Uganda), Yasmeen Naluwago–Rines SS WFC (Uganda), Terry Moraa Oseko–Nkoma Secondary School (Uganda), Hadijah Balinabyo–BUL WFC (Uganda).

Officials

Sheryl Ulanda Botes–Head Coach
David Ribeiro–Goalkeeper Coach
Sefika Pelin Bal–Sports Scientist
Ahumuza Collins–Assistant Coach
Nantumbwe Sharifah–Assistant Coach
Ssebuliba George–Goalkeeper Coach
Nsubuga Allan Magunda–Video Analyst
Nkata Moses–Sports Scientist
Kabatalindwa Mable–Team Doctor
Nakuya Jackline–Physiotherapist
Nakiguba Cissy Gaudensia–Equipment Manager
Namusisi Joan–Team Manager
Nalwadda Prossy–Equipment Officer
Nabisere Leilah Shamirah–Media Officer