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Kampala, Uganda – The Uganda Women’s National Football Team, the Crested Cranes, has unveiled a provisional squad of 39 players ahead of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) Qualifiers. The announcement was made during a press briefing held at the FUFA Complex on Wednesday.
Head Coach Sheryl Botes Ulanda, along with her technical team, has selected a mix of experienced and emerging talent as Uganda seeks to secure a return to the WAFCON tournament for the first time since 2022 in Morocco. The squad comprises both locally based players and those playing for professional clubs abroad, demonstrating the growing talent pool within Ugandan women’s football.
Uganda is set to face Ethiopia in the first round of the qualifiers, with the first leg scheduled for February 17, 2025, at Nakivubo Stadium, Kampala. The return leg will be played five days later in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The winner on aggregate between Uganda and Ethiopia will progress to the next round, where they will face the winner of the Tanzania vs. Equatorial Guinea matchup.
The squad will enter residential training camp on Sunday, February 9, 2025, at Cranes Paradise Hotel, Kisaasi, where they will begin intensive training in preparation for the two crucial fixtures. Coach Botes has emphasized the importance of early preparation, teamwork, and tactical discipline to ensure that Uganda secures a place in the next stage of the qualifiers.
Among the notable call-ups in the squad is goalkeeper Ruth Aturo, who plays for Ukerewe Queens in Tanzania, and midfielder Joan Nabirye, currently at Trabzonspor in Turkey. Other key players include Phiona Nabbumba, who plies her trade in Denmark with Boldklubben AF 1893, and forward Fazila Ikwaput, who has been making an impact at Gokulam Kerala in India. Additionally, Violah Nambi, who plays for Åland United in Finland, has been included, bringing a wealth of international experience to the team.
The local-based players include a strong contingent from the FUFA Women Super League (FWSL), with clubs such as Kampala Queens, Kawempe Muslim Ladies FC, Lady Doves FC, Uganda Martyrs Lubaga WFC, and Amus College WFC all well represented in the squad. This blend of international exposure and homegrown talent is expected to strengthen Uganda’s chances of advancing to the next round of the qualifiers.
Uganda is looking to qualify for the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations for the second time, having last participated in 2022 in Morocco. The upcoming matches against Ethiopia will be a major test for the Crested Cranes, who will need to demonstrate resilience and tactical discipline to overcome their East African rivals.
Coach Sheryl Botes remains optimistic about the team’s chances, stressing the importance of unity and focus as they prepare for the qualifiers. She has urged the players to give their best in training and maintain high levels of fitness and commitment ahead of the two-legged encounter.
The first leg will take place on February 17, 2025, at Nakivubo Stadium, Kampala, while the return leg will be held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, on February 22, 2025. Fans and football enthusiasts across the country will be eagerly following the team’s journey, hoping to see the Crested Cranes make history once again by securing a place in the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations
