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There was no sign of Sethu Football Club duo Hadijah Nandago and Aminah Nababi when Crested Cranes Head Coach Sheryl Botes named a provisional squad of 39 players for the upcoming Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) 2026 Qualifiers against Ethiopia.
Nababi who has so far netted thrice in the India Women League with her trade mark coming against Odisha FC was left out with explosive Nandago who had just switched Clubs from Kawempe Muslim to the Indian top division side.
Hadijah Nandago passing the ball.
Aminah Nababi in action.
However Botes managed to notice on-form striker Fazila Ikwaput and forward Resty Nanziri who done well in the same League for their respective Clubs thus adding on Kickstart’s Joanita Ainembabazi who is yet to find her groove.
Resty Nanziri (L) and Fazila Ikwaput (R).
Into the mix, are U17 players Martha Babirye, Doreen Aujat, Shadia Nabirye, Rinah Ariho and regular Agnes Nabukenya who were recognized by Boytes for their great work in double header against Namibia in Nakivubo.
Agnes Nabukenya Captaining the U17 side.
With the first leg in sight, slated for Friday, February 21, 2025, in Kampala the girls will look to double their efforts to make the final squad
The return leg scheduled to take place Four days with Wednesday, February 26, being the exact date in Addis Ababa.
The Crested Cranes are aiming for a return to Africa’s premier women’s football tournament, will be hoping to improve on their previous performance in the 2024 qualifiers, where they narrowly lost to Algeria 3-2 on aggregate.
Their last WAFCON appearance was in 2022, where they were eliminated in the group stage after finishing third. Uganda’s overall WAFCON history includes their debut appearance in 2000.
The team will enter camp on February 9, 2025, at Cranes Paradise Hotel in Kisaasi and train at MTN Omondi Stadium, Lugogo.
Provisional Squad:
Goalkeepers:
Ruth Aturo (Ukerewe Queens SC, Tanzania), Daisy Nakaziro (Kampala Queens FC), Lillian Nakiirya (St. Noa Girls WFC), Sharon Kaidu (Uganda Martyrs Lubaga WFC), Angella Adeke (Amus College WFC), Ashley Nakabugo (Kawempe Muslim SS WFC)
Defenders:
Bridget Nabisaalu (Modern Sports FC, Egypt), Shadia Nankya (Tutankhamun FC, Egypt), Phionah Nabulime (Kawempe Muslim Ladies FC), Mackline Niwandinda (Boni Consilii Girls Vocational School), Martha Babirye (El Cambio Academy), Margret Namande (Lady Doves FC), Zainah Nandede (Kampala Queens FC), Esther Namusoke (Kampala Queens FC), Wilmer Nantumbwe (She Gist FC), Jolly Kobusinge (Kawempe Muslim Ladies FC), Sumaya Komuntale (Kampala Queens FC)
Midfielders:
Joan Nabirye (Trabzonspor FC, Turkey), Phiona Nabbumba (Boldklubben AF 1893, Denmark), Zabinah Nambozo (Amus College WFC), Kauthara Naluyima (She Maroons FC), Teddy Najjuma (Kampala Queens FC), Rashidah Nankya (Makerere University WFC), Shamirah Nalugya (Kampala Queens FC), Agnes Nabukenya (Kawempe Muslim Ladies FC), Doreen Aujat (Amus College WFC), Zaina Namuleme (Makerere University WFC), Violah Nambi (Åland United WFC, Finland), Resty Kobusobozi (Lady Doves FC), Brenda Munyana (Uganda Martyrs Lubaga WFC), Mastulah Lian Atuhaire (Tooro Queens FC), Esther Nantongo (Gold Star FC), Auki Kigongo Angel (Uganda Martyrs Lubaga WFC)
Forwards:
Fazila Ikwaput (Gokulam Kerala, India), Resty Nanziri (East Bengal, India), Joanitah Ainembabazi (Kickstart FC, India), Latifah Nakasi (Uganda Martyrs Lubaga WFC), Rinah Ariho (Boni Consilii Girls Vocational School), Nusurah Nakintu (Uganda Martyrs Lubaga WFC)
