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Head Coach Sheryl Ulanda Botes believes the Queen Cranes are mentally and tactically prepared for Saturday’s decisive FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup qualifier against Ghana at FUFA Stadium, Kadiba.
Uganda heads into the return leg trailing 2-1 from the first meeting in Accra, but the crucial away goal has kept the tie finely balanced ahead of the showdown in Kampala.
Speaking after the team’s final training session on Friday morning, Botes expressed confidence in her squad’s readiness and determination as they chase a historic qualification to the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup Poland 2026.
We are ready. The girls are positive. We reviewed the first leg and corrected the mistakes we made. We are going to fight to qualify for the World Cup,” Botes said.
The South African tactician acknowledged Ghana’s quality, particularly in midfield and attack, but insisted the Queen Cranes have prepared well enough to counter their strengths.
They are strong in midfield and have good speed upfront, but we know how to challenge their strengths and we are confident of getting a positive result tomorrow,” she added.
Botes described the encounter as a defining moment not only for the players but also for the growth of women’s football in Uganda.
It is a huge opportunity for all of us and for women’s football in Uganda. The belief is there and we are managing the pressure and expectations well. We want to become the first Uganda women’s national team to qualify for the World Cup,” she stated.
Team captain Agnes Nabukenya also voiced confidence in the squad’s preparation and readiness ahead of the must-win encounter.
The players are ready. We have had very good training sessions and today we completed our final one with everyone in good condition,” Nabukenya said.
All the players are fit, motivated, and ready to give their best. Our focus is on delivering tomorrow. We call upon Ugandans to come and support us in big numbers,” she added.
The winner on aggregate between Uganda and Ghana will qualify for the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup Poland 2026, with the Queen Cranes aiming to become the first Uganda women’s national team to reach a FIFA World Cup.
