In a strategic move Uganda Women’s Senior Team head coach, Sheryl Botes, has named Five (5) emerging U17 talents in a 39-player provisional squad ahead of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) 2026 qualifiers.
The squad will prepare for the upcoming matches against Ethiopia, with the first leg set for February 21, 2025, in Kampala, and the return leg on February 26, 2025, in Addis Ababa.
The five notable inclusions are Martha Babirye, Doreen Aujat, Shadia Nabirye, Agnes Nabukenya, and Rinah Ariho.
Botes highlighted that this inclusion will provide these younger players with valuable exposure to senior-level competition, helping them learn from more experienced players before returning to their U17 camp for World Cup qualifiers against Kenya.
This is a crucial moment for the Crested Cranes as they aim to return to the WAFCON Finals after their last appearance in 2022.
Uganda finished third in their group that year, facing early elimination.
They hope to go further this time around, improving on their performance in the 2023 qualifiers, where they narrowly lost to Algeria 3-2 on aggregate.
The team will enter camp on February 9, 2025, at Cranes Paradise Hotel in Kisaasi, and will train at MTN Omondi Stadium in Lugogo.
The full squad includes players from top clubs in Uganda and abroad like Indian-based Fazila Ikwaput, Resty Nanziri and Ainembabazi Joanita with positions in goalkeeping, defence, midfield and forward positions well represented.
Full Provisional Squad
Goalkeepers
Aturo Ruth (Ukerewe Queens SC-Tanzania), Nakaziro Daisy (Kampala Queens FC), Nakiirya Lillian (St. Noa Girls WFC), Kaidu Sharon (Uganda Martyrs Lubaga WFC), Adeke Angella (Amus College WFC), Nakabugo Ashley (Kawempe Muslim SS WFC)
Defenders
Nabisaalu Bridget (Modern Sports FC – Egypt), Nankya Shadia (Tutankhamun FC – Egypt), Nabulime Phionah (Kawempe Muslim Ladies FC), Niwandinda Mackline (Boni Consilii Girls Vocational School), Babirye Martha (El Cambio Academy), Namande Margret (Lady Doves FC), Nandede Zainah (Kampala Queens FC), Namusoke Esther (Kampala Queens FC), Nantumbwe Wilmer (She Gist FC), Kobusinge Jolly (Kawempe Muslim Ladies FC), Komuntale Sumaya (Kampala Queens FC)
Midfielders
Nabirye Joan (Trabzonspor FC -Turkey), Nabbumba Phiona (Boldklubben AF 1893 – Denmark), Nambozo Zabinah (Amus College WFC), Naluyima Kauthara (She Maroons FC), Najjuma Teddy (Kampala Queens FC), Nankya Rashidah (Makerere University WFC), Nalugya Shamirah (Kampala Queens FC), Nabukenya Agnes (Kawempe Muslim Ladies FC), Aujat Dorine (Amus College WFC), Namuleme Zaina (Makerere University WFC), Nambi Violah (Åland United WFC – Finland), Kobusobozi Resty (Lady Doves FC), Munyana Brenda (Uganda Martyrs Lubaga WFC), Atuhaire Mastulah Lian (Tooro Queens FC), Nantongo Esther (Gold Star FC), Auki Kigongo Angel (Uganda Martyrs Lubaga WFC)
Forwards
Ikwaput Fazila (Gokulam Kerala –India), Nanziri Resty (East Bengal- India), Ainembabazi Joanitah (Kickstart FC- India), Nakasi Latifah (Uganda Martyrs Lubaga WFC), Ariho Rinah (Boni Consilii Girls Vocational School), Nakintu Nusurah (Uganda Martyrs Lubaga WFC)
