Teen Cranes’ changes, home advantage over Namibia

According to the 39-man squad summoned by coach Sheryl Botes, Uganda will almost have a new defensive set up when they start their Fifa U-17 Women’s World Cup qualification campaign away to Namibia on January 16.

With goalkeeper Lillian Nakirya and defenders Faridah Namirimu, Bethany Kaluya, and Desire Katiisi Natooro now graduated to U-20 level, Botes has to change the spine of her Teen Cranes’ backline and she has just over a week to find answers as the team was expected to enter camp on Wednesday at Fufa Technical Centre, Njeru.

The responsibility could fall to Devine Soccer Academy’s Anitah Ritah Nambuusi and Byafaayo Queens’ Joyce Kainza, who both played for this team in last year’s campaign that ended with a penultimate qualification round loss to Zambia, to shore the defence.

The midfield will still enjoy the presence of Amus College’s Shafiga Tamisi and Doreen Aujat plus Rines SS’ Bushirah Nalunkuuma, the Kawempe Muslim duo of Shadia Nabirye and Agnes Nabukenya, plus Taggy High’s versatile Charity Katusiime.

However, the creativity of Kawempe’s Esther Nangendo and the goal scoring abilities of St. Noa’s Sylvia Kabene could also be missed as they are also ineligible in a tournament for players born on or after January 1, 2008.

Twenty eight for four

Despite Fifa deciding to have this U-17 tournament annually, the qualifiers are still cross-zonal in Africa and that comes with costs. So there is little wonder that Namibia elected to host the first leg in Kampala. So both ‘away’ and home matches for the Teen Cranes in this initial round will be played at Hamz Stadium, Nakivubo on January 16 and 19 respectively.

Twenty eight nations will compete for the four available places to join U-17 tournament hosts Morocco as Africa’s representatives at the global showpiece that is due October 17 – November 8 and has expanded from 16 to 24 teams.

The second round of qualifiers will narrow down to 16 nations and will take place between March 7 and 16. If the Teen Cranes overcome Namibia, Kenya, who just returned from the 2024 edition in the Dominican Republic, where they stopped at the group stages, lie in wait. Uganda will then host the first leg at home.

The qualifiers officially conclude in April 2025 when the third (April 18-20) and final rounds (April 25-27) take place.

A detail that Uganda needs to take note of is that if the Teen Cranes qualify for the U-17 World Cup, the final tournament could coincide with the decisive 2026 Women Africa Cup of Nations qualifier for the senior team Crested Cranes’. Fufa and Botes might have to resolve that as soon as possible.

Teen Cranes summoned squad

Goalkeepers

Dorcus Namboozo (Royal Queens), Maimuna Namuwaya (St. Noa Girls), Rose Kobusinge (Tooro Queens), Sharifah Kizito Namutebi (Kampala Queens), Haira Nabbosa (Kawempe Muslim Jr.)

Defenders 

Emily Nabuzale, Jazira Amiya, Shalom Nambuya, Shayline Ikalakala (Amus College), Ritah Anitah Nambuusi (Devine Soccer Academy), Judith Agwang (Lubaga Girls), Martha Babirye (El Cambio Academy), Charity Katusiime (Taggy High School), Rebecca Wembabazi (Tooro Queens), Irene Kabarokole (Burahya Doves), Joyce Kainza (Byafaayo Queens), Belinda Hope Nabawanuka (Kawempe Muslim Jr.)

Midfielders 

Tamisi Shafiga, Doreen Aujat, Mariam Namataka (Amus), Elizabeth Apetono (Bukedea Comprehensive School), Bushirah Muhammad Nalunkuuma, Halima Mupyangu (Rines SS), Catherine Nabaweesi (Highway SS), Patience Asanyo (El Cambio), Joan Kizza Namulindwa, Loyce Komugisha, Sheila Mungutimu (Boni Consili), Winfried Isabella Blick Kabarozi (Uganda Martyrs Lubaga WFC), Shadia Nabirye (Kawempe Muslim), Gift Nabukenya (Nkoma SS), Vanessa Namazzi, Cynthia Kirenga (Kawempe Muslim Jr.) Teopista Keneema (Mwenge Queens)

Forwards 

Agnes Nabukenya (Kawempe Muslim), Rinah Nakandi (Highway SS), Rinah Ariho (Boni Consili)