Uganda Women’s National Football Team, the Crested Cranes, has announced its final 20-player squad under head coach Sheryl Botes Ulanda.

In a surprising decision, goalkeeper Ruth Aturo has been dropped, leaving many questioning the move.

With a 2-0 advantage from the first leg, Uganda will face Ethiopia in the second leg on Wednesday, February 26, 2025, in Addis Ababa.

Teenager Lillian Nakiirya has been called up to fill the big shoes of former Crested Cranes captain Aturo.

Margaret Namande, Auki Kigongo, and Teddy Najjuma, who missed the first leg, have been included in the traveling squad.

Uganda aims to hold onto their advantage and progress to face the winner between Tanzania and Equatorial Guinea.

Travelling Squad

Nakaziro Daisy(GK), Nakiirya Lillian(GK), Nantongo Aisha, Nabulime Phionah, Nandede Zainah, Namusoke Esther, Namande Margret, Kobusinge Jolly, Komuntale Sumaya, Nabirye Joan, Nabbumba Phiona, Najjuma Teddy, Nabukenya Agnes, Namuleme Zaina, Nambi Violah, Kobusobozi Resty, Auki Kigongo Angel, Ikwaput Fazila, Nanziri Resty and Nakasi Latifah

WAFCON Qualifiers | Result

• Uganda 2-0 Ethiopia

Uganda Women’s Football National Team Crested Cranes registered a well-deserved 2-0 victory against Ethiopia in the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations Qualifiers at Hamz Stadium, Nakivubo on Friday.

Zainah Namuleme and Fazila Ikwaput were on target as Uganda bagged the advantage in the first leg.

Uganda suffered a major blow when Bridget Nabisaalu was stretchered off due to an injury and replaced by Phiona Nabulime in the 28th minute.

Ethiopia came close to taking the lead in the 31st minute through Senaf Wakuma but the forward’s effort went inches wide.

In the 35th minute, Ethiopia’s backline was called to action as Berkie Amaru cleared Resty Nanziri’s cutback after beating her marker.

Crested Cranes’ custodian Ruth Aturo rushed off the line to make a big save after Wafuma set up Aregash Kalsa in the area.

Ethiopia’s goalkeeper Tarikwa Bergena made a double save to deny Fazila Ikwaput and Phiona Nabbumba’s efforts.

Namuleme broke the deadlock in the 89th minute with a powerful strike that went through Ethiopia’s wall.

Ikwaput doubled Uganda’s lead with a simple but brilliant finish after Ethiopia failed to clear their lines in added time.

The two sides will play the second leg on Wednesday, February 26 in Addis Ababa.

Crested Cranes XI: Ruth Aturo (XI), Aisha Nantongo, Joan Nabirye, Bridget Nabisaalu, Zainah Namuleme, Phiona Nabbumba, Resty Nanziri, Sumayah Komuntale, Fazila Ikwaput, Viola Nambi, Zainah Nandede

WAFCON Qualifiers | Halftime

• Uganda 0-0 Ethiopia

After 45 minutes of play, Uganda and Ethiopia are still goalless in the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations Qualifiers at Hamz Stadium, Nakivubo, on Friday.

There was no clear-cut chance in the first stanza since both sides preferred to stay on the back foot instead of the front.

Uganda suffered a major blow when Bridget Nabisaalu was stretchered off due to an injury and replaced by Phiona Nabulime in the 28th minute.

Ethiopia came close to taking the lead in the 31st minute through Senaf Wakuma but the forward’s effort went inches wide.

In the 35th minute, Ethiopia’s backline was called to action as Berkie Amaru cleared Resty Nanziri’s cutback after beating her marker.

Crested Cranes’ custodian Ruth Aturo rushed off the line to make a big save after Wafuma set up Aregash Kalsa in the area.

The fight will stretch to the second half as the two sides look for the advantage in the first leg of the encounter.

Crested Cranes XI: Ruth Aturo (GK), Aisha Nantongo, Joan Nabirye, Bridget Nabisaalu, Zainah Namuleme, Phiona Nabbumba, Resty Nanziri, Sumayah Komuntale, Fazila Ikwaput, Viola Nambi, Zainah Nandede

WAFCON Qualifiers | Fixture

• Uganda vs Ethiopia – 4pm

Uganda is set to face Ethiopia in the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) Qualifiers at Hamz Stadium, Nakivubo, this Friday.

Crested Cranes head coach, Sheryl Botes Ulanda, expressed confidence ahead of the highly anticipated clash against their regional rivals.

“We are in top shape, both physically and mentally. Everyone in the camp is eager and ready to go,” she stated.

Acknowledging Ethiopia’s attacking strength, Ulanda emphasized the need for a tactical approach.

“Ethiopia has a formidable squad, particularly in attack, but we will not underestimate them. We have a strategic plan to neutralize their attacking threats and maximize our scoring opportunities,” she added.

The coach reaffirmed that Uganda’s primary goal is to secure qualification for the 2026 WAFCON, set to take place in Morocco.

Uganda will host the first leg before traveling to Ethiopia for the return fixture on Wednesday, February 26.

Ulanda also confirmed that Violah Nambi will captain the team, with Fazila Ikwaput and Ruth Aturo serving as her deputies.

Uganda Senior Women’s National Football Team, the Crested Cranes, will face Algeria in two friendly games slated for this month.

The Crested Cranes will face Algeria on Wednesday, 27th and Saturday, 30th November 2024 with both matches taking place in Algeria.

Head Coach Sheryl Botes has named a provisional squad of 33 players that will enter camp on Thursday, 21st November.

After training for the next few days, the team is expected to travel to Algeria on Sunday, 24th November.

Summoned squad

Goalkeepers:

Ruth Aturo (Vihiga Queens FC), Daisy Nakaziro (Kampala Queens FC), Molly Naava Nabitaka (She Corporate FC), Sharon Kaidu (Uganda Martyrs Lubaga WFC)

Defenders: Shadia Nankya (FC Masar), Bridget Nabisaalu (Modern Sports FC), Phiona Nabulime (Kawempe Muslim Ladies FC), Maureen Kimono (Kampala Queens FC), Shakirah Nankwanga (Kampala Queens FC), Jolly Kobusinge (Kawempe Muslim Ladies FC), Angel Awuki Kigongo (Uganda Martyrs Lubaga WFC), Zabinah Namboozo (Amus College WFC), Zaina Nandede (Kampala Queens FC), Hasifah Patricia Namboozo (Makerere University WFC)

Midfielders: Joan Nabirye (FC Spartak Moscow), Phiona Nabbumba (Boldklubben Af 1893), Yuster Kayesu (Rines SS WFC), Shamirah Nalugya (Kampala Queens FC), Brenda Munyana (Uganda Martyrs Lubaga WFC), Doreen Nakayiwa (She Maroons FC), Violah Nambi (Napoli FC), Peace Muduwa (Kampala Queens FC),Ronah Regina Nantege (She Corporate FC), Shamim Kilikumwino (Jinja City Queens FC), Rinah Ariho (Boni Consil SS), Margret Kunihira (Ceseaa Queens FC)

Forwards: Fazilah Ikwaput (Gokulam Kerala FC), Joanita Ainembabazi (New Heroes Queens FC), Resty Nanziri (Boldklubben Af 1893), Sylvia Kabene (St. Noa WFC), Agnes Nabukenya (Kawempe Muslim Ladies FC), Mastulah Atuhaire (FC Tooro Queens), Sharon Namatovu (Makerere University WFC)

Crested Cranes head coach Sheryl Botes has named the final squad to play Morocco in two friendlies early next month.

Uganda is set to play Morocco on Friday, December 1 at Le Mardi Stadium, Casablanca before they meet again on Tuesday, December 5 at Stade Moulay El Hassan, Rabat.

The two encounters will be Botes’ first tests since taking over office to reshape and build a strong Crested Cranes side.

Botes was employed on a three-year employment contract and among her wishes was to ensure that the Women’s side kept engaged to get better.

Among the notable misses on the squad are forward Fazila Ikwaput and midfielder Shamirah Nalugya who are sidelined due to injuries.

The squad is expected to depart on Tuesday evening (5:30 PM).

The friendlies are meant to improve the quality of the squad and also increase the exposure of the whole contingent at large.

Travelling Squad

Goalkeepers: Daisy Nakaziro (Kampala Queens FC, Uganda), Gloria Namakula (Kampala Queens FC, Uganda), Proscovia Adongo (She Maroons FC, Uganda)

Defenders: Shadia Nankya (UCU Lady Cardinals FC, Uganda), Bridget Nabisaalu (UCU Lady Cardinals FC, Uganda), Desire Katisi Natooro (Asubo Ladies FC, Uganda), Jolly Kobusinge (Kawempe Muslim Ladies FC, Uganda), Shakirah Nankwanga (Kawempe Muslim Ladies FC, Uganda), Justine Najjuko Kizza (She Maroons FC, Uganda), Sumaya Komuntale (Kampala Queens FC, Uganda)

Midfielders: Phiona Nabbumba (Boldklubben AF 1893, Denmark), Joan Nabirye (FK Minsk, Belarus), Jackline Adong (She Maroons FC, Uganda), Zaitun Namaganda (Wakiso Hill WFC, Uganda), Viola Nambi (Pomigliano CF, Italy)

Forwards: Fauzia Najjemba ( ZFK Dynamo Moscow, Russia), Catherine Nagadya (Kampala Queens FC, Uganda), Zaina Nandede (Kampala Queens FC, Uganda), Amina Nababi (Rines SS WFC, Uganda), Joanitah Ainembabazi (Simba Queens FC, Tanzania), Lillian Kasuubo (She Maroons FC, Uganda), Kamiyati Naigaga (Asubo Ladies FC, Uganda)

Crested Cranes head coach Sheryl Botes explains the great need for Uganda to engage in more trial games with better teams.

This comes shortly after the Crested Cranes’ failure to qualify for the upcoming Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).

After today’s training session at MTN Omondi Stadium, Lugogo the South African gaffer highlighted that the upcoming friendlies will improve the quality of the squad at large.

“The friendlies against Morocco will help us test some players. It’s evident that some players have improved but even in the practice match the squad looked better,” Botes highlighted.

“But there is still much to do about our game and how I would like us to play. That is why the friendlies against Morocco is very important,” he added.

Botes further noted that the team should mind more about growth and learning than minding results.

“It’s not all about winning or losing but also allowing the learning process to take place so that we build a team for the future.

“We have a young team but there is much that needs to be invested in them. Going forward we need to improve and ensure that we get better.”

Uganda is set to take on Morocco on December 1 and 5 in trial games as Botes further analyses her troops after getting into office.

The Uganda Women’s National Team, Crested Cranes, will play two friendly games against Morocco in December.

FUFA confirmed the development via its official website on Tuesday, November 21, 2023.

“The Crested Cranes will have two friendly games against Morocco in the upcoming international break,” the statement partly read.

Crested Cranes will take on Morocco on Friday, December 1 at Le Mardi Stadium, Casablanca before the second game is played on Tuesday, December 5 at Stade Moulay El Hassan in Rabat.

In the same spirit, Crested Cranes head coach Sheryl Botes has summoned a provisional squad of 31 players.

The summoned players are set to enter camp at Cranes Paradise Hotel in Kisasi on Thursday, November 23.

Provisional Squad

Goalkeepers: Daisy Nakaziro (Kampala Queens FC, Uganda), Hadijah Nalongo (UCU Lady Cardinals FC, Uganda), Gloria Namakula (Kampala Queens FC, Uganda), Proscovia Adongo (She Maroons FC, Uganda)

Defenders: Shadia Nankya (UCU Lady Cardinals FC, Uganda), Bridget Nabisaalu (UCU Lady Cardinals FC, Uganda), Desire Katisi Natooro (Asubo Ladies FC, Uganda), Jolly Kobusinge (Kawempe Muslim Ladies FC, Uganda), Shakirah Nankwanga (Kawempe Muslim Ladies FC, Uganda), Justine Najjuko Kizza (She Maroons FC, Uganda), Samalie Nakacwa (Kampala Queens FC, Uganda), Asia Nakibuuka (Kampala Queens FC, Uganda), Dorcus Lwalisa (Olila High School WFC, Uganda)

Midfielders: Phiona Nabbumba (Boldklubben AF 1893, Denmark), Joan Nabirye (FK Minsk, Belarus), Sarah Nakuya (Asubo Ladies FC, Uganda), Jackline Adong (She Maroons FC, Uganda), Zaitun Namaganda (Wakiso Hill WFC, Uganda), Viola Nambi (Pomigliano C.F., Italy), Rhoda Nanziri (Kawempe Muslim Ladies FC, Uganda), Elizabeth Nakigozi (Kampala Queens FC, Uganda), Lillian Mutuuzo (Kampala Queens FC, Uganda)

Forwards: Fazila Ikwaput (Kampala Queens FC, Uganda), Fauzia Najjemba ( ZFK Dynamo Moscow, Russia), Catherine Nagadya (Kampala Queens FC, Uganda), Zaina Nandede (Kampala Queens FC, Uganda), Amina Nababi (Rines SS WFC, Uganda), Barbara Adweru (She Corporate FC, Uganda), Joanitah Ainembabazi (Simba Queens FC, Tanzania), Lillian Kasuubo (She Maroons FC, Uganda), Kamiyati Naigaga (Asubo Ladies FC, Uganda)

The Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA) has unveiled Sheryl Botes as the new Crested Cranes’ head coach.

FUFA confirmed the appointment of the Botes during a press conference held at FUFA House in Mengo on Wednesday, November 15.

FUFA has awarded Botes with three-year employment with an assignment to take the Crested Cranes to the next level.

During the press conference, Botes assured that she is ready for the assignment and that she will do all it takes to improve Crested Cranes.

“I am looking forward to this journey and I want to make a commitment that there will be an improvement in the way we play football,” Botes said.

“The main objective is to make sure that the Crested Cranes becomes one of the most competitive teams in Africa. We want to compete in every competition so that we become a winning nation once again,” she added.

The gaffer is expected to take over all the National Women’s Teams including the Junior sides hence allowing her to have a clear image of women’s football in the country.

Botes comes with impressive experience after handling the South Africa U-20 National Team. She also holds the CAF A and SAFA Pro coaching certificates.

Crested Cranes interim head coach Charles Ayiekho Lukula has named a squad of 20 ladies to travel to Cameroon.

The squad travelled on Saturday morning (2:45 AM) aboard Ethiopian Airways.

The team is expected to have a stopover in Addis Ababa before later continuing to Douala.

Going into the game, Uganda has a 2-0 advantage into the second leg that is scheduled for Tuesday, October 31.

Catherine Nagadya and Fazila Ikwaput were on target as Uganda registered maximum points.

The aggregate winner between Uganda and Cameroon will player the victor from the Nigeria or Ethiopia clash.

Uganda continues to search for a ticket to the 2024 Paris Women’s Olympic Football Tournament.

Crested Cranes Traveling Squad

Goalkeepers: Daisy Nakaziro, Vanessa Edith Karungi, Gloria Namakula

Defenders: Asia Nakibuuka, Sumaya Komuntale, Shadia Nankya, Desire Katisi Natooro, Bridget Nabisaalu

Midfielders: Joan Nabirye, Phiona Nabbumba, Zaitun Namaganda, Shamirah Nalugya, Jackline Adong

Forwards: Fauzia Najjemba, Fazila Ikwaput, Catherine Nagadya, Joanitah Ainembabazi, Lillian Kasuubo, Elizabeth Nakigozi, Anita Namata