Uganda’s senior women’s national football team, the Crested Cranes, has officially begun preparations for the forthcoming WAFCON 2026 qualifiers.
Uganda will face Ethiopia in the first qualification phase, with the first leg scheduled for 21st February 2026 at Hamz Stadium, Nakivubo, while the return leg will take place five days later in Ethiopia.
The team, which entered a residential camp at Cranes Paradise Hotel in Kisasi on Sunday, 9th February, had its first training session today at Hamz Stadium, Nakivubo.
Of the 39 players summoned, only 11 are yet to join camp, namely:
Ruth Aturo (Ukerewe Queens FC), Nabisaalu Bridget (Modern Sports FC), Shadia Nankya (Tutankhamun FC), Nabulime Phiona, Nabbumba Phionah (FC Midtjylland Women), Joanita Ainembabazi (Kickstart FC), Nanziri Resty (East Bengal), Ikwaput Fazira (Gokulam Kerala), Nantongo Esther (Goldstar WFC), Atuhaire Mastullah Lian (Tooro Queens WFC) and Nambi Viola (Åland United WFC)
They are expected to join soon.
Head coach Sherly Ulanda Botes K hopes that the Under-17 players will gain confidence by training alongside the senior players, which is why she included them in the squad.
“We have successfully had our first session today, and the reaction from the players was good. We have high hopes for those coming from abroad, and we believe they will boost the confidence of their teammates, especially those from the Under-17 squad.”
The winner on aggregate between Uganda and Ethiopia will face Tanzania or Equatorial Guinea in the second qualification round.
Crested Cranes Provisional Squad
Pictorial
