FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup Qualifiers
First leg
Sunday, 4pm
Zimbabwe v Uganda
Return leg
April 18
Uganda v Zimbabwe
Uganda’s young stars are brimming with belief ahead of a crucial continental assignment, as the Uganda U-17 Women’s National Team prepare to take on Zimbabwe in the opening leg of the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup Qualifiers.
The highly anticipated encounter will be staged at Ngoni Stadium on Sunday, with Uganda determined to secure a strong result on the road and seize early control of the two-legged tie.
Heading into the fixture, the Teen Cranes have intensified preparations, wrapping up their final training session in Harare with focus on tactical sharpness and cohesion. The technical team has emphasized balance—ensuring the side remains solid at the back while posing a real attacking threat going forward.
Head coach Sheryl Ulanda Botes struck a confident tone ahead of kickoff, underlining the team’s readiness and ambition.
“We are very confident. We have worked on both our offensive and defensive structures and built combinations that will give us an attacking threat. Our objective is to win and make the people of Uganda proud,” she noted.
Leadership within the squad has also been clearly defined, with Martha Babirye entrusted with the captain’s armband, assisted by Phionah Arachi. The duo is expected to play a key role in guiding the team through what promises to be a demanding contest.
Babirye echoed the coach’s optimism, pointing to strong team spirit and focus within the camp. Uganda will be aiming not just to compete, but to return home with an advantage ahead of the decisive second leg.
The return fixture is set for FUFA Stadium Kadiba, where the Teen Cranes hope to finish the job in front of home fans. The winner on aggregate will advance to face either Namibia or Kenya in the next qualification round.
With confidence high and a clear mission in sight, Uganda’s rising talents are ready to test themselves on the continental stage.
Sounds like a really exciting match to watch. It’s great to see young Ugandan players so focused on achieving a breakthrough.