Uganda U-17 Women’s National Team head coach Sheryl Ulanda Botes has praised her side’s tactical maturity and game management after they secured a crucial 2-0 away victory over Zimbabwe in the first leg of the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup 2026 African Qualifiers in Harare on Sunday.
The Teen Cranes produced a disciplined and composed display, controlling key phases of the match and executing their strategy effectively to earn a valuable first-leg advantage.
Botes expressed satisfaction with how her players handled a challenging opponent and managed the tempo of the game.
“We tried to manage the game, and I am so proud of the girls. The opponents were not an easy team, but we approached the game tactically well. We got the goals and managed possession very well,” she said.
However, the Ugandan coach was quick to stress that the job is far from done, warning against any sense of relaxation ahead of the return fixture in Kampala.
“But it’s not over yet. I expect a tough match in the return leg, and we shall not be complacent,” Botes added.
She also emphasized the importance of maintaining a possession-based identity as part of the long-term development of Uganda’s women’s national teams, noting that tactical discipline will be key at continental level.
Botes further appealed to fans to rally behind the team in large numbers when they host the return leg at FUFA Stadium, Kadiba, urging strong home support to help finish the job.
Uganda will progress to the next qualification round if they hold onto their advantage, where they will face either Kenya or Namibia, with Kenya currently leading 2-1 after the first leg.
The decisive return leg is set for 18th April 2026, with Uganda carrying a two-goal cushion as they aim to edge closer to a place in the next phase of the qualifiers.
