Uganda selects final squad to face Zambia in crucial FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup qualifier

KAMPALA, Feb. 12 (Xinhua) -- Uganda head coach Sheryl Botes has named her final squad for the decisive return leg of the FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup qualifier against Zambia.

Uganda's U-20 women's team, the Queen Cranes, will face Zambia on Saturday at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola. The sides drew 1-1 in the first leg last weekend, leaving the third-round tie finely poised.

"I have named a competitive team and we are confident to get a good result in Zambia. After drawing 1-1 in the first leg, we have tried to correct our mistakes and also improve on the attack," Botes told Xinhua before the team departed for Zambia on Thursday.

Despite playing away from home, Botes stressed the need for discipline at both ends of the pitch. She said the team must defend collectively while taking their chances in attack.

"We have a good chance to progress to the final round of the qualifiers," she added.

Malta-based professional Sylvia Kabene echoed her coach's optimism, emphasizing teamwork as key to securing qualification.

"We know it will not be an easy match. But we are determined to work as a team and get a good result to qualify for the next round," Kabene said.

The winner will advance to face either Ghana or South Africa in the final round of African qualifiers, with a place at the FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup 2026 at stake.

Africa will be represented by four teams at the 2026 tournament, which will be held in Poland and feature 24 teams. ■