Crested Cranes Captain, Deputies, and Squad Announced Ahead of WAFCON 2026 Qualifiers Clash Against Ethiopia

The Uganda senior women's national football team, the Crested Cranes, are ready for the forthcoming Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) 2026 qualifiers.Head coach Sheryl Botes has confirmed her leadership team and provisional squad as Uganda gears up to face Ethiopia in the first qualification round. Crested Cranes Captain and Deputies

Forward Viola Nambi, who plays for Aland United Women FC in Finland, has been named team captain. Nambi, an experienced and talented forward, will lead the team as they embark on their qualification campaign for the continental tournament.

She will be assisted by Fazila Ikwaput, a forward currently playing for Gokulam Kerala WFC in India. Ikwaput brings immense experience and attacking prowess to the team, making her a crucial component of the squad’s leadership.

Goalkeeper Ruth Aturo, who plies her trade with Ukerewe Queens SC in Tanzania, has been appointed as the second deputy captain. Aturo’s experience and leadership at the back will be vital in ensuring defensive solidity as the team takes on Ethiopia.

Provisional Crested Cranes Squad Announced Weeks Earlier

Goalkeepers: Aturo Ruth (Ukerewe Queens SC-Tanzania)

Nakaziro Daisy (Kampala Queens FC)

Nakiirya Lillian (St. Noa Girls WFC)

Kaidu Sharon (Uganda Martyrs Lubaga WFC)

Adeke Angella (Amus College WFC)

Nakabugo Ashley (Kawempe Muslim SS WFC)

Defenders: 

Nabisaalu Bridget (Modern Sports FC – Egypt) Nankya Shadia (Tutankhamun FC – Egypt) Nabulime Phionah (Kawempe Muslim Ladies FC) Niwandinda Mackline (Boni Consilii Girls Vocational School) Babirye Martha (El Cambio Academy)

Namande Margret (Lady Doves FC)

Nandede Zainah (Kampala Queens FC) Namusoke Esther (Kampala Queens FC) Nantumbwe Wilmer (She Gist FC)

Kobusinge Jolly (Kawempe Muslim Ladies FC) Komuntale Sumaya (Kampala Queens FC)

Midfielders: 

Nabirye Joan (Trabzonspor FC -Turkey) Nabbumba Phiona (Boldklubben AF 1893 – Denmark)

Nambozo Zabinah (Amus College WFC)

Naluyima Kauthara (She Maroons FC)

Najjuma Teddy (Kampala Queens FC)

Nankya Rashidah (Makerere University WFC) Nalugya Shamirah (Kampala Queens FC) Nabukenya Agnes (Kawempe Muslim Ladies FC) Aujat Dorine (Amus College WFC)

Namuleme Zaina (Makerere University WFC) Nambi Violah (Åland United WFC – Finland) Kobusobozi Resty (Lady Doves FC)

Munyana Brenda (Uganda Martyrs Lubaga WFC) Atuhaire Mastulah Lian (Tooro Queens FC) Nantongo Esther (Gold Star FC)

Auki Kigongo Angel (Uganda Martyrs Lubaga WFC)

Forwards:

Ikwaput Fazila (Gokulam Kerala –India)

Nanziri Resty (East Bengal- India)

Ainembabazi Joanitah (Kickstart FC- India) Nakasi Latifah (Uganda Martyrs Lubaga WFC) Ariho Rinah (Boni Consilii Girls Vocational School) Nakintu Nusurah (Uganda Martyrs Lubaga WFC)

Match Details and Match Officials

Uganda will kick off their WAFCON 2026 qualification campaign against Ethiopia’s Lucy with a home fixture on Friday, 21st February 2025, at Hamz Stadium, Nakivubo.

The return leg will be played in Addis Ababa on 26th February 2025, with the aggregate winner advancing to the next qualification round.

The following match officials have been appointed for the first leg in Uganda:

Referee: Marie Josephine NGO BIEM (Cameroon) Assistant Referee 1: Victorine BAHANE NANAWA (Cameroon)

Assistant Referee 2: Barbara Heloise Kozerembi Yamet (Central African Republic)

Fourth Official: Leticia Ines Kenga Godeneze (Central African Republic)

Match Commissioner: (Zimbabwe)

Referee Assessor: (Togo)

Coach Sheryl Botes’ Remarks on the Upcoming Challenge

During the provisional squad announcement some weeks back, head coach Sheryl Botes acknowledged the tough task ahead, emphasizing the significance of proper preparation:

“We are playing Ethiopia and we know it is going to be a tough challenge. There is always a rivalry between Uganda and Ethiopia, and we hope the team will be strong enough to put up a good performance. Qualifying for WAFCON won’t be easy, but we have to work tirelessly with our players now.”

Botes also highlighted the importance of integrating young players into the senior team setup, providing them with the opportunity to train and gain experience alongside seasoned professionals.

The squad entered camp on Sunday, 11th February 2025, at Cranes Paradise Hotel Kisaasi and have been training at Hamz Stadium, Nakivubo in preparation for the crucial tie against Ethiopia.

With the leadership of captain Viola Nambi and deputies Fazila Ikwaput and Ruth Aturo, the Crested Cranes are ready to take on Ethiopia. The team’s blend of experience and emerging talent provides hope for a strong qualification campaign. Fans across Uganda will be eagerly anticipating the home fixture on Friday, 21st February 2025, as the Crested Cranes aim to take a significant step toward WAFCON 2026.