Olympic Qualifiers: Crested Cranes squad to face Zambia named

Crested Cranes head coach Sheryl Ulanda Botes has named a 34-player squad for Uganda’s second-round tie in the African qualifiers for the 2028 Olympic Women’s Football Tournament against Zambia.

Uganda will face Zambia over two legs, with the first leg scheduled for October 8, 2026, before the return leg on October 13.

Mukiibi Megan of ENMU Women’s Soccer in New Mexico and Muya Karin of Watford Women FC are among the new faces included in the squad.

The Crested Cranes advanced to the second round after overcoming Ethiopia and will now face Zambia for a place in the next round.

If Uganda progress, they will face the winner of the tie between Ghana and Mauritius.

The CAF Women’s Olympic Qualifying Tournament features 35 African nations competing through five knockout rounds, with two teams set to qualify for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.

At the 2024 Paris Olympics, Nigeria and Zambia were Africa’s representatives in the women’s football tournament.

Goalkeepers

Karungi Vanessa Edith (Brondby IF Women), Aturo Ruth (Simba Queens FC), Nakirya Lillian (St. Noa Girls FC) and Adeke Angella (Amus College WFC).

Defenders

Nankya Shadia (HAC Féminines Women FC), Nantongo Aisha (RSL Shaanxi Zhidan Women FC), Nabisaalu Bridget (She Maroons FC), Anomo Barbara (St. Noa Girls FC), Babirye Hadijah (Kawempe Muslim Ladies FC), Nabulime Jamilah (KCCA Women FC), Nambozo Zabinah (Amus College WFC), Arach Phionah (Rines SS WFC), Nantongo Jane (UCU Lady Cardinals FC), Nandede Zainah (Simba Queens FC), Amangat Marion (KCCA Women FC) and Auki Kigongo Angel (Uganda Martyrs Lubaga WFC).

Midfielders

Nabbumba Phiona (FC Midtjylland), Nabirye Joan (Yanga Princess FC), Nabukenya Agnes (Kawempe Muslim Ladies FC), Balinabyo Hadijah (BUL Women FC), Naluyima Kauthara (She Maroons FC), Kayesu Yuster (KCCA Women FC), Nakagolo Jovia (Kawempe Muslim Ladies FC), Laki Otandeka (Coamo FC), Kunihira Margret (Kenya Police Bullets), Mukiibi Megan (ENMU Women Soccer New Mexico), Muduwa Peace (KCCA Women FC) and Tibiwe Samantha (MUBS – Nakawa).

Forwards

Ikwaput Fazila (East Bengal WFC), Kabene Sylvia (Mġarr United Women FC), Muya Karin (Watford Women FC), Kantono Mary (Luweero Giant Queens FC), Namanda Jesca (She Corporate FC) and Ainembabazi Joanitah (KCCA Women FC).