Written By | Alex Mbamanya
Crested Cranes ready for Zambia test
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Kampala
The Uganda Senior Women’s National Team, the Crested Cranes, will host Zambia today, Thursday, October 8, 2026, in the first leg of the 2028 CAF Women’s Olympic Qualifiers at Hamz Stadium, Nakivubo.
The Crested Cranes head into the encounter after a positive build-up, with the full squad in camp and several international stars joining the team well ahead of the match.
Uganda Senior Women’s National Team head coach Firew Hailegebreal Asefa, the Ethiopian who replaced South African Sherly Botes, will have a strong squad to choose from for the game.
Professional stars including goalkeeper Karungi Vanessa Edith of Brøndby IF Women, Nankya Shadia of HAC Féminines Women FC, Fazila Ikwaput of East Bengal WFC, Sylvia Kabene of Mġarr United Women FC and Laki Otandeka of Coamo FC all joined the squad in time. They were joined by Ruth Aturo and Zainah Nandede, both of Tanzania’s Simba Queens FC, as well as Joan Nabirye of Yanga Princess FC.
“We know Zambia is a good team and we respect their quality. However, we also have experienced players who have played at this level before, and we believe they can match the challenge,” said team assistant coach Collins Ahumuza.
New Uganda's Female Coach
Uganda will draw confidence from previous meetings with Zambia, having defeated the Copper Queens 1-0 in the 2018 COSAFA Women’s Championship third-place play-off before recording a 5-0 victory in an international friendly in Marrakech in 2022.
FUFA has confirmed free entry for fans attending Thursday’s fixture, giving supporters an opportunity to rally behind the Crested Cranes on the eve of Uganda’s Independence Day.
The Crested Cranes will now look to make home advantage count before travelling to Ndola for the return leg at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium on October 13, 2026.
