Asefa names 23-Players for Crested Cranes return leg against Zambia in Olympic Qualifiers
David GOMBE
The Uganda Senior Women’s National Team, the Crested Cranes, head coach Asefa Firew Hailegebreal has named a squad of 23 for the return leg of the 2028 CAF Women’s Olympic Qualifiers against Zambia.
The Crested Cranes will lock horns with the Copper Queens on Tuesday, 13th October 2026, at the Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola, aiming to build on their 2-1 first-leg victory at Hamz Stadium, Nakivubo.
On Saturday morning, the team had a final training session at Muteesa II Stadium, Wankulukuku, before departing for Zambia aboard Ethiopian Airlines on Sunday morning.
Asefa’s charges will be seeking to secure progression to the next qualification round, where the winner of the tie will face either Mauritius or Ghana.
Zambia, ranked among the top sides on the continent and fresh from Olympic and World Cup appearances, will provide a stern test at home, but Uganda carry a crucial away-goal advantage.
Travelling Squad
Goalkeepers:
Vanessa Edith Karungi – Brøndby IF Women (Denmark), Ruth Aturo – Simba Queens FC (Tanzania) and Lillian Nakirya – St. Noa Girls FC (Uganda)
Defenders:
Shadia Nankya – HAC Féminines Women FC (France), Bridget Nabisaalu – She Maroons FC (Uganda), Barbara Anomo – St. Noa Girls FC (Uganda), Hadijah Babirye – Kawempe Muslim Ladies FC (Uganda), Jamilah Nabulime – KCCA Women FC (Uganda), Jane Nantongo – UCU Lady Cardinals FC (Uganda), Zainah Nandede – Simba Queens FC (Tanzania)
Midfielders:
Phiona Nabbumba – FC Midtjylland (Denmark), Joan Nabirye – Yanga Princess FC (Tanzania), Agnes Nabukenya – Kawempe Muslim Ladies FC (Uganda), Kamiyati Naigaga – KCCA Women FC (Uganda), Peace Muduwa – KCCA Women FC (Uganda), Shamira Nalugya – FC Dynamo Brest (Belarus)
Forwards:
Fazila Ikwaput – East Bengal WFC (India), Sylvia Kabene – Mġarr United Women FC (Malta), Jesca Namanda – She Corporate FC (Uganda), Joanitah Ainembabazi – KCCA Women FC (Uganda), Laki Otandeka – Coamo FC, Marrion Amangati – KCCA Women FC (Uganda), Angel Auki Kigongo – Uganda Martyrs Lubaga WFC (Uganda)