Uganda U20 Women’s National Team head coach Ayub Khalifa Kiyingi is confident the time he has now and the first game against Ghana is enough to prepare his troops.
The gaffer said so as the provisional squad of 28 players conducted their first training session at Lugogo Stadium on Thursday morning in preparation for the first leg against Ghana.
Uganda will host the West African Nation on 22nd January 2022 at St. Mary’s Stadium, Kitende in the first leg of the fourth round of the FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup Qualifiers with the return leg coming a fortnight later.
“We have today started our preparations for the matches against Ghana. The girls came back in good shape. I believe the time we have between now and the first game will be enough for us to prepare and get the results we want,” said the coach.
Uganda has had an incredible run in the qualifiers, first defeating Kenya 10-3 on aggregate in the third round before eliminating South Africa in the previous round.
The coach believes the team has good momentum going into games against Ghana and hopes that will enable them to sail through.
A provisional squad of 28 players were summoned to embark on preparations and the team is currently in residential camp at Cranes Paradise Hotel, Kisaasi.
The winner on aggregate between Uganda and Ghana will face either Ethiopia or Tanzania at the final qualifying phase to the coveted tournament that will be hosted in Costa Rica later this year.
Provisional Squad
Goalkeepers
Daphine Nyayenga (Lady Doves FC), Joan Namusisi (Kampala Queens FC), Diana Natukunda (Kawempe Muslim Ladies FC), Saida Namwanje (Luweero Giant Queens FC.
Defenders
Sumayah Komuntale (Tooro Queens FC), , Grace Aluka (Olila High School FC), Winnie Nakanwagi (Uganda Martyrs High School FC), Biira Nadunga (Olila High School FC), Samalie Nakacwa (Kawempe Muslim FC), Harima Kanyago (Lady Doves FC), Aisha Nantongo (Kawempe Muslim Ladies), Asia Nakibuuka (Kawempe Muslim Ladies FC).
Midfielders
Shamirah Nalugya (Kawempe Muslim Ladies FC), Shakirah Nyinagahirwa (Kawempe Muslim Ladies FC), Phiona Nabulime (Devine Soccer Academy), Catherine Nagadya (Uganda Martyrs High School), Margaret Kunihira (Kawempe Muslim Ladies FC), Kevin Nakacwa (Uganda Martyrs High School FC), Zaituni Namaganda (Taggy High School FC), Eva Naggayi (Rines SS WFC).
Forwards
Fauzia Najjemba (Kampala Queens), Hadijah Nandago (Kawempe Muslim Ladies FC), Juliet Nalukenge (Chrysomolia FC), Joweria Nagadya (Lady Doves FC), Kamuyati Naigaga (Taggy High School), Ronah Regina Nantege (She Corporate FC), Zaina Nandede (Kataka SHE FC), Lilian Mutuuzo (Kampala Queens FC)
Officials
Head Coach – Ayub Khalifa Kiyingi
Assistant Coach- Oliver Mbekeka
Goalkeeping Coach- Mubarak Kiberu
Fitness Trainer – Arthur Kyesimira
Team coordinator – Joan Namusisi
Team Doctor – Mable Kabatalindwa
Kit and Equipment Manager- Cissy Nakiguba
Media Officer- Alex Kasirye
