The Uganda Senior Women’s National Team, the Crested Cranes, have intensified preparations ahead of the first leg of the 2028 CAF Women’s Olympic Qualifiers against Zambia on Thursday, 8th October 2026.
The Crested Cranes will host Zambia at Hamz Stadium, Nakivubo, with kick-off scheduled for 4:00 PM. Preparations continued on Monday with five foreign-based players joining camp and taking part in the team’s training session at Hamz Stadium, Nakivubo.
The players who joined the squad are goalkeeper Karungi Vanessa Edith (Brøndby IF Women), Nankya Shadia (HAC Féminines Women FC), Fazila Ikwaput (East Bengal WFC), Sylvia Kabene (Mġarr United Women FC) and Laki Otandeka (Coamo FC).
Their arrival brings the number of foreign-based players in camp to eight. The others are Ruth Aturo and Zainah Nandede of Simba Queens FC, and Joan Nabirye of Yanga Princess FC.
For Otandeka, the return to the national team setup comes after a five-year absence, making it a special moment for the forward.
‘It feels good to be back after five years. The first days have been nice. The girls are very welcoming and the coach is very demanding in a good way. We have good expectations from ourselves,’ said Otandeka.
The Coamo FC forward is looking forward to the encounter and believes the team is determined to give its best for the country.
‘We are excited about the game and ready to make our country proud. I call upon the fans to come and support us in big numbers. Your support means a lot to us,’ she added.
With matchday approaching, the Crested Cranes are continuing to fine-tune their preparations as they look to start the Olympic qualification campaign on a positive note. FUFA has also confirmed free entrance for the first-leg encounter, allowing fans to attend the match at Hamz Stadium, Nakivubo and rally behind the Crested Cranes.
The first leg will be played on Thursday, 8th October 2026 at 4:00 PM, with the return leg scheduled for 13th October 2026 in Zambia.
