Africa-Press – Tanzania. Three teams from the CECAFA Zone will be in action in the first leg of the first round in the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup qualifier 2026 on Saturday.
Kenya’s Rising Starlets will hosts Tanzania at the Ulinzi Sports Complex in what promises to be a thriller, while Uganda take on Zambia at the FUFA Stadium, Kadiba.
Coach Jackline Juma has said winning the home match against Tanzania will be a good motivator for the team before traveling for the return leg. “Our training good and we are prepare for the match we know will not be an easy one,” said the Kenyan coach.
Bakari Shime, the experienced Tanzanian coach has also made it clear that they know the importance of the first leg and will work hard to make sure they get a good result.
“I have told my players how important it is to win away and make our work easier in the return leg. Kenya is not an easy team, but we have prepared well for the match,” added the head coach of the Tanzanite Queens.
While Kenya saw off Ethiopia 5-1 on aggregate, Tanzania demolished Angola 7-0 on aggregate to qualify for the third round. In Kampala Uganda will face a tough test against one of the strongest teams from the COSAFA Zone Zambia.
Uganda who ejected Namibia 5-0 on aggregate on the second round will look to professional players Sylvia Kabene who features for Herbernian FC in Malta and Desire Katisi Natooro (Kenya Police Bullets FC) to lead the team.
Sheryl Ulanda Botes, Uganda’s head coach has also made it clear that they must try to get a positive result at home. “We need to concentrate and get a good result,” said Botes.
After the third group teams will qualify to play in the fourth round which is the final phase of the qualifiers.
Africa will be represented by the best four teams to join 20 others from other continents at the 2026 FIFA Under-20 Women’s World Cup to take place in Poland later this year.
