Uganda Coach Sheryl Botes is confident the Teen Cranes will give Zambia a tough match when the two sides meet in Sunday’s 2024 U-17 FIFA Women’s World Cup third round, first leg qualifier.
Kick-off at Heroes stadium in Lusaka will be at 12h30 and tickets are available from K10 in all Shoprite stores via CompuTicket.
Speaking at a pre-match press conference at Football House, Botes admitted that the Teen Cranes had pressure heading into the match but it is something her technical bench has been working on in the background.
“There is so much pressure on players, we have to see tomorrow if they will be able to cope with the pressure. I assume that the Zambians have got the advantage of the support and these are the things that the girls have to experience by playing with the 12th man which is their supporters,” Botes said.
“I am confident that we might surprise Zambia, I hope that we do, it’s not going to be easy but we are looking forward to the match, they are no more easy games. As much as we want it, Zambia also wants to qualify.”
The South African tactician also shared with the media that her technical bench was using the match as a learning experience for the Teen Cranes.
“This is what we need for women’s football, we need to get to the level of Ghana and Nigeria. Even if the competition is tough, it has to be like that, we are also developing the future of national teams starting with the U17,” Botes said.
“I foresee a lot of challenges tomorrow but I hope that we will able to contain Zambia as much as they will be playing, we have our own weapons and arsenal so we will be coming for Zambia but it’s not going to be easy but we are going to try, we have to fight.”
Team captain Desire Katisi said conversations around the team have been confident ahead of Sunday’s tie, with the second leg due five days later.
“Our mood is high and we are ready for tomorrow, though the Zambian team is strong but with the coach instructions and her coaching efforts, we shall overcome it because we have to pass through their defence to score and we also have to defend our side as well,” Katisi said.
Winner over both legs will face either Morocco or Algeria in the final round for a place at the U17 FIFA Women’s World Cup to be held in the Dominican Republic.
[FAZ]
