Uganda’s Baby Victoria Pearls head to Kigali chasing a place at the 2025 U-19 Girls World Cup in Malaysia.
Uganda is in Group B alongside Namibia, Kenya and hosts Rwanda in the qualification tournament that will run from September 20th to 30th.
Uganda finished fourth at the first edition of the U-19 Qualifiers in Botswana in 2022 and will be seeking better fortune in a place that has been kind to Ugandan teams. The U-19 boys qualified for the 2022 U-19 World Cup in Kigali and that should be some inspiration for the baby Victoria Pearls.
Jimia Mohammad who was captain of the team in Botswana two years ago will lead the side again in Kigali. Since then she has made her senior debut for the Victoria Pearls, and her experience together with Malisa Ariokot, Asumin Akurut, Patricia Timong, and Lorna Anyait have all made the step up and played for the Victoria Pearls will be key.
Uganda will start its campaign against Namibia, followed by Kenya, and finish their group games against hosts Rwanda. The top two teams from each group qualify for the semifinals with the winner of the tournament earning the right to represent Africa at the World Cup.
Zimbabwe and Rwanda who were at the first edition of the World Cup in South Africa in 2023 will be favourites at the tournament but Uganda and Nigeria are interested parties.
The Team: Jimia Mohammad (Captain), Malisa Ariokot, Lona Anyait, Patricia Timong, Shadiah Gilingish Nabulime, Rashidah Tikabula, Irene Mutonyi, Immaculate Nandera, Mary Patricia Apolot, Asumin Akurut, Jane Naume Amongin, Michelle Ariago, Agnes Nakakande, Barbra Nanyanzi
Officials: Yusuf Nanga (Head Coach), Ivan Kakande (Assistant Coach), Tugume Imam (Physiotherapist), Richard Okia (Team Analyst), Denis Musali (Media Manager), Lelia Namaganda Ondeko (Team Manager).
Date Fixture Ground Time22/09/2024Uganda v NamibiaGahanga 214:5023/09/2024Uganda v KenyaIPRC10:3025/09/2024Uganda v RwandaIPRC14:5028/09/2024Semifinal 29/09/2024FINAL
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