Pakwach-born and Amus College WFC-based defender Vicky Atyeronimungu has called on West Nile fans to rally behind the Uganda U-20 Women's National Team as they host Ghana this Saturday at FUFA Stadium, Kadiba, in what promises to be the most important 90 minutes in the team's history.
Atyeronimungu, who features for Amus College WFC, has been a key member of the squad throughout the campaign, featuring in the first leg in Accra, where she helped set up captain Agnes Nabukenya's opening goal, one of several appearances she has made in recent fixtures, including the qualifying run against Zambia.
The team returned to training following their 2-1 defeat in the first leg of the final round of the African qualifiers, played at the Accra Sports Stadium last Sunday. Despite the defeat, Uganda secured a valuable away goal, with captain Agnes Nabukenya putting the Queen Cranes ahead in the 32nd minute before Ghana replied through Priscilla Mensah and Latifa Abesik, who struck late in the 86th minute to seal the win for the hosts.
The aggregate winner over the two legs will qualify for the FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup 2026 in Poland, with the away goals rule applied if necessary and a penalty shoot-out to follow should the teams remain level.
Speaking to our reporter and writer Shifa Ismail after the team's Wednesday evening session, Atyeronimungu urged fans not to feel sidelined, as even West Nile has been represented on the team.
"West Nile has players on these various national teams and it's high time we supported them. Let's come together this Saturday as we make history together," Atyeronimungu sought.
"Let our girls not lose hope, there's still hope to chase your dream of featuring on the national teams," She added.
Under the guidance of South African head coach Sheryl Ulanda Botes, if the Queen Cranes overcome Ghana this Saturday, they will become only the second Ugandan team to qualify for a FIFA World Cup, following the achievement of the U-17 men's team. The Uganda U-17 Men's National Team, the Cubs, made history at the FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2025, held from 3rd–27th November, becoming the first Ugandan team to reach the knockout stages of a FIFA World Cup. They went on to reach the Round of 16, defeating France and Senegal before losing to Burkina Faso on penalties.
The second leg is set for Saturday, May 9 at FUFA Stadium, Kadiba. The 4:00 PM kickoff will be on free entry for all spectators, making it a golden opportunity for West Nile supporters and all Ugandans to turn out in numbers and push the Queen Cranes towards a historic qualification.
