Botes issues warning ahead second leg fixture against Zambia

Zambia U-20 women’s national team will face Uganda in the 2026 FIFA U-20 World Cup, second leg clash at the Levy Mwanawasa stadium on Saturday.

The decisive encounter comes after the two sides played out a 1–1 draw in the first leg last weekend, leaving qualification finely balanced as both teams chase a place in the final round.

Speaking ahead of the match, Uganda U-20 head coach Sheryl Botes is confident her side can upset Zambia.

Botes believes her players are capable of delivering a strong performance, despite the anticipated cold and rainy conditions in Ndola.

“We have the ability to do more damage in Zambia,” Botes said. “I have been told it has been raining every day, so we will assess the situation on arrival. I am hopeful and I believe we can make an impact in Zambia.”

Meanwhile, Uganda’s assistant captain Lillian Nakiirya says the squad is ready for the must-win encounter.

“We are ready to play this game because it is vital for keeping our World Cup hopes alive,” Nakiirya said.

Saturday’s clash will determine which of the two nations advances to the final qualification round, where the aggregate winner will face either South Africa or Ghana for a place at the 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in Poland.

Lucky Chama February 13, 2026

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Lucky Chama is a Zambian sports writer with a bias towards football. He is also a radio and TV sports presenter. He also features on various TV and radio shows as a football analyst.