Meetings against African giants are a reality check for Queen Cranes - Sheryl Botes

Queen Cranes head coach Sheryl Botes | FUFA Image

Africa Games 2023 Meetings against African giants are a reality check for Queen Cranes - Sheryl Botes

Brian Aheebwa • 12:56 - 17.03.2024

It is worth noting that the Falconets of Nigeria are the defending champions and that will boost their confidence ahead of the semifinals.

Queen Cranes head coach Sheryl Botes is thrilled with her side’s performance at the ongoing Africa Games in Accra, Ghana.

The Uganda U20 National Women’s Team finished second in Group A which had neighbours Tanzania, Ethiopia, and African powerhouse Ghana.

Uganda started the campaign with a 1-1 draw against Tanzania before defeating Ethiopia 2-0 and concluded with another 1-1 stalemate against giants and hosts Ghana.

“We have been together for only three weeks but you can see a team that is determined to win,” Botes said in the aftermath of the game against Ghana on Friday.

“We have collected five points from the group without defeat despite facing strong teams, especially Ghana.”

“Playing against such giants is a reality check for us because of the quality teams like Ghana presents. I believe we played well,” she added.

Sheryl Botes facing the media | FUFA Image

Uganda will face Nigeria in the semifinals on Monday, March 18 and Botes expressed readiness for yet another huge game.

“We want to go all the way and to achieve that you have to face strong opposition like Ghana, Nigeria and others.”

“Our performance against Ghana indicated that we are a strong team ourselves.”

Action between Ghana and Uganda | Ghana National Team Image

“As we prepared how we should overcome Nigeria in the semifinals, they will also be looking for solutions on how to deal with us,” she noted.

It is worth noting that the Falconets of Nigeria are the defending champions and that will boost their confidence ahead of the semifinals.

Ghana who topped Group A will battle Group B runners-up Senegal in the other semifinal on the same day at Cape Coast Sports Stadium.