2022 AWCON Qualifiers: Crested Cranes 180 minutes away from the final tournament

The Uganda Women Senior National Team is just 180 minutes away from qualifying to the 2022 Africa Women Cup of Nations after progressing to the final qualification round of the 2022 Africa Women Cup of Nations Qualifiers after dumping out Ethiopia on Tuesday.

Despite losing the return leg 2-0 at Abebe Bikila Stadium in Addis Ababa, Uganda eventually won the tense penalty shootout to progress to the next level.

It should be noted that Crested Cranes entered entered this game with an upper hand after the first leg 2-0 victory at St. Mary’s Stadium.

“Kili mumateeka, okusituka nozina….”
The mood inside the team bus as the Crested Cranes returned to the hotel. pic.twitter.com/wrs8R9esgc

— Crested Cranes (@CrestedCranes) October 26, 2021

Therefore, Ethiopia’s 2-0 win meant the winner had to be decided on penalties.

The home side broke the deadlock through Senaf Wakuma in the 21st minute.

They later doubled their lead ten minutes later when captain Loza Abera found space inside the area to slot home.

In the spot kicks, captain Ruth Aturo made two saves, the other two Ethiopian players missed and only one converted.

Short story in the penalty shootout
1-Ethiopian players hit the woodwork – 💪💪
2-Ruth Aturo saves- 💃💃
3- Sumaya Komuntale and Joan Nabirye miss- 🤦🤦
4- Hasifa Nassuna and Fauzia Najjemba convert -💪💪
5- Celebrations- 💃💃💃 pic.twitter.com/hKNpnEhRDN

— Crested Cranes (@CrestedCranes) October 26, 2021

For Uganda, Nassuna scored the opening kick but Joan Nabirye missed hers. Fauzia Najjemba would go on to convert the third take before left back Sumaya Komuntale missed.

The result means Uganda advanced and set up a date with Kenya in the third round.