Crushing blow for Crested Cranes at AWAFCON qualifiers

Uganda’s aspirations to secure a spot at the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) were dealt a crushing blow after a heart-stopping loss to Ethiopia in the second round of qualifiers.

The Crested Cranes’ 2-0 advantage from the first leg proved insufficient as they succumbed to a tense penalty shootout in Addis Ababa.

The return leg, played at Abebe Bikila Stadium on February 26, 2025, was a stark contrast to the first leg’s triumph.

Despite a valiant effort, Uganda’s fortunes took a turn for the worse when Fazila Ikwaput received her marching orders in the 54th minute.

The numerical disadvantage eventually told, as Aregash Kalsa broke the deadlock for Ethiopia in the 66th minute.

In a stunning turn of events, Etsegenet Girma’s stoppage-time free kick leveled the aggregate score at 2-2, forcing a penalty shootout.

Uganda’s Daisy Nakaziro made a crucial save from Senaf Wakuma’s penalty, but Ethiopia ultimately prevailed 5-4.

Zainah Namuleme, Joan Nabirye, Phionah Nabulime, and Aisha Nantongo all found the net for Uganda, but the misses from Phionah Nabbumba and Resty Kobusobozi proved costly.

Under the guidance of South African coach Sheryl Botes, Uganda had shown promise with a strong start to their qualification campaign.

The first leg’s 2-0 victory, courtesy of goals from Zainah Namuleme and Fazila Ikwaput, had raised hopes of a successful qualification bid.

However, the eventual defeat to Ethiopia means that Uganda will not participate in the 2026 WAFCON.

Ethiopia, on the other hand, advances to face Tanzania in the final round of qualification.