Uganda stop Ethiopia in WAFCON 2026 qualifier

Uganda Crested Cranes have defeated Ethiopia 2-0 in the first leg round one clash of the in the TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) 2026 qualifiers.

After a scrappy first half with the two teams not creating decent scoring chances, the teams produced a more entertaining display after recess at the Hamz Stadium Nakivubo.

The hosts scored late through Zainah Namuleme and Fazilah Ikwaput.

Loza Abera, Ethiopia’s captain plying her trade in the USA came close to scoring midway the second half, but her effort was stopped by Uganda’s goalkeeper Ruth Aturo.

As the match seemed destined for a draw Uganda earned a free kick outside the box. Namuleme made no mistake curling in the free kick past the defenders and the Ethiopian goalkeeper Tarikwa Bergena.

In the third minute of added time Ikwaput lso got her name on the score sheet from close range to ensure Uganda collected a 2-0 win.

In the other matches involving teams from the CECAFA Zone Rwanda suffered a 1-0 defeat to Egypt in Kigali, while hosts Kenya and Tunisia settled for a goalless draw. Later Djibouti will face Togo.