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.

The head coach of Tanzania’s women’s team has said he was impressed with his team’s win against Equatorial Guinea in the first leg first round of the TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) 2026 qualifiers.

Twiga Stars defeated Equatorial Guinea 3-1 in the first leg match played on Thursday at the Azam Stadium.

Bakari Shime made it clear that although his team should have won by a bigger margin, he was impressed at the level they responded after going a goal down in the first half.

“The team showed a lot of hunger and team work has they searched for goals. It is a good first leg result that we must ride on and go get another good result in the return leg,” added Shime.

Getruede Engueme gave the visitors the lead after 42 minutes to silence the home fans. But Twiga Stars responded positively to score three second half goals though Stumai Abdallah, Enekia Kasonga and Diana Msewa.

Action in the WAFCON 2026 qualifiers continues on Friday with four teams from CECAFA Zone taking to the field. Uganda will host Ethiopia, while Djibouti take on Togo.

Rwanda will also face Egypt at the Kigali Pele Stadium, and Kenya play host to Tunisia. On Sunday Burudi will battle Burkina Faso.

Fixture

Feb 21

Uganda vs Ethiopia

Djibouti vs Togo

Rwanda vs Egypt

Kenya vs Tunisia

Feb 23

Burundi vs Burkina Faso

Hosts South Sudan have suffered a 5-0 defeat to Algeria in the first leg first round of the CAF TotalEnergies Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) 2026 qualifiers.

Laura Carine Taleb gave the visitors the lead after 20 minutes at the Juba National Stadium after finishing off with a fine header.

South Sudan captained by the experienced Amy Lasu Luaya Lasu tried to fight back to try and level matters, but failed to penetrate the Algerian defending line.

Algeria made it 2-0 after 43 minutes when Lea Soizic Abdoub placed the ball past South Sudan’s goalkeeper Nawal Isaac Majok.

In the second half the visitors were awarded a penalty after 47 minutes, but skipper Guellati Sofia failed to convert from the spot. But the Algerians were hungry for more goals and made it 3-0 two minutes later when Naima Bouhani Ben scored.

After 56 minutes Ghouthia Habiba converted from the spot to make it 4-0. South Sudan defender Dorka Gerald Lokeri got her name on the score sheet with an own goal after 86 minutes when she headed in a well taken Quassila Alduache free-kick.

Seven more teams from the CECAFA Zone will be in action in the first leg of the WAFCON qualifiers with Tanzania taking to the field tomorrow against Equatorial Guinea in Dar es Salaam.

On Friday Uganda Crested Cranes will host Ethiopia, while Djibouti battle Togo, and Rwanda take on Egypt in Kigali. Burundi will take on Burkina Faso on February 23^rd, 2025.

The 2026 WAFCON will be hosted by Morocco.

Uganda Crested Cranes Shadia Nankya has joined National Women Super League side in the United States of America, Washington Spirit FC.

The Club confirmed the arrival of the 24-year old defender on February 13^th.

The versatile defender joined Washington Spirit on a two year contract from Egypt Women’s Premier League side, FC Masar.

“I am very happy that finally I have joined a big team in a top League in the world. I am ready to work hard and help my team achieve the set goals,” said Nankya.

The defender moves from Egyptian Premier League side FC Masar. She featured in almost all matches for FC Masar last season. Nankya previously played for Uganda Christian University’s Lady Cardinals in the Uganda Women’s Premier League.

“Playing at the highest level in women’s football at the Washington Spirit will also serve as an inspiration to thousands of girls in primary and secondary schools in Uganda and the wider East African region,’ she added.

The NWSL already attracts top African women Football players like Asisat Oshoala, Ifeoma Onumonu, Michelle Alozie, Barbra Banda, Rachael Kundananji (Zambia), Estelle Johnson (Cameroon), Linda Motlhalo (South Africa), Jassmina Barhoumi (Tunisia) and Ghana’s Princess Marfo among others.