Uganda’s Crested Cranes secured a 2-0 victory over Ethiopia within the first leg of the 2026 Ladies’s Africa Cup of Nations Qualifiers (WAFCON) on Friday at Hamz Stadium, Nakivubo. Zaina Namuleme and Fazila Ikwaput scored stoppage-time targets to provide Uganda a vital benefit forward of the return leg in Addis Ababa on February 26, 2025.
The match was a intently contested affair, with each groups creating few possibilities. Ikwaput had an opportunity within the eighth minute, however her low drive was cleared by the Ethiopian protection. Uganda got here shut once more within the sixteenth minute with a objective melee within the field, however Resty Nanziri’s effort went broad.
Within the twenty eighth minute, Bridget Nabisaalu was compelled off with an damage and changed by Phiona Nabulime. Within the second half, Uganda made a number of substitutions that turned the sport of their favor, together with Agnes Nabukenya and Resty Kobusobozi approaching for Viola Nambi and Phiona Nabbumba.
On the Ninetieth-minute mark, Namuleme was fouled on the fringe of the field and transformed the following free kick into the again of the web. Within the second minute of added time, Ikwaput sealed the win with a close-range end, sending the followers into celebration.
The win offers Uganda a useful benefit forward of the return leg in Addis Ababa. The combination winner will face both Tanzania or Equatorial Guinea within the subsequent qualification spherical.
Crested Cranes Beginning XI: Ruth Aturo (GK), Zaina Nandede, Sumaya Komuntale, Aisha Nantongo, Bridget Nabisaalu (Phiona Nabulime), Joan Nabirye, Phiona Nabbumba (Agnes Nabukenya), Viola Nambi (Resty Kobusobozi), Resty Nanziri, Fazila Ikwaput, and Zaina Namuleme.
