By 
WAFCON Qualifier (Second Round, Second Leg)
Ethiopia (5) 2-0 (4) Uganda (Agg: 2-2)
The Crested Cranes’ quest for a place at the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) came to a painful end following a heartbreaking loss to Ethiopia in the second round of qualifiers.
Despite taking a 2-0 first-leg advantage, the Crested Cranes failed to hold off their determined hosts in Addis Ababa, ultimately falling short in a tense penalty shootouts.
Under the guidance of South African coach Sheryl Botes, Uganda had raised hopes with a strong start to their qualification campaign.
In the first leg at Hamz Stadium, goals from Zainah Namuleme and Fazila Ikwaput secured a 2-0 victory.
However, the return leg at Abebe Bikila Stadium on February 26, 2025, proved to be a different challenge.
Uganda fought bravely but suffered a major setback when Ikwaput was sent off in the 54th minute.
Reduced to ten players, they held on until the 66th minute, when Aregash Kalsa broke the deadlock for Ethiopia.
With the match seemingly heading to extra time, Etsegenet Girma delivered a stunning free kick in stoppage time to level the aggregate score at 2-2, forcing a penalty shootout.
In the shootout, Uganda’s Daisy Nakaziro managed to save Senaf Wakuma’s penalty, but Ethiopia converted five of their spot-kicks, sealing a 5-4 victory.
Uganda’s Namuleme, Joan Nabirye, Phionah Nabulime, and Aisha Nantongo found the net, but crucial misses from Phionah Nabbumba and Resty Kobusobozi cost them dearly.
With this result, Ethiopia advances to face Tanzania in the final round of qualification, leaving Uganda to reflect on what might have been after a valiant effort.
