By 
The Uganda Women’s Senior Football Team, the Crested Cranes, departed on Sunday, February 23, aboard Ethiopian Airlines for Addis Ababa, where they will face Ethiopia in the return leg of the 2026 WAFCON Qualifiers on Wednesday, February 26.
Head coach Sheryl Botes, speaking after Uganda’s hard-fought 2-0 victory in the first leg at Hamz Stadium, Nakivubo, shared tactical insights, praised individual performances, and warned against complacency.
Botes on the Touchline against Ethiopia.
Reflecting on the first leg, Botes acknowledged the intense rivalry between Uganda and Ethiopia and recognized the tactical challenges posed by the Ethiopian team.
“We knew from the beginning there’s always rivalry between Uganda and Ethiopia, and we knew it was going to be a tough match.” she reflected
“Ethiopia has key influential players like their captain Loza Abera and Adegash Messa in midfield. We had to ensure our midfield was compact and that we won the second ball to prevent them from controlling the game,” Botes stated.
She highlighted Uganda’s offensive play, stating that despite the scoreline remaining goalless for much of the match, she always believed the goals would come due to the pressure Uganda was exerting on Ethiopia’s defense.
“Even though the first half ended 0-0, we had more opportunities than them. We could always feel the goal would come because we were pressing their defense.”
Botes pointed out Ethiopia’s physicality and reliance on long balls, which challenged her side.
“They were a bit more physical than us and played long balls unpredictably. This forced us to adjust tactically, ensuring our striker, number 10, and wingers pushed forward to close spaces. However, at times, our defense sat too deep, leaving gaps in midfield.”
One of the standout players in the first leg was Zaina Namuleme, who broke the deadlock with a crucial goal.
Zaina Namuleme.
Botes lauded Namuleme’s intelligence, tactical awareness, and powerful shooting ability.
“I first noticed Zaina when she played for Kampala Queens, but I recently saw her playing for Makerere, and I said to myself, ‘That’s my player.’ She has the flair, she’s direct, and she understands space well. She played a key role linking up midfield and attack, and her powerful shots make her a real threat.”
Botes also hinted at scouting additional players with similar qualities, mentioning Shakira Nyinagahirwa and Hasifah as potential future additions to the squad.
Despite securing a crucial 2-0 advantage, Botes emphasized that the tie is far from over and warned her players against complacency.
The girls celebrating Fazila Ikwaputs’s second goal.
“The girls felt every kick on that pitch. There’s no way complacency will kick in, it would have to go beyond me. We had to fight for those two goals, and I will not allow the team to take this lightly. If I see signs of complacency in the warm-up, I will take action. We know playing in Ethiopia is even more difficult, and anything can happen.”
Botes stressed that the Crested Cranes will not sit back in the return leg but will instead apply pressure on Ethiopia from the start.
“We’re not going to Ethiopia to sit back. We will press them high and put pressure on their defensive third. If we sit back, we invite them to attack us, and we know how dangerous Loza is. The players now have video analysis to study their movements, and we will be well prepared.”
While the first-leg squad delivered a strong performance, Botes has made a few changes for the return fixture.
Goalkeeper Ruth Aturo and defender Bridget Nabisaalu have been omitted from the traveling squad, with Nabisaalu missing out due to injury.
Meanwhile, four new players; Lillian Nakirya, Margaret Namande, Auki Kigongo Angel, and Teddy Najjuma have been included.
The winner of this fixture will advance to face either Tanzania or Equatorial Guinea in the next qualification round.
Final Traveling Squad
Violah Nambi, Aisha Nantongo, Fazila Ikwaput, Joan Nabirye, Zainah Namuleme, Phionah Nabbumba, Resty Nanziri, Sumayah Komuntale, Zainah Nandede, Agnes Nabukenya, Daisy Nakaziro, Esther Namusoke, Jolly Kobusingye, Latifa Nakasi, Phionah Nabulime, Resty Kobusobozi, Teddy Najjuma, Lillian Nakirya, Margaret Namande, Auki Kigongo Angel.
