By 
Uganda’s Crested Cranes secured a 2-0 victory over Ethiopia in the first leg of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations Qualifiers (WAFCON) on Friday at Hamz Stadium, Nakivubo. Zaina Namuleme and Fazila Ikwaput scored stoppage-time goals to give Uganda a crucial advantage ahead of the return leg in Addis Ababa on February 26, 2025.
The match was a closely contested affair, with both teams creating few chances. Ikwaput had a chance in the 8th minute, but her low drive was cleared by the Ethiopian defense. Uganda came close again in the 16th minute with a goal melee in the box, but Resty Nanziri’s effort went wide.
In the 28th minute, Bridget Nabisaalu was forced off with an injury and replaced by Phiona Nabulime. In the second half, Uganda made several substitutions that turned the game in their favor, including Agnes Nabukenya and Resty Kobusobozi coming on for Viola Nambi and Phiona Nabbumba.
At the 90th-minute mark, Namuleme was fouled at the edge of the box and converted the ensuing free kick into the back of the net. In the second minute of added time, Ikwaput sealed the win with a close-range finish, sending the fans into celebration.
The win gives Uganda a valuable advantage ahead of the return leg in Addis Ababa. The aggregate winner will face either Tanzania or Equatorial Guinea in the next qualification round.
Crested Cranes Starting 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.
