Uganda’s Crested Cranes will look to complete the job and secure passage to the final qualification round of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) when they take on Ethiopia on Wednesday afternoon at the Abebe Bikila Stadium in Addis Ababa.
Carrying a 2-0 advantage from the first leg in Kampala, Uganda are in pole position to progress, but head coach Sheryl Botes has warned against complacency.
“We have prepared well, and the players are ready. I have been speaking to them about staying focused. We may have won 2-0 at home, but this contest is far from over,” Botes said ahead of the decisive encounter.
Despite the positive first-leg result, Uganda face a tricky task in Ethiopia, a team known for its resilience, especially at home.
Ethiopia’s head coach, Yoseph Geberwold, remains confident his team can overturn the deficit.
“We were unlucky to concede in the final moments of the first leg, but this match is far from over. In front of our supporters, we are fully committed to giving our best effort to qualify for the next round,” Geberwold remarked.
Ethiopia’s captain, Loza Abera, echoed her coach’s optimism. “We lost the first game, but that doesn’t mean it’s over. We still have 90 minutes to play, and I believe we will qualify.”
Uganda Without Two Key Starters
The Crested Cranes will be without goalkeeper Ruth Aturo and defender Bridget Nabisaalu, both ruled out through injury.
Daisy Nakaziro is expected to start in goal, while Phiona Nabulime is likely to partner Aisha Nantongo in central defense.
Despite these absences, team captain Viola Nambi remains confident. “The mood in camp is very good; everyone is focused. Our main goal is to beat Ethiopia, get the points, and qualify. We had a challenge with the weather, but we have now adapted,” Nambi said.
History and Stakes
Uganda will take encouragement from their past success against Ethiopia in WAFCON qualifiers.
In 2022, the Crested Cranes edged Ethiopia on penalties after a 2-2 aggregate draw to book their spot in the tournament in Morocco.
A place in the final qualification round awaits the aggregate winner of this tie, where they will face either Tanzania or Equatorial Guinea in October.
With Ethiopia desperate to mount a comeback and Uganda determined to hold their ground, this encounter promises high stakes and thrilling football in Addis Ababa.
