Crested Cranes eye crucial win against Ethiopia in WAFCON 2026 qualifiers
At that tournament, Uganda finished fourth in their group with just one point and were eliminated in the group stage.
Crested Cranes' players in training. Courtesy photo
NewVision Reporter
@NewVision
The Uganda Women’s National Football Team, the Crested Cranes, has not qualified for a major tournament since their appearance at the 2022 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco.
At that tournament, Uganda finished fourth in their group with just one point and were eliminated in the group stage.
As they prepare to face Ethiopia in the 16th edition of the WAFCON qualifiers on Friday, February 21, 2025, at Hamz Stadium in Nakivubo, the Crested Cranes face a crucial task: securing positive results to guarantee their spot in the 2026 tournament.
This match is particularly intriguing as both teams are vying for a strong result to boost their chances of qualifying for the 2026 WAFCON. In terms of squad strength and recent performances, Uganda holds an advantage. The team has shown improvement in the CAF Women’s Olympic Qualifiers and various friendly matches in 2023 and 2024.
In their last six matches, Uganda won twice (both legs against DR Congo), drew with Morocco before losing the second leg, and suffered two defeats to Algeria in November 2024. While the losses to Algeria exposed some weaknesses, they also provided valuable lessons for the team.
The Crested Cranes struggled with ball possession and defensive stability against Algeria, failing to match their opponents' intensity and pace. These are areas head coach Sheryl Botes and her team must address ahead of Friday’s clash.
The squad is a mix of experienced players and promising young talent from the U17 team, which recently impressed in the U17 World Cup qualifiers. Key players like Ruth Aturo, Shadia Nankya, Phiona Nabbumba, Nanziri Resty, Nambi Viola, and Fazila Ikwaput bring valuable experience and composure to handle the pressure of high-stakes qualifiers against a determined Ethiopian side.
For the Crested Cranes, this match is not just about securing a win but also about proving their growth and readiness to compete with Africa’s best teams in 2026. A positive result against Ethiopia would be a significant step forward in their quest for qualification.