Late goals give Uganda 2-0 win in WAFCON qualifier
The CECAFA derby was a tightly contested affair, with both teams familiar with each other’s style.
File photo
AFP .
@New Vision
Women’s Africa Cup of Nations
WAFCON Qualifiers 2026
First leg
Friday Result
Uganda 2 Ethiopia 0
Wednesday
Ethiopia v Uganda, Agg (0-2)
Two late goals from Fazila Ikwaput and Zaina Namuleme in the 89th and 93rd minutes secured a 2-0 victory for Uganda’s Crested Cranes over Ethiopia’s Lucy in the first leg of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations 2026 qualifier at Hamz Stadium in Kampala on Friday.
The CECAFA derby was a tightly contested affair, with both teams familiar with each other’s style. The first half saw few clear chances, as much of the action was confined to midfield and defence. Uganda dominated possession and created several attacking opportunities, but Ethiopia’s defence held firm.
The first half ended goalless, with the most significant moment being an injury to Uganda’s defender Bridget Nabisaalu, who was replaced by former Kawempe Muslim captain Phiona Nabulime in the 30th minute.
In the 60th minute, Crested Cranes head coach Sheryl Botes made tactical changes, introducing Agnes Nabukenya and Resty Kobusobozi for Phiona Nabbumba and captain Viola Nambi. Despite these adjustments, Ethiopia’s disciplined defence continued to frustrate Uganda’s efforts.
The deadlock was finally broken in the 89th minute when Namuleme was fouled just outside the box. She stepped up and curled a stunning free-kick into the net to give Uganda the lead. Three minutes into stoppage time, Ikwaput capitalized on a defensive error, intercepting a loose ball and calmly slotting it past the goalkeeper to double Uganda’s advantage.
The 2-0 win gives the Crested Cranes a strong position heading into the second leg in Addis Ababa on Wednesday. Uganda now needs to avoid a defeat by more than two goals to advance to the next qualifying round as they aim to return to the WAFCON finals for the first time since 2022.