WAFCON 2026: Uganda crash out as Ethiopia pull off stunning comeback
Uganda’s bid to reach the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations came to a painful end after Ethiopia overturned a first-leg deficit to win on penalties in Addis Ababa. The Crested Cranes had a 2-0 advantage from Kampala but saw it erased as Ethiopia forced a shootout, where they triumphed 5-4.
Uganda’s hopes of progressing in the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) 2026 qualifiers were shattered after a dramatic penalty shootout loss to Ethiopia in Addis Ababa on Wednesday. The Lucy fought back from a 2-0 first-leg deficit in Kampala, winning by the same scoreline to force penalties, where they edged out the Crested Cranes 5-4.
Uganda entered the match brimming with confidence after their home victory at Hamz Stadium, Nakivubo, but history repeated itself. Just like in 2021, when a two-goal advantage was erased in Addis Ababa, Uganda struggled on Ethiopian soil - only this time, they failed to survive the shootout.
The hosts dominated early, forcing three offside calls within the opening 10 minutes. Star striker Loza Abera had two chances but squandered both—first opting to pass to Aregash Tadese, whose shot was blocked by Uganda’s Zainah Nandede, and later failing to beat goalkeeper Daisy Nakaziro. Nakaziro had stepped in for Ruth Aturo, who was ruled out with an Achilles tendon injury before the trip.
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Uganda had their moments as well, with Fazila Ikwaput narrowly missing a curling effort and Nandede’s long ball nearly catching out Ethiopian keeper Tarkiwa Bergena. However, the game changed dramatically in the 54th minute when Ikwaput received a second yellow card for an altercation with Tarkiwa Debiso. The Ethiopian player’s reaction convinced the referee to send Ikwaput off, leaving Uganda with 10 players for the rest of the match.
Ethiopia capitalised on their numerical advantage in the 70th minute, with Tadese scoring a superb goal. Coach Yosef Gebrewold responded with key substitutions, introducing Daniel Emush and Mirkat Feleke, while Uganda’s Sheryl Botes brought on Resty Nanziri for Latifah Nakasi in a bid to regain control.
But Ethiopia struck again in stoppage time. Feleke was fouled by Margret Komuntale, and Etsegenet Girma stepped up to curl in a brilliant free kick, levelling the tie on aggregate and forcing penalties.
During the shootout, Ethiopia’s Emebet Addisu, Emush, Feleke, and Girma converted their spot-kicks, while Senaf Wekuma missed. Uganda’s Zaina Namuleme, Joan Nabirye, Phionah Nabulime, and Aisha Nantongo kept their side in contention, but Phiona Nabbumba’s miss proved costly.
In sudden death, Ethiopia’s Berkie Amare found the net, but Uganda’s Resty Kobusobozi failed to convert, sealing a 5-4 victory for the hosts.
Ethiopia now advances to face either Tanzania or Equatorial Guinea in the next round, while Uganda’s WAFCON 2026 journey ends in heartbreak—once again undone in Addis Ababa.
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