Zaina Namuleme and Fazila Ikwaput scored two stoppage-time goals to guide Uganda to a 2-0 win over Ethiopia on Friday.

The Crested Cranes had to dig deep to edge Ethiopia in the first leg of the first round of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations Cup Qualifier played at Hamz Stadium, Nakivubo.

The game was closely contested right from onset with either side creating limited chances.

The first opportunity fell to Ikwaput in the 8th minute but his low drive was delt with the Ethiopian defence.

In the 16th minute, there was a goal melee in the Ethiopian box but Uganda failed to capitalize with Resty Nanziri firing wide.

Defender Bridget Nabisaalu limped off in the 28th minute and was replaced by Phiona Nabulime.

In the second half, the chances were far and between for either side but Uganda made changes that eventually affected the game in a positive way. Agnes Nabukenya and Resty Kobusobozi replaced Viola Nambi and Phiona Nabbumba.

At the 90th minute mark, Namuleme was fouled at the edge of the box and later took the free kick, firing the ball into the back of the net.

In the second minute of added time, Ikwaput got the second goal for Uganda, finishing from close range to send the fans into celebrations.

The win gives Uganda advantage ahead of the return leg slated for 26th February 2025 in Addis Ababa.

The winner on aggregate will face either Tanzania and Equatorial Guinea in the second and final 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, Zaina Namuleme

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