2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations Qualifiers
First Round, First Leg
Uganda vs Ethiopia
Friday, 21st February 2025
Hamz Stadium, Nakivubo
Kickoff 4:00PM EAT
Uganda Senior Women’s National Football Team, the Crested Cranes will hope to make a positive start to the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations Qualifiers as they take on Ethiopia.
The Crested Cranes face The Lucy of Ethiopia on Friday in the first leg of the first round of the qualification phase at Hamz Stadium.
Coach Sheryl Botes believes it is important to have a good start especially considering the fact the tie starts in Kampala.
“We have to start on a good note and indeed win before going to Ethiopia next week, she started before rallying fans to come in big numbers.
“I want to call upon Ugandans to rally behind the team and cheer on the players because this gives them confidence.”
Botes is aware of the rivalry between Uganda and Ethiopia and asserts the game will be a tight contest but has hopes in her troops to edge the contest.
“Uganda and Ethiopia have had a stiff competition in the past and If you look at the previous games, the results have been close. Therefore, I expect a tight game but I believe we have what it takes to win.”
His counterpart, Yoseph GebreWold shares similar sentiments but believes the time is now for their golden generation to play at the continental tournament.
“Majority of these players have been together right from the U17 now to the senior team and we have high hopes in them. But it doesn’t make sense if their talent is not exposed at the highest level like WAFCON. So the ultimate target is for us to qualify for the final tournament and that journey starts here in Uganda.”
It should be noted that Uganda edged Ethiopia on penalties to qualify for the 2022 Africa Women’s Cup of Nations in Morocco.
The winner on aggregate between Uganda and Ethiopia will face either Tanzania or Equatorial Guinea for a slot at the final tournament.
Crested Cranes Probable Starting XI
Ruth Aturo(GK), Zaina Nandede, Sumaya Komuntale, Aisha Nantongo, Bridget Nabisaalu, Joan Nabirye, Phiona Nabbumba, Viola Nambi, Resty Nanziri, Fazila Ikwaput, Zaina Namuleme
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