Crested Cranes Ready for Tough Clash Against Ethiopia in WAFCON Qualifiers

Uganda’s Crested Cranes are set to face Ethiopia’s Lucy in the first leg of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) qualifiers on Friday, February 21, at Hamz Stadium in Nakivubo. Head coach Sheryl Botes has expressed confidence in her squad’s readiness despite early challenges in camp, as the team aims to secure a strong start to their qualification campaign.

The match marks the beginning of Uganda’s journey to secure a spot in the 2026 WAFCON, with the return leg scheduled for February 26 in Addis Ababa. Botes acknowledged the initial hurdles in preparing the team but remains optimistic about their ability to execute key strategies on the pitch.

“The first few days in camp were a bit challenging as the players worked to regain confidence. However, we have clear principles we want to apply in the match, and I am confident we will execute them well,” Botes said during the pre-match press conference.

Uganda will look to capitalize on home advantage, but Botes is wary of Ethiopia’s attacking prowess. The Ethiopian side, under new head coach Joseph Gebrewod, boasts a mix of experienced players and young talent, including eight members from their U-20 team that competed at the 2023 African Games in Ghana.

Ethiopia is a strong offensive team with dangerous players like Loza Abera, Senaf Wakuma, and Aregash Tadese. Their midfield is highly mobile, and we must remain compact defensively to contain their threats Botes emphasized.

Crested Cranes captain Viola Nambi echoed her coach’s confidence, highlighting the team’s positive mindset and preparation.

I’ve been with the team for the last three days, and I can confidently say we are in a good mental and physical state. We’ve held meetings to boost morale, and I’ve spoken individually with teammates to inspire them,there’s no pressure. It’s an honor to captain this team, and I believe in the players selected

On the other side, Ethiopia’s Lucy are equally determined to make an impact. Despite limited preparation time, head coach Joseph Gebrewod remains optimistic about his team’s chances. “The spirit in camp is high, and the players are inspired. Though our preparation time has been short, we’ve worked to balance experienced players and youth. Playing the first leg away is always tough, but our aim is to give our best and set the tone for the return leg,” Gebrewod said.

Ethiopia’s captain, Loza Abera, who recently joined DC Power in the United States, acknowledged Uganda’s strength but remains focused on securing a positive result.

I know Uganda has many professional players, and we lost to them the last time we played here. But football is unpredictable. Every match presents a new challenge. We’ll do our best to win tomorrow,” Abera stated.

The match promises to be a tightly contested affair, with both teams eager to gain an early advantage in the two-legged tie. Uganda will rely on home support to push them closer to their goal of qualifying for the 2026 WAFCON, while Ethiopia aims to overcome past setbacks and make a statement.

Botes has called on Ugandan fans to rally behind the team, emphasizing the importance of their support. “I want to call upon Ugandans to come in big numbers and cheer on the players. This gives them confidence and can make a significant difference,” she said.

With a potential clash against Tanzania or Equatorial Guinea awaiting in the next round, both teams understand the stakes. For Uganda, a strong performance at home could set the tone for the rest of their qualification campaign, while Ethiopia’s golden generation is determined to make their mark on the continental stage.

The stage is set for an exciting encounter at Hamz Stadium, with kickoff scheduled for 4:00 PM EAT. Football fans can expect a thrilling match as the Crested Cranes and Ethiopia’s Lucy battle for a crucial advantage in the race to the 2026 WAFCON.