Crested Cranes’ WAFCON Dreams Dashed by Ethiopia in Penalty Heartbreak
The Crested Cranes’ hopes of qualifying for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) came to a crushing halt following a dramatic penalty shootout loss to Ethiopia in Addis Ababa.
Despite carrying a 2-0 advantage from the first leg at Hamz Stadium, Nakivubo, Uganda fell short in the return leg at the Abebe Bikila Stadium, losing 2-0 in regular time. The aggregate score tied at 2-2 forced the game into a penalty shootout, where Ethiopia edged Uganda 5-4.
First Leg Triumph Turns to Agony
Under the guidance of South African tactician Sheryl Botes, the Crested Cranes had made a confident start to their qualification campaign. Late goals from Zainah Namuleme and Fazila Ikwaput in the first leg had raised Uganda’s hopes of reaching WAFCON for the second consecutive time.
However, the return leg proved a different story. Uganda endured a challenging second half, playing with 10 women after star forward Fazila Ikwaput received her marching orders in the 54th minute for a second bookable offence.
Despite a resilient defensive effort, Ethiopia broke the deadlock in the 66th minute through Aregash Kalsa. Just when Uganda seemed set to force extra time, Etsegenet Girma’s expertly taken free kick in stoppage time leveled the aggregate score at 2-2, sending the match into penalties.
Penalty Shootout Drama
In the nerve-racking shootout, Ethiopia converted five of their six penalties, with Crested Cranes’ goalkeeper Daisy Nakaziro saving Senaf Wakuma’s effort. Uganda’s scorers were Zainah Namuleme, Joan Nabirye, Phionah Nabulime, and Aisha Nantongo.
However, Phionah Nabbumba and Resty Kobusobozi missed their spot-kicks, ultimately costing Uganda a place in the next round.
The final score on penalties stood at 5-4 in favor of Ethiopia, sending the Lucy through to the final round of qualifiers, where they will face Tanzania — who defeated Equatorial Guinea 3-2 on aggregate.
Line-ups
Ethiopia Starting XI:
- Tarikwa Bergena (GK), Loza Abera (C), Tarikwa Debiso, Berkie Amare, Tigist Adane, Etsegenet Biguneh, Emebet Addissu, Meadin Sahilu, Messay Temesgen, Aregash Kalsa, Senaf Wakuma
Substitutes:
- Betelhem Yohannes, Hasabe Muso, Mirkat Feleke, Senayit Bogale, Emush Daniel, Tsehaynesh Jula, Etsegenet Girma
Uganda Starting XI:
- Daisy Nakaziro (GK), Violah Nambi (C), Fazila Ikwaput, Aisha Nantongo, Joan Nabirye, Phionah Nabulime, Zainah Namuleme, Phionah Nabbumba, Resty Nanziri, Sumayah Komuntale, Zainah Nandede
Substitutes:
- Agnes Nabukenya, Esther Namusoke, Jolly Kobusingye, Latifa Nakasi, Resty Kobusobozi, Teddy Najjuma
What Next for Uganda?
The heartbreaking exit means Uganda’s Crested Cranes will have to wait for another shot at WAFCON glory. Meanwhile, Botes and her squad will turn their focus to upcoming regional tournaments and friendlies as they regroup and prepare for future competitions.
For now, Ethiopia marches on, keeping their WAFCON dreams alive, while Uganda is left to reflect on what could have been.