Uganda (Crested Cranes) begin the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) qualification campaign against the highest ranked nation in the CECAFA region, Ethiopia.(The Lucy)
The first leg between the two sides is on Friday, February 21, 2025 at Hamz Stadium, Nakivubo. The return leg will be played 5 days later in Addis Ababa.
The winner on aggregate here advances to the final round where she is destined to meet either Tanzania or former champions Equatorial Guinea. On Thursday Tanzania edged Equatorial Guinea 3-1 in the first leg at Azam Complex.
North African giants Morocco are the hosts of the women’s premier competition for a third straight tournament, with the first coming in 2022. The tournament also serves as a passageway to the FIFA Women’s World Cup finals.
National team managers and remarks ahead of the showdown
Uganda is led by former South African International Sherly Botes who took over the team in November, 2023.
“I can say we are going to be as compact as possible so they do not find Loza. She is good, left and right foot, very powerful with a lot of experience
Women mature more when they gain experience. Players can be slower or lose a bit of physicality, but they don’t lose quality.” said coach Botes
On the other hand, Ethiopia has a new head coach Joseph Gebrewold who was appointed last month.
“Even if we have had a very short time to prepare,we tried to train players, both young and old. It’s very tough coz the first game is out of the country, and I would like to do my best.” Said coach Gebrewold
Players to watch out (Star Players)
The star attraction from the hosts is composed of overseas stars namely captain Viola Nambi, midfielder Joan Nabirye, Phiona Nabulime, and forward Fazila Ikwaput.
For Ethiopia, will hope to bank on Emush Daniel, Senaf Wakuma, Young Africans winger Aregash Kalsa and captain Loza Abera.
The last 5 meetings
Uganda and Ethiopia have often confronted each other on different occasions in the past. The last meeting came in the semi-finals of the 2022 CECAFA Women’s Senior Challenge Championship.
Uganda 1-0 Ethiopia (AET)- 2022
Ethiopia 2-0 Uganda-2021
Uganda 2-0 Ethiopia- 2021
Uganda 1-0 Ethiopia- 2019
Uganda 0-1 Ethiopia- 2019
Where to watch the encounter?
The game will be broadcasted on Federation of Uganda Football Associations Television (FUFA tv) as earlier communicated.
