The Crested Cranes journey in the 2026 continental play-offs came to an end after defeat to rivals and regional neighbors in Addis Ababa.
Ethiopia women’s national football team defied odds on home soil to eliminate Uganda in the first round of 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) Qualifiers.
A 2-0 deficit in Kampala, the Lucy were headed for a daunting task, with Uganda holding a strong advantage coming into the second leg at Abebe Bikila Stadium.
The hosts looked hungry for goals from the start, flaunting the message of their head coach Yosef Gebrewold who had sent a warning to Crested Cranes in a press conference held a day before action.
Ethiopia sparked late drama in injury time to level the aggregate figure (2-2) and got the job done in the penalty shoot-outs.
The opening 45 minutes under the guidance of Nigerian and FIFA referee Patience Madu ended in a goalless draw.
After re-start, Uganda were reduced to 10 players, striker Fazila Ikwaput shown a red card, an incident that marked the beginning of the visitors downfall.
Six minutes past the hour mark, Aregash Kalsa pulled one back for the Ethiopians as substitute Estegnet Girma sealed the comeback deep in stoppage time through a free kick.
In the spot kicks, Ethiopia edged Uganda 5-4 to advance to the final qualifying round where they meet the victor party between Tanzania and former champions Equatorial Guinea.
Spot kicks
Uganda
Zaina Namuleme, Joan Nabirye, Phiona Nabbumba (missed), Phiona Nabulime, Aisha Nantongo, Resty Kobusobozi (missed)
Ethiopia
Emebert Addisu, Emush Daniel, Meadin Sahilu, Mirkat Feleke, Senaf Wakuma (missed), Berkie Amare
