Uganda’s chances for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations end in disappointment as they lose to Ethiopia via penalties after a comeback in the second leg. The Ugandan team, which had a 2-0 lead from the first leg, succumbed to a 2-0 defeat in Addis Ababa, resulting in a 5-4 penalty shootout loss, echoing previous failures in similar matches.
Uganda’s aspirations for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations came to a disappointing conclusion as they were eliminated by Ethiopia following a dramatic penalty shootout. The Ugandan team, known as the Crested Cranes, held a 2-0 lead from the first leg in Kampala but were unable to maintain their advantage, with Ethiopia forcing penalties after winning 2-0 on home soil in Addis Ababa.
The match showcased a thrilling turn of events as Ethiopia, known as the Lucy, overturned the first-leg deficit to push the game into penalties. Despite Uganda’s confident performance in the initial match, they faltered once again in Ethiopia, echoing their previous experience in 2021 when they lost their two-goal lead. Ultimately, they fell short in the penalty shootout, resulting in a 5-4 loss.
In the game’s opening minutes, Ethiopia appeared dominant but squandered several scoring opportunities. Uganda’s goalkeeper, Daisy Nakaziro, who replaced an injured Ruth Aturo, made crucial saves. Although Uganda had opportunities to increase their lead, the dynamics shifted dramatically when Fazila Ikwaput was sent off after receiving a second yellow card, reducing Uganda to ten players.
Ethiopia capitalized on their numerical superiority by scoring in the 70th minute, with Aregash Tadese finding the net. Uganda’s coach, Sheryl Botes, attempted to regain control with substitutions; however, Ethiopia struck again in stoppage time with a brilliant free kick by Etsegenet Girma, which tied the aggregate score and set the stage for penalties.
During the penalty shootout, Ethiopia successfully converted four kicks, while Uganda’s Zaina Namuleme and others scored, but Phiona Nabbumba’s crucial miss proved decisive. In sudden death, Ethiopia’s Berkie Amare scored, while Uganda’s Resty Kobusobozi failed to respond, securing a notable 5-4 victory for the hosts. Ethiopia now advances to face either Tanzania or Equatorial Guinea.
In Sum, Uganda’s hopes of advancing in the 2026 WAFCON qualifiers were dashed after a dramatic penalty shootout loss to Ethiopia following a comeback from a 2-0 first-leg advantage. The match underscored Uganda’s challenges in maintaining performances in away fixtures, as they once again faced defeat in Addis Ababa. With this loss, Uganda’s journey for the tournament concludes, while Ethiopia moves forward to the next round.
Original Source: eastleighvoice.co.ke
