Photo Credit - FUFA.
Excitement is at an all-time high as Uganda’s Crested Cranes gear up to host Ethiopia’s Lucy in the first leg of the 2026 WAFCON qualifiers on Friday, February 21, at Hamz Stadium, Nakivubo.
Both teams have finalized their preparations, with their coaches and captains expressing confidence ahead of this much-anticipated encounter. At the pre-match press conference held at FUFA House, Mengo, Crested Cranes head coach Sheryl Botes and captain Viola Nambi joined Ethiopia’s head coach Joseph Gebrewod and skipper Loza Abera to share their perspectives on the upcoming battle.
Sheryl Botes (Crested Cranes Head Coach)
“The initial days in camp were a bit challenging as the players worked on regaining confidence. However, we have specific principles we aim to apply in the match, and I trust we will execute them well.”
“Ethiopia is an offensively strong side with a new coach and several players from their U-20 squad that competed at the 2023 African Games in Ghana. Loza is an outstanding talent, Senaf has scored 14 goals in their league, and Aregash is a dominant attacking force. Their midfield also has great mobility.”
“The Ethiopia team I recall from my South Africa days played a possession-based game, but they showed tactical flexibility against Nigeria in the African Games. We must remain compact and neutralize Loza, who is a two-footed threat with significant experience.”
“I urge fans to come and support us. This is the senior team, and the best players will be in action.” “Pressure is always there, but my main concern is when players do not perform well in training. Implementing a game plan takes time, especially in women’s football, where we often have to start from scratch every time we regroup.”
“Our ultimate goal is WAFCON qualification, and we have a promising path, potentially facing Tanzania or Equatorial Guinea in the next round. But for now, our sole focus is on Ethiopia.”
“There are often questions about positional changes, but some players struggle in their club roles. Our role as coaches is to assess and refine them for the best team outcomes. While we have long-term plans for squad development, we currently rely on international players.”
Viola Nambi (Crested Cranes Captain)
“I’ve been with the team for the last three days, and I can confidently say we are in good mental and physical shape. We are committed to staying strong and overcoming any obstacles.”
“As players, we have held team meetings to boost morale, and I have had one-on-one conversations with teammates to inspire them.” “There’s no pressure. It is an honor to captain this team. I believe in the squad and the selected players, and I am ready to lead by example.”
Joseph Gebrewod (Ethiopia Lucy Head Coach)
“The team spirit is high, and the players are motivated. Despite a short preparation time, we have worked on balancing experienced and young players.”
“Playing the first leg away is always challenging, but our objective is to give our best and set the tone for the return leg.”
“Senaf Wakuma is an exceptional player, but we also have key professionals like Loza Abera and Aregash Tadese. We are preparing them well to ensure we achieve a positive result.”
Loza Abera (Ethiopia Lucy Captain)
“I recently began a new journey with DC Power, which has given me invaluable experience. 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 are determined to win tomorrow.”
“Our squad is in good shape, with excellent coordination and a strong winning mentality. Since this is a national team match, our focus is on securing victory. I anticipate a highly competitive game.”
The return leg will be played in Addis Ababa on February 26, with the aggregate winner advancing to the next round. Uganda will be eager to capitalize on home advantage to establish early dominance in the tie.
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