Ethiopia beat Rwanda 1-0 in the first leg of the second-round qualifier for the 2028 Olympic women’s football tournament on Wednesday, leaving the She-Amavubi with a narrow deficit to overturn in next week’s return match in Addis Ababa.
The decisive moment came in the second minute of stoppage time at Kigali Pelé Stadium when Rwanda defender Lydia Uzayisenga turned the ball into her own net after Ethiopia’s Mihiret Abebe sent a cross into the area.
The result gives Ethiopia the advantage ahead of the second leg on Oct. 13, when the two teams will meet again in Addis Ababa for a place in the third qualifying round.
Both sides struggled to create clear chances in the opening stages, with the game largely contested in midfield and neither attack able to seriously test the opposing goalkeeper.
Rwanda coach Cassa Mbungo André made his first change after 35 minutes, bringing on Mireille Uwase for Mari Claire Dukuzumuremyi as Ethiopia began to exert greater control in midfield.
Ethiopia were also forced into a change before halftime after goalkeeper Tarikua Balcha was injured in a collision with a Rwanda player. Betelhem Jula came on in her place.
Rwanda responded at the start of the second half, introducing Laurence Abimana and Joselyne Mukantaganira as the hosts looked for an equaliser.
Ethiopia, however, continued to threaten through Senaf Denise and Mesay Tanga, who tested Rwanda’s defence and goalkeeper Angeline Ndakimana.
Ethiopia came close to doubling their lead in the 77th minute when Dandamo Emush sent a shot from the edge of the penalty area just over the Rwanda goal.
Dandamo had another opportunity a minute later, heading a cross from Aregash Tadesse narrowly wide.
Rwanda made two further changes in the final 10 minutes, with Florentine Mutuyemariya replacing Emerance Niyonshuti and Grace Uwingeneye coming on for Emelyne Mukagatete, but neither side could add to the score.
Rwanda must now win in Addis Ababa to advance. The winner of the tie will face the team that advances from the Tanzania-Botswana matchup in the third qualifying round, scheduled for February and March 2027.
