LA28 Olympic Women’s Football: Ethiopia, Rwanda and Uganda Begin Their Road to Los Angeles

by Dagim Tekle October 5, 2026

Africa’s race for places at the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games is entering an important stage, with Ethiopia, Rwanda and Uganda among the nations continuing their pursuit of qualification in the women’s football tournament.

A total of 35 African national teams entered the qualification campaign, but only two will eventually earn the right to represent the continent at LA28. The CAF qualifying competition is being played through a series of two-legged knockout rounds, with the final round scheduled to determine Africa’s two Olympic representatives.

For East African football, particular attention will be on Ethiopia’s meeting with Rwanda, while Uganda faces a difficult test against Zambia.

Ethiopia vs Rwanda: East African Rivals Meet in Crucial Qualifier

One of the most intriguing fixtures of the round brings together Ethiopia’s Lucy and Rwanda’s She-Amavubi in an all-East African contest.

The first leg is scheduled for October 7, 2026, at Kigali Pele Stadium in Rwanda, before Ethiopia hosts the return fixture on October 13.

With qualification decided over two legs, both teams will understand the importance of the opening match. Rwanda will look to use home advantage in Kigali, while Ethiopia will aim to remain in a strong position before the decisive return leg.

The winner of the Ethiopia-Rwanda tie will progress to face the winner of the Botswana-Tanzania matchup in the next round.

Ethiopia Enter a New Era

The Olympic qualification campaign comes at an important moment for the Ethiopian women’s national team.

Ethiopia appointed Chalew Lemecha as head coach of the senior women’s national team in September 2026, handing him a two-year contract. Lemecha previously worked with Ethiopia’s U-20 women’s team and now faces one of his first major assignments with the senior side.

The two matches against Rwanda therefore represent more than another qualification tie. They are also an early test of the direction Ethiopia hopes to take under its new technical leadership.

Lucy have demonstrated in recent continental competitions that they can compete under pressure. Ethiopia’s ability to remain organised away from home and create scoring opportunities in Kigali could be decisive before the second leg.

For Ethiopia, reaching the Olympic Games would represent a major breakthrough for the country’s women’s football programme.

Rwanda Hoping to Capitalise on Home Advantage

Rwanda have also prepared seriously for the confrontation.

Head coach André Cassa Mbungo called a large group of players into camp ahead of the qualifiers, with the squad combining domestic-based talent with players competing abroad.

Among those involved are players such as Emeline Mukagatete, based in Spain, and Zawadi Usanase, who plays in Turkey.

Rwanda’s first objective will be to make their home advantage count in Kigali.

She-Amavubi will hope to take a positive result into the second leg, knowing that playing away in Ethiopia could present a very different challenge.

The tie also provides Rwanda with another opportunity to measure the development of its women’s national team against one of its regional rivals.

With Ethiopia and Rwanda competing in the CECAFA region, the Olympic qualifier adds another important chapter to the growing rivalry between East African women’s national teams.

Uganda Face Zambia in Major Test

Uganda’s Crested Cranes also begin their Olympic qualification campaign against a formidable opponent.

Uganda are scheduled to host Zambia on October 8, 2026, at Hamz Stadium, Nakivubo, in Kampala, before travelling for the return fixture on October 13.

Head coach Firew has called a broad squad for the two matches as Uganda attempt to continue the progress made by the women’s national team in recent years.

Experienced players including goalkeeper Ruth Aturo, midfielder Joan Nabirye and several foreign-based players are expected to strengthen the squad.

Uganda will, however, be fully aware of the level of the challenge.

Zambia have developed into one of Africa’s strongest women’s national teams in recent years and have gained valuable experience at major international tournaments.

That makes the opening leg in Kampala especially important for the Crested Cranes.

Uganda will be looking to establish an advantage at home before the decisive return match.

The winner of the Uganda-Zambia tie will advance to face the winner of the Ghana-Mauritius matchup.

Only Two African Teams Will Reach LA28

The African qualification process leaves very little margin for error.

The teams advancing from the October 2026 round will continue through further knockout stages in 2027.

The third round is scheduled for February 23 to March 6, 2027, followed by another round between October 4 and 12, 2027.

The final qualification round is scheduled between November 23 and December 4, 2027.

Four teams will eventually reach that final stage, with the winners of the two final ties securing Africa’s two places at the Los Angeles Olympic Games.

A Major Opportunity for East African Women’s Football

For Ethiopia, Rwanda and Uganda, the upcoming matches represent more than another international fixture.

East African women’s football has continued to grow through national-team competitions, stronger domestic leagues and increased participation in continental tournaments.

Qualification for the Olympic Games would provide a major boost to that development.

Ethiopia and Rwanda must first eliminate one another, while Uganda faces the considerable challenge of Zambia.

The road to Los Angeles remains long, but for the three East African nations, the Olympic dream is very much alive.

The Voice of Women Sport will continue following the African women’s football qualification campaign on the road to Los Angeles 2028.