- 2026 Women’s IHF Nations Trophy Africa Zone V | Group A | Wednesday, November 4th
- Uganda 45-18 Ethiopia
Uganda’s Nile Queens got their 2026 Women’s IHF Nations Trophy Africa Zone V campaign off to a flying start after sweeping aside Ethiopia 45-18 in their opening Group A match in Kibaha, Tanzania, on Wednesday.
The Queens needed no time to settle into the contest at the Filbert Bayi Multi Sports Center, taking control early and going into the half-time break with a comfortable 24-10 lead.
They returned from the break with the same attacking intent, adding 21 more goals while keeping Ethiopia to just eight to seal an emphatic 27-goal victory.
Royce Namutosi and Tiane Nakirya were at the heart of Uganda’s impressive attacking display, combining for 23 goals. Namutosi led the scoring with 12, while Nakirya contributed 11.
Diana Nakamya also played her part with six goals, while Patience Damulira, Claire Tabingwa and Joyce Namutosi scored four apiece. Noelin Amongin added three, Hilda Abangit scored twice, while Mary Akech and Priscilla Aber completed Uganda’s scoring with a goal each.
Ethiopia struggled to keep pace with Uganda throughout the contest, although Yando Tsega led their resistance with eight goals. Hiwot Lombebo added six, while Munira Bekana, Adisalem Manedo, Netsanet Kintamo and Eden Heramo scored once each.
The victory provides an encouraging start for head coach Aziz Yakub and his players, who travelled to Tanzania hoping to reclaim the regional crown they last won a decade ago.
Beyond the title, Uganda are also targeting a strong performance that will secure them a direct pathway into further continental competition.
The opening fixture was handled by Benin referees Charbel Kinzo Denadjea and Loukan Jean Marc. George Asimeto of Kenya and Soumaya Abid of Tunisia served as technical officials, with Abid also carrying the IHF official role.
The Queens will not have much time to celebrate their opening success, with regional rivals Kenya standing between them and another victory when the two sides meet on Friday, November 6.
Uganda and Kenya are drawn alongside Ethiopia in Group A of the November 4-8 championship, which has brought together 10 nations in Kibaha.
Hosts Tanzania, Egypt, Djibouti, Rwanda, South Sudan, Sudan and Somalia are the other participating countries.
After making such a commanding start, the Nile Queens will head into their next assignment with confidence, knowing that a difficult test against Kenya awaits as their quest for regional supremacy gathers momentum.