Striker Zawadi Usanase scored two goals as Rwanda put up a spirited performance but Tuesday’s pulsating 2-2 draw against Egypt in the second leg at Suez Canal Stadium in Ismailia left them short of a qualification for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations. Andre Casa Mbungo’s side has thus been knocked out of the first qualifying round on 3-2 aggregate after losing the first leg in Kigali 1-0. ALSO READ: Womens AFCON 2026: Mbungo hoping for improved second leg in Egypt Rwanda started the game badly as the Egyptians capitalized on their defensive lapses to score the opener inside seven minutes of action. The early goal woke Rwanda up and started to take control of the ball as they pushed for an equalizer. The visitors relied on the services of Emerance Niyonshuti and Dorothee Mukeshimana who controlled the midfield as they drove the team forward. Usanase restored parity for the visitors to make it 1-1 in the 24th minute with a fine finish which silenced the home crowd from their stands. Skipper and goalkeeper Angeline Ndakimana pulled a series of saves to deny Habiba Mohamed and Yassmin Mohammed who were a big threat in the Rwandan penalty box. After recess, the Egyptians came in strongly as they pushed more players upfront seeking to restore the lead. Their persistence paid off in the 68th minute as Noha Mamdouh fired them ahead to make it 2-1. Rwanda again started pressing by creating a host of decent chances as Egypt recoiled to their shells. Usanase pulled even again for Rwanda in the 96th minute as she netted her personal second to make it 2-2. Rwanda pushed for a late winner but the Egyptians held on as the scores remained 2-2 until the final whistle. Egypt will now face Ghana in the second round of the qualifiers which will take place in September.
