Rwanda have been eliminated by Egypt from the 2026 Women's Africa Cup of Nations Qualifiers on a 3-2 overall score.

Cassa Mbugo's side drew 2-2 with Egypt at Suez Canal Stadium in Ismailia, Egypt, on Tuesday night in the second leg. However, it was not enough to ensure their progression to the second qualifying round.

Rwanda had to come from behind twice to tie the contest at 2-2, with Zawadi Usanase scoring a brace.

Egypt had secured a 1-0 victory in the first-leg at Kigali Pele Stadium on 22 February, and Rwanda entered tonight's match knowing that they must win it with a two-goal difference to advance to the second round.

Nevertheless, Rwanda's hope shrank in the sixth minute of the game when Egypt took an early lead.

Usanase equalised in the 31st minute with a fabulous strike on the edge of the box as the two sides drew 1-1 at halftime.

Egypt grabbed an advantage again in the 67th minute, though the AS Kigali forward, Usanase, levelled for Rwanda with a stunner as the game ended in favour of the North African country, following a 2-2 stalemate.

Egypt progressed to the second qualifying round of the 2026 Women's Africa Cup of Nations and will play against Ghana in September.

Zawadi Usanase

Photo: Zawadi Usanase (shirt number 19), who hit double, celebrates her goal.

Rwanda women's NT staff

Photo: Rwanda's staff during the national anthem.