Uganda came from behind to beat Zambia 2-1 in the first leg of the second round of the 2028 CAF Women’s Olympic qualifier at Hamz Stadium, Nakivubo in Kampala, leaving the Copper Queens needing to overturn a one-goal deficit in the return leg.
Zambia made an excellent start and took the lead after just six minutes. Captain Barbra Banda created space inside the Uganda defence before setting up Prisca Chilufya, who kept her composure to tap the ball home from close range and give the Copper Queens an early advantage.
The visitors almost doubled their lead five minutes later when Banda released Racheal Kundananji inside the penalty area, but the forward’s left-footed effort was blocked. Uganda gradually settled into the contest and began creating pressure around the Zambia penalty area.
Fazila Ikwaput tested Zambia goalkeeper Hazel Nali, while Agness Nabukenya produced another warning when she went past two defenders and beat Nali, only to see her effort strike the post.
Uganda eventually found their equaliser in the 34th minute when Nabukenya stepped up to take a free-kick and curled a powerful effort beyond Nali to make it 1-1.
Zambia had opportunities to restore their lead before the break. Banda headed just wide, while Kundananji could not make the most of Chilufya’s low cross as the teams went into half-time level.
Interim coach Charles ‘Soldier’ Haalubono made a double change at the interval, bringing on Evarine Susan Katongo and Martha Tembo for Avell Chitundu and Rachel Nachula. Kundananji was then replaced by Enelesi Phiri at the start of the second half as Zambia looked to regain control.
Uganda, however, began the second half with greater intensity and completed their comeback in the 58th minute. A short corner created space for a pinpoint cross into the penalty area, with Sylvia Kabene left unmarked to head the hosts into a 2-1 lead.
Zambia responded in search of an equaliser, with Uganda goalkeeper Vanessa Edith Karungi producing an excellent fingertip save to deny Phiri. The substitute came even closer in the 75th minute when she struck the crossbar with a powerful free-kick.
Haalubono made further changes as Zambia pushed for a way back into the match, introducing Mercy Chipasula for Chilufya in the 66th minute before Natasha Nanyangwe replaced Esther Muchinga later in the game.
The Copper Queens continued to press during the closing stages, but Uganda’s defence held firm. Even with six minutes of added time, Zambia could not find the goal that would have levelled the tie.
The result leaves Zambia with a difficult task in the return leg. The Copper Queens must win by at least two goals to secure progression without the need for a penalty shootout.
The second leg will be played at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola on Tuesday, 13 October 2026, with Zambia needing a strong home performance to overturn Uganda’s first-leg advantage.
