Zambia’s Copper Queens have advanced to the third round of the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games qualifiers after defeating Uganda 4-1 in the second leg at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola on Tuesday night, progressing 5-3 on aggregate.
Interim head coach Charles ‘Soldier’ Haalubono’s side delivered a strong response after losing the first leg 2-1 in Kampala, with captain Barbra Banda scoring twice in the second half to help Zambia overturn the deficit and keep their Olympic qualification hopes alive.
The Copper Queens made a bright start and took the lead in the eighth minute when Natasha Nanyangwe rose highest to head home Enelesi Phiri’s corner. However, Uganda responded six minutes later as Sylvia Kabene used her pace to get past the Zambian defence before calmly slotting the ball home to level the match at 1-1.
Zambia regained the advantage in the 20th minute through Enelesi Phiri, who produced a superb finish from a Prisca Chilufya cross. The goal restored momentum for the hosts and gave them a crucial advantage as they continued to search for the goals needed to turn the tie around.
The Copper Queens maintained their attacking intent after the break, with Banda stepping up to extend Zambia’s lead. The captain beat Uganda goalkeeper Vanessa Edith Karungi to the ball before finishing from close range to make it 3-1, putting Zambia ahead in the tie on aggregate.
Banda then completed her brace six minutes from time, finding the net from point-blank range after being set up by Rachel Kundananji. Her second goal made it 4-1 on the night and sealed Zambia’s progression with a 5-3 aggregate victory.
The result represents an important response from the Copper Queens, who had faced the prospect of elimination after the first-leg defeat in Kampala. Their performance in Ndola ensured they remained in contention for a place at the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.
Zambia will now face Ghana in the third round of the qualifiers in February next year as their campaign continues. The Copper Queens will be looking to build on their performance against Uganda and move one step closer to securing a place at the Olympic football tournament.
Full-Time Result
2028 CAF Women’s Olympic Qualifiers — Second Round, Second Leg
Zambia scorers: Natasha Nanyangwe 8’, Enelesi Phiri 20’, Barbra Banda 50’, 80’
Uganda scorer: Sylvia Kabene 14’
Aggregate: Zambia 5–3 Uganda
Next opponent: Ghana, third round in February 2027
