Smarting from a disappointing WAFCON campaign, the Copper Queens have left for Kampala on a redemption mission – with Coach Charles Haalubono vowing to deliver Olympic qualification. The Senior Women’s National Team left Kenneth Kaunda International Airport aboard RwandAir around…

Smarting from a disappointing WAFCON campaign, the Copper Queens have left for Kampala on a redemption mission – with Coach Charles Haalubono vowing to deliver Olympic qualification.

The Senior Women’s National Team left Kenneth Kaunda International Airport aboard RwandAir around 14h00, with eight foreign-based stars expected to join the camp in Uganda to complete the 25-member squad ahead of Thursday’s crucial first leg against the Crested Cranes.

The team is expected to land in Kampala at 03h00 on Monday morning.

Zambia faces Uganda in round two of the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic qualifiers on October 8, a tie that offers a chance to heal the wounds of failing to qualify for the World Cup at the WAFCON.

Haalubono admits his charges started clumsily but says five days of intense training have sharpened the team.

“So far, the response has been very good. They all looking good now. The start was not all that good. They looked clumsy but after five days of training we saw a bit of change. Now starting this week, they are sharp; their reactions are up to that level,” Haalubono told FAZ Media.

The Green Buffaloes trainer said lessons from WAFCON have been harsh – Zambia can keep possession but concedes too many goals. Defence and movement on the ball have been the focus in training.

“We have got a big duty ahead of us to give the nation what it deserves because we failed to qualify to the World Cup. So we have another chance of amending our mistakes so we are supposed to qualify for the Olympics,” he declared.

“We are here to work and to deliver; so it’s not something that we should even try to shun away. On my part I’m ready to work and deliver.”

Haalubono described Uganda as an athletic side that relies on direct football and long balls which Zambia must counter, but insists Zambia’s experience from the last two Olympics will count.

He also thanked FAZ for reinforcing his bench with seasoned women’s football coaches Florence Mwila and William Zulu.

Travelling squad.

(GOALKEEPERS)

Hazel Nali – ZESCO Ndola Girls
Chishala Munfunte – Green Buffaloes
Annie Namonje – ZESCO Ndola Girls

(DEFENDERS)

Margret Belemu – Ra’anana Women’s FC – Israel
Saliya Mwanza – Elite Ladies FC
Natasha Nkaka – Green Eagles
Racheal Nachula – Green Buffaloes
Martha Tembo – Hakkarigucu Spor – Turkey
Pauline Zulu – ZESCO Ndola Girls
Lushomo Mweemba – Hakkarigucu Spor – Turkey
Margret Gondwe – Green Buffaloes Women FC

(MIDFIELDERS)

Evarine Suzeni Katongo – Green Buffaloes Women
Esther Muchinga – ZESCO Ndola Girls
Ireen Lungu – Sichuan, China
Rhodah Chileshe – Indeni Roses
Natasha Nanyangwe – Green Buffaloes Women FC
Avell Chitundu – ZESCO Ndola
Zangose Zulu – ZANACO Ladies

(STRIKERS)

Barbra Banda – Orlando Pride
Ivy Nambeye – Nchanga
Charity Mubanga – ZESCO Ndola Girls
Eneless Phiri – ZESCO Ndola Girls
Mercy Chipasula – KB Koge, Denmark
Racheal Kundananji – Bay FC, USA
Prisca Chilufya – Angels City, Mexico