Zambia’s Copper Queens have kicked off their 2028 Los Angeles Olympic qualifiers with a 2-1 loss to Uganda in the second round first leg played in Kampala on Thursday afternoon. The Queens surrendered an early lead at Hamz Nakivubo Stadium. Captain Barbra Banda set up Prisca…

Zambia’s Copper Queens have kicked off their 2028 Los Angeles Olympic qualifiers with a 2-1 loss to Uganda in the second round first leg played in Kampala on Thursday afternoon.

The Queens surrendered an early lead at Hamz Nakivubo Stadium.

Captain Barbra Banda set up Prisca Chilufya who gave Zambia a 5th minute lead.

Uganda piled pressure on Zambia with persistent attempts that troubled goalkeeper Hazel Nali before Agness Nabukenya leveled matters with a fantastic free kick.

The hosts took a 2-1 lead thirteen minutes after the break through Kabene Sylivia against the run of play.

Zambia’s best chance in the second half came in the 74th minute when substitute Eneless Phiri’s free kick hit the woodwork.

Interim coach Charles Haalubono introduced Phiri for Rachael Kundananji after the break, with Evarine Katongo and Martha Tembo coming on for Racheal Nachula and Avell Chitundu.

Reacting to the defeat, Coach Haalubono said it was not the result they wanted.

“This is not the result we wanted but it has happened. The first half we didn’t have that hunger to keep the ball, second half we played much better we were able to keep the ball and we were more threatening,” he said.

Haalubono said the team, which is seeking redemption after a disappointing WAFCON campaign, must fight harder in the return leg.

“We are in a competition, we want to qualify for the Olympics. We will feature players that really want to play with that zeal. You saw how Uganda played, they were fighting for each and every ball so, we have to work for a win, it doesn’t come easily. When we go home we will have a better play,” he said.

The return leg will be played next Tuesday at the Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola, starting at 18h00.

Zambia, which competed at the Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024 Olympic Games, is seeking a third successive appearance at the Olympics.