The Copper Queens have completed their final training session ahead of Thursday’s 2028 Olympic qualifier against Uganda, with the team braving heavy rain in Kampala.
Interim head coach Charles Haalubono and his technical bench put the players through their final preparations at Hamz Stadium, Nakivubo, as Zambia fine-tuned their plans for the first leg.
Haalubono will look to captain and all-time leading scorer Barbra Banda to lead the attack. The striker has scored 67 goals for Zambia and will be one of the key players as the Copper Queens begin their latest bid for Olympic qualification.
USA-based forwards Racheal Kundananji and Prisca Chilufya are also expected to provide attacking threat, while Ireen Lungu, Mercy Chipasula and Enelesi Phiri could play important roles in the creative department.
Zambia will be looking to put the disappointment of their previous meeting with Uganda behind them after the Crested Cranes secured a heavy 5-0 victory in a 2022 WAFCON warm-up match.
The Copper Queens are aiming to reach a third consecutive Olympic Games, having featured at Tokyo 2020, held in 2021, and Paris 2024.
Zambia face the Crested Cranes in the first leg of the second round of the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games qualifiers at Hamz Stadium, Nakivubo, on Thursday.
Kick-off is scheduled for 16:00 local time (15:00 CAT).
The return leg will determine which side advances to the next stage of the Olympic qualification campaign.
