The Copper Queens have intensified preparations for Tuesday’s decisive second-leg encounter against Uganda in the 2028 Olympic Games qualifiers, returning to Levy Mwanawasa Stadium for the first time since June.
Head coach Charles Haalubono and his technical bench put the team through their paces as Zambia look to overturn a 2-1 first-leg deficit and keep their hopes of reaching the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games alive.
The Copper Queens suffered a narrow defeat to the Crested Cranes at Hamz Stadium, Nakivubo, in Kampala on Thursday, despite taking an early lead through Prisca Chilufya.
Uganda responded through Agness Nabukenya, who scored a superb free-kick to restore parity before Sylvia Kabene struck in the second half to complete the hosts’ comeback.
The result leaves Zambia with work to do in the return leg, where they must win by at least two clear goals to secure qualification without the need for a penalty shootout, while a one-goal victory would take the tie to penalties.
Haalubono’s charges will be counting on home support as they seek to deliver an improved performance and keep their Olympic dream on course.
The second leg is scheduled for Tuesday, 13 October 2026, at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium, with kick-off set for 18:00 hours.
Ticket information
Football fans have been urged to turn out in numbers to support the Copper Queens in their quest to progress to the next round of the Olympic qualifiers.
Tickets are priced at K50 for the North, South and East wings, while entry to the West Wing costs K100. VIP tickets are available at K300.
With a place in the next round at stake, Zambia will be hoping to make home advantage count against a Ugandan side that demonstrated its ability to fight back in the first leg.
