Zambia interim head coach Charles Haalubono says the Copper Queens must turn their lessons from the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations into action when they face Uganda in a crucial Olympic qualifier.
The Copper Queens travel to Kampala for the first leg of their second-round 2028 Olympic qualifier against the Crested Cranes on 8 October, with Haalubono stressing the importance of securing a positive result away from home.
Zambia endured a disappointing WAFCON campaign and missed out on qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup, but Haalubono believes the Olympic qualifiers provide an opportunity to respond.
“This is a very important fixture for us,” Haalubono told FAZ Media after Thursday’s training session at the University of Lusaka football field.
“We keep reminding each other about our performance at WAFCON. We have got a big duty ahead of us to give the nation what it deserves because we failed to qualify for the World Cup.
“So we have another chance of amending our mistakes. We are supposed to qualify for the Olympics.”
Haalubono, who also coaches Green Buffaloes Women, said the team had made significant progress during five days of training after initially struggling to find its rhythm.
“So far, the response has been very good. They are all looking good now,” he said.
“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.”
The technical bench has focused on improving Zambia’s defensive organisation while also working on movement and ball possession.
Haalubono said the WAFCON had provided valuable lessons, particularly in Zambia’s ability to retain possession and move the ball, but conceded that the team must improve its defensive record.
The Copper Queens will also draw on their experience of appearing at the last two Olympic Games, although Haalubono insists their attention is firmly on the challenge ahead.
Uganda, meanwhile, are expected to pose a physical threat, with Haalubono identifying their athleticism and direct style of play as key areas Zambia must prepare for.
The interim coach said he was ready for the responsibility of leading the team into an important tie.
“We are here to work and to deliver; so it’s not something that we should even try to shun away,” he said. “On my part, I’m ready to work and deliver.”
Haalubono also welcomed the addition of experienced coaches Florence Mwila and William Zulu to his technical bench, saying their understanding of women’s football would strengthen the preparations.
With a place in the next round at stake, Zambia will begin their Olympic qualification campaign knowing that the first leg in Kampala could prove significant before the return fixture.
