By Angela Bambala Bwalya
Copper Queens forward Rachel Kundananji has vowed that Zambia will not allow the disappointment of missing out on the FIFA Women’s World Cup to derail their bid to qualify for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games, insisting the team remains determined to overturn their first-leg defeat to Uganda.
Zambia face the Crested Cranes in the second leg of their CAF Women’s Olympic qualifier at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola on Tuesday, 13 October, needing to overturn a 2-1 deficit to keep their Olympic dream alive.
The Copper Queens suffered a narrow defeat in Kampala on Thursday, despite taking an early lead through Prisca Chilufya. Agness Nabukenya equalised with a superb free-kick before Sylvia Kabene scored the winner in the second half.
However, Kundananji remains confident that Zambia can respond on home soil, insisting the players are determined to avoid another major qualification disappointment.
“We failed to qualify for the World Cup, but we are not failing to qualify for the Olympics. We are going to do our level best,” Kundananji declared.
The forward admitted that Zambia fell short of expectations in the first leg but believes the team has the quality, understanding and determination to turn the tie around.
“I think we didn’t have a good game, knowing the quality we have in the team and what kind of Copper Queens we are compared to Uganda. They were not an easy side and gave us a tough game, but we still know each other, we still know what we want and what is at stake. We still have another chance on Tuesday,” she said.
With qualification hopes hanging in the balance, Kundananji believes the players must approach the return fixture with confidence, trust their abilities and focus on delivering the required result.
“Personally, I’m playing my game. I’m going to play how I play, be myself and just enjoy the game,” she said.
Kundananji calls for unity behind the coach
Beyond the challenge posed by Uganda, Kundananji has urged the squad to remain united and support the technical bench as Zambia pursue qualification for the 2028 Olympic Games.
The forward defended the coach, highlighting his longstanding relationship with the players and his role in their development from their formative years to the professional level.
“He’s a good coach. We’ve been with this coach for years. Some of the players here have played under him since their childhood until they are professionals, until they are where they are right now,” Kundananji said.
She added that the coach understands the squad and has continued building on the team’s existing foundations rather than introducing an unfamiliar approach.
“He hasn’t brought something new to us. He has just continued where it was left. He knows each and every player in this team,” she said.
Kundananji believes the players must demonstrate maturity and stand together behind the coach, particularly at a crucial stage of their Olympic qualification campaign.
“As players, we just need to stand by the coach, be there for him and make sure we support him. We need to stand as one. We just need to show our maturity in everything that we are doing so that we help the team,” she added.
Youngsters encouraged to seize their opportunity
Kundananji also praised the younger players in the squad, particularly those who have progressed through the under-17 ranks and are now making their presence felt in the senior national team.
The forward welcomed the energy they have brought to the side, stressing that their development is essential to ensuring the Copper Queens remain competitive as the current generation gradually makes way for the next.
“We have young players who are here, who are bringing the energy to make sure that the team is intact and in position. They are showing that they can also play in the game,” she said.
“Not every senior player, not every player will be here forever. The younger ones have to take over. That’s why they are coming up with the energy to showcase that they are able to take over the team when we are all gone,” Kundananji added.
Copper Queens face must-win battle in Ndola
The Copper Queens must now turn their attention to Tuesday’s decisive encounter, knowing that a strong performance at home is essential to keeping their Olympic ambitions on track.
Zambia need to win by at least two clear goals to progress without a penalty shootout, while a one-goal victory would take the tie to penalties.
The return leg kicks off at 18:00 hours at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola.
Tickets are priced at K50 for the North, South and East wings, K100 for the West Wing and K300 for VIP seating. They are available through Computicketing at Shoprite stores nationwide.
With the stakes high and the home crowd expected to play its part, Kundananji’s message is clear: the Copper Queens must learn from their first-leg setback, stand together and fight to keep their dream of reaching Los Angeles 2028 alive.
