By Angela Bambala Bwalya
Copper Queens midfielder Natasha Nanyangwe says Zambia have taken full responsibility for their 2-1 first-leg defeat to Uganda and are determined to overturn the deficit in Tuesday’s return leg of the CAF Women’s Olympic qualifiers.
Zambia suffered a setback in the second-round tie in Kampala on Thursday, 8 October, despite taking an early lead through Prisca Chilufya in the sixth minute.
Agnes Nabukenya restored parity for the hosts in the 34th minute before Sylvia Kabene struck in the 58th minute to hand the Crested Cranes a narrow advantage ahead of the return fixture.
Nanyangwe admitted that the result was not what the Copper Queens had worked towards, stressing that the team had been determined to begin its Olympic qualification campaign with a positive result.
“The game that we played in Uganda, we never wanted or expected to lose because we worked hard for that game, knowing that it was an Olympic qualifier. We really wanted to start on a positive note, but things did not go our way,” she said.
However, the midfielder insists Zambia remain confident of responding on home soil, with the players determined to make amends in front of their supporters.
“We are taking full responsibility because we knew we were supposed to win that game, even though it was an away fixture. It is important to start with a positive result, and we are assuring our fans that we are going to get maximum points when we play our game on Tuesday,” Nanyangwe added.
Nanyangwe outlines Zambia’s tactical approach
The midfielder acknowledged Uganda’s physicality and athleticism but believes the Copper Queens can exploit their opponents by adjusting their approach and making better use of the ball.
Nanyangwe says Zambia must keep possession on the ground, move the ball quickly and avoid allowing the Ugandans to dictate play through their strength in aerial duels.
“The Ugandans are physical and athletic, so our approach will be to play the ball on the ground because they are good when it comes to aerial balls. As Copper Queens, we need to play a quick game because that will help us penetrate,” she explained.
She also highlighted the importance of the midfield in creating opportunities for Zambia’s attacking players, urging the team to make greater use of incisive passing and through balls to exploit the pace in their forward line.
“We need to play a passing game, especially through balls, because our attackers have got speed. If we can do that, we are definitely going to have more goals,” she said.
Copper Queens call on fans for support
With their Olympic qualification hopes on the line, Nanyangwe has appealed to Zambian supporters to turn out in numbers and rally behind the team in Ndola.
The midfielder believes the backing of the home crowd can provide the motivation needed as Zambia seek to overturn the first-leg deficit and keep their hopes of reaching the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games alive.
“We ask our fans to continue supporting us because you are the ones who give us morale and make us play the way we do. We ask you to come and cheer us on Tuesday,” she said.
The Copper Queens host Uganda at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium on Tuesday, 13 October, with kick-off scheduled for 18:00 hours.
Zambia must win by at least two clear goals to progress without a penalty shootout, while a one-goal victory would take the tie to penalties.
After surrendering their early advantage in Kampala, the Copper Queens will be looking to translate their determination into a stronger performance at home as they fight to keep their Olympic dream alive.
