By Angela Bambala Bwalya
Copper Queens captain Barbra Banda says Zambia must combine their determination to win with patience and composure in front of goal as they seek to overturn a 2-1 aggregate deficit against Uganda and keep their Los Angeles 2028 Olympic qualification hopes alive.
The Copper Queens host Uganda’s Crested Cranes in Tuesday’s decisive second leg at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola, with Banda stressing the importance of making the most of scoring opportunities rather than allowing the pressure to dictate their approach.
Speaking ahead of the encounter, the skipper acknowledged the team’s desire to win but insisted that urgency must not come at the expense of sound decision-making in the final third.
“We really want to win. I would say we are desperate, but we are not in a rush. We need to take our time, take up good spots for us to have chances. And whenever we have chances as strikers, we need to utilise it wisely,” Banda said.
The captain remains confident that Zambia can find a way past Uganda, urging her teammates to maintain their performance levels and be more clinical as they attempt to turn the tie around.
“All I can say is that we will keep up a good game and find the back of the net tomorrow,” she added.
However, Banda believes the Copper Queens’ chances of success will depend on more than individual brilliance, highlighting teamwork and mutual encouragement as crucial ingredients ahead of the must-win encounter.
The forward acknowledged that footballers cannot deliver their best in every match, emphasising the need for teammates to support one another when individuals struggle to reach their usual standards.
“Honestly, what I can say is this is a team sport, and not all days can we shine in sports. Not every time will a player be exact according to how they’re supposed to play,” Banda said.
Using herself as an example, the skipper explained that even she could have an off day but would rely on her teammates to help her remain connected to the team’s collective effort.
“It can be me. I might not be at the game that day, but I believe my players, my friends carry me out so that I can still adapt with the team spirit at that particular time,” she said.
Banda believes that unity, encouragement and a collective sense of responsibility will be essential if Zambia are to translate their determination into a winning performance.
“So it all goes to teamwork, team spirit, how we are encouraging each other,” she added.
The Copper Queens suffered a 2-1 defeat in the first leg in Kampala on 8 October and must overturn the deficit in Ndola to advance in the Olympic qualifying campaign.
Tuesday’s return leg at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium kicks off at 18:00 hours Zambian time, with Zambia needing a composed and clinical performance to keep their bid to qualify for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games on track.
