By Angela Bambala Bwalya
Copper Queens defender Racheal Nachula is confident Zambia can overturn their first-leg deficit against Uganda and keep their hopes of qualifying for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games alive.
The Copper Queens suffered a 2-1 defeat to Uganda’s Crested Cranes in Kampala on 8 October, but Nachula insists the team is determined to make amends when the two sides meet in Tuesday’s decisive return leg in Ndola.
The defender acknowledged that Zambia did not execute their game plan as expected in the opening encounter but believes the team can correct its mistakes and deliver a stronger performance on home soil.
“We didn’t play according to the way we planned. Here in Ndola, we are going to work on our mistakes, and we can assure the nation that we will turn the tables around and we are going to overcome Uganda on Tuesday,” Nachula said.
Nachula says the team has settled well in Ndola and is making good progress in its preparations for the crucial encounter.
“The team has settled very well here in Ndola, and we thank God for the travelling mercies. We are all looking forward to the game on Tuesday. Yesterday, we had our first training and the training went on well. We are really on the right track,” she said.
With Zambia needing to overturn the deficit to advance in the Olympic qualifying campaign, Nachula has called on supporters to rally behind the team and provide the encouragement needed to get the job done.
The defender believes a strong home crowd could make a significant difference as the Copper Queens look to respond to their disappointment in Kampala.
“My message to the fans is, you are our people. We are your people. Don’t get tired of supporting us. This game, we need you more than ever. You should come in numbers to support us,” she said.
Nachula described the supporters as the team’s 12th player, highlighting the boost their presence could provide during the decisive encounter.
“When you come in numbers to support us, you are going to be our 12th player on the pitch. Definitely, your support will give us motivation. Your support will give us strength, and also we’ll know that you are with us in everything that we do. Come in numbers to support us. Come on Tuesday,” she added.
The Copper Queens host Uganda at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola on Tuesday, 13 October, with kick-off scheduled for 18:00 hours Zambian time.
Zambia must overturn their 2-1 first-leg deficit to keep their bid to qualify for the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles alive.
