Banda demands Zambia response after Crested Cranes defeat

Zambia captain Barbra Banda has urged her teammates to correct their mistakes ahead of Tuesday’s return leg after the Copper Queens suffered a 2-1 defeat to Uganda’s Crested Cranes in the first leg of the 2028 CAF Women’s Olympic qualifiers at Nakivubo Stadium on Thursday.

Despite taking an early lead, Zambia surrendered their advantage as Uganda fought back to claim a crucial home victory and take a narrow lead into the return leg at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola.

Banda acknowledged that Uganda posed a difficult challenge but remains confident that Zambia can respond on home soil.

“We had a great game against Uganda. We know it wasn’t going to be an easy game, but we’re looking forward,” Banda said.

“We have another leg in Zambia, which we have to go back to our drawing board and see where we made some mistakes. Definitely, we need to correct those areas.”

The Zambian captain helped create the opener after just six minutes, working the ball down the right before picking out Prisca Chilufya at the far post. Chilufya made no mistake from close range.

Uganda responded strongly, with Sylvia Kabene coming close to an equaliser before Agnes Nabukenya missed a clear opportunity in the 22nd minute. Nabukenya beat goalkeeper Hazel Nali but saw her effort rebound off the upright.

The hosts eventually drew level three minutes after the half-hour mark when Nabukenya struck a powerful free kick from just outside the penalty area, leaving Nali with no chance.

Uganda carried their momentum into the second half and completed the comeback in the 57th minute.

Auki Kigogo quickly played a corner to Zaina Nandede, who delivered a well-weighted cross into the box. Kabene rose above the defence to head home the winner.

The Crested Cranes held on to secure a 2-1 victory, leaving Zambia needing a response in front of their home fans.

Banda’s call for improvement comes as the Copper Queens prepare for a decisive second leg in Ndola, where they must overturn the deficit to keep their Olympic qualification hopes alive.

Uganda, meanwhile, will seek to protect their advantage and advance to the third qualifying round.

The winner on aggregate will face either Mauritius or Ghana in the next round as both sides pursue a place at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games.

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