Zambia’s Copper Queens are through to the third round of the 2028 Olympic Games qualifiers after thrashing Uganda 4-1 at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola.
Zambia overturned a 2-1 first-leg deficit from Kampala to advance 5-3 on aggregate in front of a jubilant home crowd on a hot Tuesday evening.
Captain Barbra Banda led the charge with a brace, while Natasha Nanyangwe and Eneless Phiri added a goal each for coach Charles Haalubono’s side.
Nanyangwe sent the home fans into celebration with an 8th minute opener, but Uganda silenced the stadium six minutes later when Sylivia Kabene equalised.
Phiri restored Zambia’s lead in the 20th minute after being set up by US-based Prisca Chilufya.
Banda then took charge, scoring in the 50th minute before sealing the win deep in stoppage time.
After the game, forward Rachael Kundananji was ecstatic.
“We told Uganda that we will beat them at our home ground. We know well our stadium Levy Mwanawasa. They thought we were joking,” Kundananji said.
Zambia will now face Ghana in the third qualifying round in February next year.
Ghana booked their place after thrashing Mauritius 7-0 today to complete a 10-0 aggregate victory.
24