The Copper Queens will be looking to regain their hunger for success as they face Uganda in Tuesday night’s decisive return leg of the second-round 2028 Olympic qualifier at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium.
The match kicks off at 18:00 hours, with Zambia trailing 2-1 from the first leg played in Kampala last Thursday.
Zambia, who competed at the Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024 Olympic Games, are seeking a third successive appearance at the Olympics to be held in Los Angeles.
Interim head coach Charles Haalubono has called for a better attitude from his players, saying the team gave Uganda too much space in the first leg.
“We gave them too much space when they had the ball. That is why I said the attitude was not good. We have worked on it, we have to press and work extra hard. I’m so sure the team will perform better because this is our home ground, we are used to this pitch,” Haalubono said.
Captain Barbra Banda said the team is determined to return to the Olympics.
“It is important for us as a team to go back to the Olympics for a third time, but it takes attitude and determination. We know what it takes but it will not be easy but definitely we are looking for a win,” Banda said.
Uganda, however, says they are in Ndola to complete a double over Zambia.
Assistant coach Ahumuza Collins said the Crested Cranes travelled to win again.
“Having won the game at home, we will still play to win the game in Zambia. We hope God will have mercy on us and we will be able to carry the day,” Collins said.
Captain Nadia Nankya said determination helped Uganda in the first leg and will be key tonight.
The winner will face either Ghana or Mauritius in the next round.
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