Crested Cranes Stage Brilliant Comeback to Edge Zambia in Olympic Qualifier First Leg

The Uganda Crested Cranes produced a spirited comeback to defeat Zambia’s Copper Queens 2-1 in the first leg of the Olympic Games Women Africa Qualifiers played at Hamz Stadium, Nakivubo.

The visitors started brightly, with captain Barbra Banda testing Crested Cranes goalkeeper Vanessa Karungi with an early free-kick.

Zambia took the lead in the 8th minute when Prisca Chilufya tapped in from close range after a well-worked cutback from Banda.

Uganda grew into the game after going behind.

Right back Zaina Nandede delivered a dangerous cross that Fazila Ikwaput failed to convert before Ikwaput’s teasing cross moments later was tipped away for a corner by Zambian goalkeeper Hazel Nali.

In the 25th minute, Agnes Nabukenya came closest for Uganda with a goalkeeper to beat but her effort come off the woodwork.

Nabukenya would not be denied.

On the stroke of halftime, she curled in a beautiful free-kick from the edge of the box to level matters at 1-1 going into the break.

After the restart, skilful forward Sylvia Kabene proved a constant threat to the Zambia side.

Though at times outmuscled by Zambia’s Margaret Belemu, Kabene kept the Zambian defence busy with several shots with one of her efforts saved for a corner.

In that corner, Zaina Nandede with a well weighed delivery , Kabene rose highest to head home the winner for the Crested Cranes.

Furthermore , Zambia pushed for an equalizer with Eneless Phiri seeing her shot saved by Karungi before another run was well cut out by defender Auki Angel Kigongo.

The game ended 2-1 in favour of the Crested Cranes.

Speaking after the game, Zambia head coach Haalubono blamed the playing surface.

“The surface of the pitch affected us as we are used to natural grass but we shall fight at home because we need to play in the Olympics.”

Debutant defender Barbara Anomo had an outstanding game and was voted by most fans as the player of the Match.

Crested Cranes assistant coach Collins Ahumuza praised her team.

“I first  thank the fans who turned up in mass numbers for supporting us and the players for the performance and we shall continue to train hard in camp to get maximum points in Zambia.”

Lastly , Captain Shadia Nankya added, “We respected Barbra Banda and as a team we had a good game plan. That is why we managed to close her down.

Shadia noted that the determination and teamwork helped them win today’s game.

The return leg will be played in Zambia on 13th October 2026.

Uganda Crested Cranes Line-Up; Vanessa Karungi (Goalkeeper), Zainah Nandede, Angel Auki Kigongo, Barbara Anomo, Shadia Nankya (Captain), Joan Nabirye,Phoina Nabbumba,Agnes Nabukenya, Sylvia Kabene, Fazila Ikwaput, Joanita Ainembabazi

Substitutes; Ruth Aturo (GK), Lillian Nakiirya (GK), Jesca Namanda, Peace Muduwa, Hadija Babirye, Kamiyati Naigaga, Jovia Nakagolo, Jamilah Nabulime, Marion Amangat, Shamirah Nalugya, Loki Otandeka , Bridget Nabisalu

Zambia Line-Up; Hazel Nali (GK), Lushomo Mweemba, Pauline Zulu, Margaret Belemu, Barbra Banda, Ireen Lungu , Racheal Nachula , Avell Chitundu, Esther Muchinga,Prisca Chilifya

Substitutes; Anne Namonje,Saliya Mwanza , Margret Gondwe , Rhoda Chileshe, Natasha Nanyangwe,Charity Mubanga, Evarine Katongo, Martha Tembo,Zangoze Zulu, Eneless Phiri, Mercy Chipasula,Mwila Mufunte