Interim Copper Queens coach Charles Haalubono has called for a better attitude from his players as the Zambia seek to overturn a 2-1 deficit against Uganda in the return leg of their second-round 2028 Olympic qualifier at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola tomorrow.
The Copper Queens must win to keep their hopes of reaching the Olympics for the third time in a row alive. The match kicks off at 18:00 hours, with either Ghana or Mauritius waiting for the winner in the next round.
Speaking at a pre-match media briefing Monday afternoon, Haalubono said the team had given Uganda too much room to play in the first leg but was confident of an improved performance at home.
“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 as we play. I’m so sure the team will perform better because this is our home ground, we are used to this pitch,” said Haalubono.
And Copper Queens Captain Barbra Banda said the team was determined to return to the Olympics for a third time, with the next edition set for Los Angeles, United States, where she currently plays for Orlando Pride.
“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 so that we can go to Los Angeles where it will be held. For me I will be excited to go there,” Banda said.
Banda said the Copper Queens wanted to win but needed to remain composed and make the right decisions at the right time rather than rush their approach. Meanwhile, Uganda assistant coach Ahumuza Collins has said the Crested Cranes had travelled to Ndola to win again and complete a double over Zambia.
Collins dismissed concerns about Uganda’s away form, saying the team was ready to compete regardless of the playing conditions.
“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. We have played on a natural turf before and for us it is not about the conditions we will play in, we have set our minds to winning the game,” Collins said.
Uganda captain Nadia Nankya said determination helped her side secure victory in the first leg and would remain important in tomorrow’s match.
“It was not easy for us in the first leg but we stay determined because we know the game ends after the final whistle. That is why we gave it all until the final whistle and that is why we got a win,” Nankya said.
