It was a successful outing for Uganda’s female football team, the Crested Cranes, as they made a winning start to the 2028 CAF Women’s Olympic Qualifiers.
The Cranes recorded a vital 2-1 comeback victory over Zambia in the first leg at Hamz Stadium, Nakivubo, on Thursday to take a narrow advantage into the return match.
Zambia took the lead in the sixth minute when Prisca Chilufya converted from close range after Barbra Banda’s cut-back found her unmarked inside the penalty area.
Uganda responded by gradually taking control and creating scoring opportunities. The equalizer arrived in the 34th minute when Agnes Nabukenya unleashed a powerful free kick from outside the box.
New head coach Firew Hailegebreal Asefa’s side pushed for a second goal, but Zambia answered all questions put to them leading into the break.
Following a number of saved or missed attempts, Sylvia Kabene rose highest to head home Zainah Nandende’s cross from the right flank, putting Uganda ahead in the 58th minute.
Despite making no substitutions until the 84th minute, the Crested Cranes managed the game well in the closing stages by maintaining possession and limiting Zambia’s opportunities.
Uganda will travel to Ndola for the return leg on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium, knowing that a victory or draw will secure progress to the next round.
The winner on aggregate will face the winner between Ghana and Mauritius in the next round of the 2028 CAF Women’s Olympic Qualifiers.
