Agnes Nabukenya and Sylvia Kabene inspired Uganda to a 2-1 win over Zambia in the first leg of their Los Angeles 2028 Olympic qualifier.
Uganda’s Crested Cranes produced a comeback to beat Zambia 2-1 at Hamz Stadium, Nakivubo, on Thursday and take an advantage into the second leg of their Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games women’s qualifier.
Prisca Chilufya punished the hosts inside five minutes, but Agnes Nabukenya restored parity with a superb curling free-kick in the 33rd minute. Sylvia Kabene then headed home the decisive goal after the interval, completing a memorable Kampala afternoon for Uganda.
The result was confirmed in Kawowo Sports’ full-time live report, while the Sofascore Uganda versus Zambia match centre recorded the first-half scorers. Updates were also carried by the official Crested Cranes account and FUFA TV
Zambia strike early through Chilufya
Uganda endured the worst possible start when Zambia’s captain Barbra Banda broke into space and supplied a cut-back for Chilufya. The forward tapped into an empty net in the fifth minute, immediately testing the hosts’ composure against opponents who appeared ready to exploit every defensive gap.
The Crested Cranes gradually settled. Zainah Nandede began advancing down the right, Fazila Ikwaput stretched Zambia’s back line, and Nabukenya found pockets between midfield and attack. Hazel Nali had to tip over Ikwaput’s dangerous cross in the 19th minute as Uganda’s pressure increased.
Nabukenya came within centimetres of equalising three minutes later when her curling attempt struck the lower post. That warning became a goal in the 33rd minute. The midfielder bent a free-kick beyond Nali to make it 1-1, rewarding the home side’s response and giving the Kampala crowd fresh belief.
Her impact added another chapter to the build-up covered in Bangbet Uganda’s feature on Agnes Nabukenya’s call for home support.
Kabene completes Uganda’s comeback
Uganda returned for the second half with greater urgency. Ikwaput tested Nali after Phiona Nabbumba released her in the 47th minute, while Angel Auki Kigongo continued delivering dangerous set pieces into Zambia’s penalty area.
Kabene had an effort stopped by Nali in the 56th minute, but the goalkeeper could not deny her moments later. Nandede created room on the flank and crossed towards the back post, where Kabene met the delivery with a firm header to put Uganda 2-1 ahead in the 57th minute.
The move highlighted Uganda’s improving width and persistence. Kabene continued troubling Pauline Zulu, while Ikwaput almost added a third when Joanita Ainembabazi created an opening in the 59th minute. Zambia survived that attack and mounted a sustained response.
Karungi and Uganda’s defence protect the lead
Goalkeeper Vanessa Edith Karungi made one of the afternoon’s defining interventions in the 62nd minute, producing a fingertip save to deny Eneless Phiri. She needed treatment afterwards but continued, giving the defence confidence during Zambia’s strongest spell.
Captain Shadia Nankya marshalled the back line against Banda, while Barbara Anomo and Kigongo dealt with several direct attacks. Zambia still went close in the 74th minute when Zulu’s free-kick struck the crossbar, a reminder that Uganda’s one-goal advantage remained fragile.
Coach Firew Hailegebreal introduced Peace Muduwa and Jamilah Nabulime for Ikwaput and Nandede in the 83rd minute. The changes helped Uganda manage the closing stages before the final whistle confirmed an important first-leg victory.
What the result means for Uganda
The 2-1 victory gives the Crested Cranes a slender aggregate lead, but the tie is far from settled. Uganda travel to Zambia for the return fixture on Tuesday, October 13, knowing that the Copper Queens possess enough attacking quality to overturn a one-goal deficit.
Uganda’s task in Lusaka will require the same resilience shown after conceding early in Kampala. Hailegebreal’s team must defend compactly, manage Banda’s movement and remain willing to attack instead of attempting to protect the advantage for the entire match.
For Ugandan supporters, the performance offered evidence that the Crested Cranes can compete with a Zambia side that featured at the previous two Olympic Games. Nabukenya’s quality, Kabene’s movement and Karungi’s saves turned a difficult start into a result that keeps Uganda firmly in the qualification contest.
Frequently asked questions
What was the Uganda versus Zambia score?
Uganda beat Zambia 2-1 in the first leg of their Los Angeles 2028 Olympic women’s football qualifier at Hamz Stadium, Nakivubo.
Who scored for Uganda?
Agnes Nabukenya equalised with a 33rd-minute free-kick before Sylvia Kabene headed the winner in the 57th minute.
When is the second leg?
The return fixture is scheduled for Tuesday, October 13, 2026, in Zambia. Uganda will begin that match with a 2-1 aggregate lead.
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Conclusion
Uganda’s 2-1 victory was built on character, sharper second-half play and decisive contributions at both ends. Nabukenya supplied the response after Chilufya’s opener, Kabene completed the turnaround, and Karungi protected it under pressure.
The Crested Cranes have earned an advantage, not qualification. Their challenge is to reproduce the same discipline and attacking courage in Zambia, where the aggregate contest will be decided and the road towards Los Angeles 2028 will either continue or end.
