Zambia face Uganda in Ndola with the Crested Cranes leading 2-1. Read the match preview, squad news, key players, and prediction
Uganda’s Crested Cranes take a 2-1 advantage to Zambia for Tuesday’s decisive Los Angeles 2028 Olympic qualifier. Firew Hailegebreal Asefa has selected 23 players for the contest in Ndola.
Agnes Nabukenya and Sylvia Kabene overturned Prisca Chilufya’s early opener in Kampala. However, Barbra Banda and Racheal Kundananji can still transform the tie quickly.
Zambia vs Uganda Match Details
| Detail | Information |
| Competition | 2028 Women’s Olympic qualifiers |
| Round | African second qualifying round |
| Fixture | Zambia vs Uganda |
| Date | Tuesday, 13 October 2026 |
| Kick-off | 7:00 p.m. EAT |
| Venue | Levy Mwanawasa Stadium, Ndola |
| First-leg result | Uganda 2-1 Zambia |
The winner will meet Ghana or Mauritius. Uganda progresses with a victory or draw. A one-goal Zambia win would force extra time, with penalties possible thereafter.
Uganda Travel With a One-Goal Advantage
Kawowo Sports confirmed that the delegation left Entebbe on Sunday morning with three goalkeepers, seven defenders, six midfielders and seven forwards.
Asefa’s team recovered after conceding in the sixth minute. Nabukenya equalised with a 34th-minute free-kick before Kabene completed the comeback with a second-half header. Protecting that lead away presents a different test.
Uganda cannot defend near their penalty area throughout. Zambia possess the speed to punish sustained pressure. Compact distances, calm possession and counterattacking threat will be essential.
Crested Cranes Travelling Squad
Goalkeepers: Vanessa Edith Karungi, Ruth Aturo and Lillian Nakirya.
Defenders: Shadia Nankya, Bridget Nabisaalu, Barbara Anomo, Hadijah Babirye, Jamilah Nabulime, Jane Nantongo and Zainah Nandede.
Midfielders: Phiona Nabbumba, Joan Nabirye, Agnes Nabukenya, Kamiyati Naigaga, Peace Muduwa and Shamira Nalugya.
Forwards: Fazila Ikwaput, Sylvia Kabene, Jesca Namanda, Joanitah Ainembabazi, Laki Otandeka, Marrion Amangati and Angel Auki Kigongo.
The selection lets Asefa reinforce midfield with Nabbumba and Nabirye, retain Nabukenya’s set-piece quality and use Ikwaput’s experience. Kabene’s winner strengthens her claim to start.
Readers can learn more about the coach in Bangbet’s profile of Firew Asefa’s Crested Cranes appointment.
Zambia’s Home Threat
Zambia must win and should begin aggressively. Preparation at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium and home support should strengthen their challenge.
Banda created Chilufya’s goal and remains Zambia’s most dangerous attacker. Her movement and acceleration demand constant communication. Kundananji offers another direct threat, so Uganda cannot focus exclusively on Banda.
Uganda must avoid fouls around the penalty area and careless central turnovers. Full-backs need support against wide attacks, while the goalkeeper must command crosses.
Players to Watch
Agnes Nabukenya — Uganda
Nabukenya’s passing and dead-ball delivery can relieve Zambia’s pressure. She previously urged supporters to back the team in Bangbet’s Agnes Nabukenya Zambia feature.
Barbra Banda — Zambia
Banda created Zambia’s opener and can attack space behind the defence. Stopping her supply will be as important as marking her in the area.
Sylvia Kabene — Uganda
Kabene’s movement can stretch Zambia’s defence and provide Uganda an outlet after recovering possession.
Tactical Battle
Asefa must balance protection with ambition. A deep block could invite crosses and second balls; a controlled mid-block with selective pressing offers a better route.
Zambia will push forward and seek an early goal. Uganda can exploit spaces through Kabene, Ikwaput or Otandeka. Scoring first would transform the tie.
Set pieces could prove decisive. Nabukenya offers shooting quality, while Uganda must track Zambia’s aerial threats.
Zambia vs Uganda Prediction
Zambia’s attacking talent and home advantage promise a difficult match. However, Uganda showed discipline, courage and scoring threat in Kampala.
The Copper Queens should create chances, but their ambition may give Uganda opportunities on the break. Surviving the opening 20 minutes will be crucial.
Prediction: Zambia 1-1 Uganda. Uganda to advance 3-2 on aggregate.
What the Match Means for Ugandan Supporters
The 7:00 p.m. EAT kick-off is convenient for Ugandans following from homes, viewing centres and social platforms. No broadcast arrangement should be assumed until FUFA, CAF or an authorised broadcaster confirms one.
Progress would move Uganda closer to a first women’s Olympic appearance and give Asefa an early success. It would also build on Kawempe Muslim’s historic continental qualification.
For supporters across Uganda, qualification would be another important milestone for women’s football, rewarding players who compete locally and abroad while giving young girls a visible national team to follow and emulate closely.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Zambia vs Uganda?
The second leg will be played on Tuesday, 13 October 2026, at 7:00 p.m. EAT.
Where will the match take place?
Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola will host the qualifier.
What was the first-leg score?
Uganda defeated Zambia 2-1 at Hamz Stadium in Kampala.
What result does Uganda need?
Uganda will qualify with a win or draw. A one-goal defeat would send the tie into extra time.
Follow Football With Bangbet Uganda
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Conclusion
Uganda earned an advantage, not qualification. Zambia’s quality will test Asefa’s organisation and game management. The Crested Cranes must defend collectively without surrendering attacking ambition.
Nabukenya’s composure, Kabene’s movement and disciplined transitions can carry Uganda through. A draw is achievable if the visitors withstand Zambia’s fast start and remain brave.
