The Women’s Nationals Football Team for Zambia, Copper Queens have faced a defeat at the hands of Team Uganda in the first leg of the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic qualifiers. The team lost to their opponents by one goal and have vowed for a comeback in the qualifiers.
The opposing team, Uganda scored 2 goals while the Copper Queens were restricted to their single success during the match. The interim coach for the team Charles Haalubono has urged his players to show greater hunger and determination.
He has urged the team to perform well during the upcoming match of the qualifiers and spoke about the weaknesses during this match. According to the interim coach, the team started strong in the series but lost control after taking an early lead.
They allowed the Uganda girls to fight back and take the lead away to win the match in the end. He talked about some tactical adjustments that must be made during the future matches.
He also asserted that while the team saw improved ball possession in the second half of the match with Uganda, clear scoring chances were lacking for the team.
He also asserted that in the case of the qualifying matches, the artificial pitch was a challenge for players used to natural grass.
Despite the setback during this match, Haalubono expressed confidence that Zambia can overturn the one‑goal deficit in the return leg, stressing that team selection for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic qualifiers will be based on determination and commitment rather than reputation.
Captain Barbra Banda echoed the coach’s sentiments, saying the team will correct mistakes and remain focused on the decisive return fixture at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, at 18:00 hours.