Crested Cranes fight back to overcome Zambia
David GOMBE
Uganda’s national senior women football team, the Crested Cranes, has come from behind to stun Zambia 2-1 in the first leg of the 2028 Olympic Qualifier held at Hamz Stadium in Nakivubo.
Prisca Chilufya gave the visitors an early lead in the 6th minute before Agnes Nabukenya levelled matters for the hosts in the 34th minute.
Sylvia Kabene sealed the comeback with the winner in the 58th minute for the hosts.
Chilufya gave the visitors the lead in the 6th minute of the game when she was set up by captain Barbara Banda.
Kabene had a decent chance to restore parity but failed to capitalise. Nabukenya came close to levelling matters earlier on but her effort hit the upright.
She eventually got her name on the score sheet 12 minutes later when her sensational free kick beat the Zambia goalkeeper to level the game.
The first period ended 1-1 with Uganda, under the stewardship of Asefa Firew, gaining momentum.
Kabene struck the second goal for the hosts in the 58th minute to complete a comeback win.
The Crested Cranes will now carry a slender advantage into the second leg against the Copper Queens, with the return leg slated for next week on Tuesday at the Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola.
The winner on aggregate between Uganda and Zambia will face Mauritius or Ghana in the third qualification round.