Crested Cranes Eliminated from Olympic Qualifiers After Loss to Zambia

The Crested Cranes’ dream of participating in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games has been extinguished following a decisive 4-1 loss to Zambia’s Copper Queens. The second-leg encounter, held at the Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola, saw Zambia overturn Uganda’s initial 2-1 advantage from the first leg, securing a 5-3 aggregate victory.

Uganda had entered the return fixture with a narrow lead after a comeback win in Kampala. However, the Copper Queens quickly asserted dominance on home soil. Natasha Nanyangwe put Zambia ahead in the ninth minute, but Sylvia Kabene managed to equalize for Uganda just six minutes later.

Zambia regained their lead in the 22nd minute through Eneless Phiri, setting the stage for a tense second half. After the break, Zambian captain Barbra Banda proved to be the game-changer, scoring twice to seal the win and confirm their progression to the next round. Uganda struggled to contain Zambia’s potent attack, despite holding an advantage from the initial match.

In the first leg played in Kampala, Zambia had scored first, but Agnes Nabukenya and then Kabene scored to give Uganda a crucial 2-1 lead. The result in Ndola, however, dashed Uganda’s Olympic aspirations.

Zambia is now set to face Ghana in the third round of the qualifiers. The African qualifying campaign for the Los Angeles 2028 Games consists of five knockout rounds, with only two teams from the continent earning a spot in the final tournament. The final qualifying round is scheduled for late 2027.

Source: Nile Post