Kabene hails Crested Crane’s comeback against Zambia

2028 Olympic Games women’s Africa Qualifiers

Uganda 2 Zambia 1

Tuesday 13

Zambia v Uganda

Sylvia Kabene says the Crested Cranes showed character to come from behind and beat Zambia 2-1 in the first leg of the 2028 Olympic Games women’s Africa Qualifiers at Hamz Stadium, Nakivubo, on Thursday.

“We started slowly and did not use some of the chances we created, but we stayed together, improved as the game went on, and showed character to come back and win against a strong Zambia side,” Kabene said.

Uganda started slowly and fell behind in the fifth minute when Prisca Chilufya tapped the ball into an empty net from captain Barbra Banda’s cut-back.

The Crested Cranes created several chances but struggled to finish them. Agnes Nabukenya came close in the 22nd minute when her curling effort hit the post.

Uganda eventually levelled in the 33rd minute when Nabukenya curled a free-kick into the net.

The hosts grew stronger after the break and completed the comeback in the 57th minute when Kabene headed home Zaina Nandede’s cross.

Kabenealso said they improved control after the equaliser.

“We controlled the game better after the equaliser, moved the ball well, created chances and stayed organised, which helped us take control today,” she added.

Uganda continued to threaten after taking the lead, while Zambia pushed for an equaliser in the closing stages.

Goalkeeper Vanessa Karungi made an important fingertip save to deny Eneless Phiri in the 62nd minute before receiving treatment for an injury.

Captain Shadia Nankya led Uganda’s defence as the Crested Cranes held firm during six minutes of added time to secure the win.

“We know the job is not finished. We will prepare well, stay focused and go to Zambia ready to fight, defend our lead and finish the job with the determination and discipline shown,” Kabene said.

The victory gives Uganda a narrow advantage ahead of Tuesday’s return leg in Lusaka.

The match was the first major assignment for new coach Asefa Firew Hailegebreal, who was appointed by FUFA on a two-year contract following the departure of Sheryl Ulanda Botes.

Zambia, who have qualified for the last two Olympic Games, will now need to overturn the one-goal deficit at home.

The winner on aggregate will face either Ghana or the winner between Mauritius and Djibouti in the third round.

The 2028 African Olympic qualifiers feature 35 teams in a five-round, home-and-away knockout competition. Uganda and Zambia entered at the second round, with the two final winners earning Africa’s places at the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics.

The Crested Cranes’ Olympic qualifier has also paused the FUFA Women’s Super League, which resumes on October 17.