Copper Queens beat Uganda 5-3 aggregate to reach Olympic third round

Phiri restored Zambia’s lead in the 20th minute, connecting first-time with a pass from Prisca Chilufya.

Her effort went in off the upright to put the hosts ahead 2-1.

Barbra Banda had a chance to extend the lead before the break, but Uganda goalkeeper Vanessa Karungi denied her after a mistake by captain Shadia Nankya. Zambia went into half-time with a one-goal advantage.

Banda made amends six minutes into the second half. She capitalised on a mistake by the goalkeeper, won possession and slotted the ball into the net to put Zambia firmly in control of the tie.

Haalubono later introduced Racheal Kundananji for Chilufya as Zambia continued to press for more goals.

The change paid off in the 83rd minute when Kundananji broke down the right wing and squared the ball for Banda, who finished to make it 4-1 on the day and give Zambia a two-goal advantage on aggregate.

Copper Queens coach Charles Haalubono said the performance had restored belief in the team’s Olympic dream after a disappointing first-leg display.

“They really did well today, it shows they really want to qualify, we did not play well in the first leg but today was good. If we keep playing like this we can keep dreaming,” Haalubono said.

Uganda assistant coach Collins Ahumuza admitted that her side had struggled to cope with Zambia, especially in the first half.

“The Copper Queens are really a good side, they played like a team at home and helped by their supporters. But we have ourselves to blame, we failed to manage the game in the first half, we failed to hold the ball which really is our strength. But we are a developing country country in women’s football, we will keep pushing,” Ahumuza said.

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