Written By | Sports Desk
Sylivia Kabene celebrates her goal that gave Uganda a 2-1 win over Zambia
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Kampala
Uganda 2-1 Zambia
Second leg: Zambia vs Uganda — October 13
The Uganda women’s national football team, the Crested Cranes, put up a strong fight to overcome fancied Zambia 2-1 in the first leg of the 2028 CAF Women’s Olympic Qualifiers played at Hamz Stadium, Nakivubo, on Thursday evening.
The Ugandans were playing under the new instructions of Ethiopian tactician Firew Hailegebreal Asefa, who was appointed after the team had been summoned to residential camp following FUFA’s decision to part ways with South African coach Sherly Botes Ulanda.
Crested Cranes
Moments after kick-off, the hosts found themselves behind when lethal striker Barbra Banda made a run down the left before drawing the entire Crested Cranes defence, including goalkeeper Vanessa Kalungi, and laying a low cross for Prisca Chilufya to finish into an empty net.
However, the Ugandans remained composed and continued to fight, with their efforts rewarded in the final moments of the first half.
Zambia team
Attacker Joanita Ainembabazi was fouled at the edge of the box before Agnes Nabukenya stepped up and unleashed a trademark thunderbolt that flew past the Zambian goalkeeper to level the score.
The second half started with the Crested Cranes looking the better side, and they could have extended their lead twice had Fazila Ikwaput converted both her chances.
Uganda (yellow) Vs Zambia
Agnes Nabukenya (10) and teammates celebrate her goal
However, that was quickly forgotten when wing-back Zainah Nandede floated a ball over the Zambian defence, allowing evergreen Sylvia Kabene to rise for a free header amid five Ugandan players in the Zambian box. Kabene's effort found the back of the net to give Uganda the decisive goal.
The victory means Uganda will need to avoid defeat in the return leg, which is scheduled for Tuesday, October 13, at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola, Zambia.
