2028 Olympic Games, Women's Africa Qualifiers, second round, second leg Zambia v Uganda, Tuesday 13 October, 6pm, Levy Mwanawasa Stadium, Ndola Aggregate: Uganda lead 2-1
Uganda's Crested Cranes will try to finish the job against Zambia when the two sides meet in the return leg of the 2028 CAF Women's Olympic Qualifiers at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola on Tuesday.
The Crested Cranes carry a 2-1 advantage from Thursday's first leg at Hamz Stadium, Nakivubo, and a draw or a win will take them through.
Uganda arrived in Ndola on Sunday and will look to protect their lead against a Copper Queens side determined to turn the tie around in front of their home fans.
Zambia's danger players
The hosts have experience at the highest level, having qualified for the last two Olympic Games. Captain Barbra Banda is one of the players Uganda must contain, while Eneless Phiri also poses a threat after troubling the Crested Cranes' defence in the first leg.
Phiri forced goalkeeper Vanessa Karungi into a fingertip save before hitting the crossbar with a free-kick, a reminder of the danger Zambia can create.
What Uganda need
Captain Shadia Nankya will be key in organising Uganda's defence, but the visitors must avoid sitting too deep and inviting constant pressure.
The Crested Cranes will also need to use their chances. Agnes Nabukenya's threat from set-pieces, Sylvia Kabene's aerial ability and Fazila Ikwaput's pace could help Uganda stretch Zambia's defence and ease the pressure on their backline.
The match is another test for new coach Asefa Firew Hailegebreal, who began his tenure with the first-leg win following the departure of Sheryl Ulanda Botes. He will be expected to guide Uganda through a difficult away fixture and keep the team focused for the full 90 minutes.
What is at stake
Zambia must win to stay in the race, while Uganda are aiming to move a step closer to their first appearance at the Olympic Games.
The winner on aggregate advances to the third round, where they will face either Ghana or the winner of the tie between Mauritius and Djibouti. Africa has two places in the women's football tournament at the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.
Source: ChampionSport
