Crested Cranes exit Olympics qualifiers after Zambia defeat. Uganda lost 4-1 in Ndola, crashing out 5-3 on aggregate. Barbara Banda brace sealed Zambia's progress. The Copper Queens overturned Uganda's first-leg advantage with a commanding performance at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola on Tuesday. Zambia scored twice in the second half through Banda, who was kept quiet in the first leg. Natasha Nanyangwe and Eneless Phiri put the hosts 2-0 ahead before the break. Sylvia Kabene pulled one back for Uganda with an individual effort to keep the Crested Cranes in contention. However, Banda's second-half brace extinguished Uganda's hopes of a comeback and sealed Zambia's progression. The Copper Queens will now face Ghana in the third qualifying round after the latter eliminated Mauritius 10-0 on aggregate.
The talking point in Kampala is whether the Crested Cranes' early exit reflects a wider gap in African women's football or simply a bad day against a sharper Zambia side. The result ends Uganda's dream of reaching the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.
- Zambia 4-1 Uganda (Aggregate: 5-3)
- Barbara Banda scored twice for Zambia
- Sylvia Kabene scored Uganda's only goal
- Zambia will face Ghana in the next round
- South Africa advanced 7-0 on aggregate against Madagascar
- Nigeria beat Comoros 5-0 (7-0 aggregate)
- Ethiopia progressed after drawing 1-1 with Rwanda
- Malawi eliminated Zimbabwe 7-0 on aggregate
Source: ChimpReports
