Agnes Nabukenya inspired Uganda's Crested Cranes to a 2-1 comeback victory over Zambia in the first leg of the 2028 Olympic Games women's Africa qualifiers at Hamz Stadium, Nakivubo, on Thursday.
Uganda and Zambia in action at Hamz Stadium, Nakivubo.
Uganda fell behind in the fifth minute when Prisca Chilufya tapped into an empty net from captain Barbra Banda's cut-back.
The Crested Cranes responded well, with Nabukenya coming close in the 22nd minute when her curling effort hit the lower post.
Nabukenya then levelled in the 33rd minute with a well-curled free-kick to send Uganda into the break at 1-1.
"We showed character after going behind, and scoring gave us belief. We kept pushing because we knew we could turn the game around and get a positive result," Nabukenya said.
Crested Cranes players gather on the pitch during the first leg against Zambia.
Kabene heads the winner
Uganda started the second half strongly and was rewarded in the 57th minute when Sylvia Kabene headed home Zaina Nandede's cross.
"We knew Zambia would come at us after we took the lead, so we stayed focused and defended together. The important thing was to keep our advantage until the final whistle," Nabukenya added.
Zambia pushed for an equaliser in the closing stages, but Uganda's defence, led by captain Shadia Nankya, held firm to secure the win.
Fans in the stands at Hamz Stadium, Nakivubo.
Return leg in Zambia on Tuesday
The victory gives Uganda a narrow advantage ahead of the return leg in Zambia on Tuesday.
The match was new coach Asefa Firew Hailegebreal's first major assignment since replacing Sheryl Ulanda Botes on a two-year contract.
Zambia have qualified for the last two Olympic Games, making the return leg another tough test for the Crested Cranes.
The winner on aggregate will face either Ghana or the winner between Mauritius and Djibouti in the third round.
Supporters cheer from the upper stand at Hamz Stadium.
The 2028 African Olympic qualifiers feature 35 teams in a five-round, home-and-away knockout competition, with two teams eventually earning Africa's places at the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics.
Source: ChampionSport Reporter
