Africa Cup

Nabukenya calls for 12th player as Crested Cranes face Zambia

ChampionSport Editorial Team·04-10-2026·2 min read
Nabukenya calls for 12th player as Crested Cranes face Zambia

Photo: Annick green / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)

Crested Cranes forward Agnes Nabukenya has urged Ugandans to pack Hamz Stadium for the Olympic Games qualifier against Zambia on October 8.

The team hosts the Copper Queens in the third round first leg before travelling to Lusaka for the return fixture on October 13.

Nabukenya said the squad is ready after injury-free training sessions under new head coach Asefa Firew Hailegebreal.

The Ethiopian tactician replaced Sheryl Botes Ulanda and inherited a provisional 34-player squad.

Zambia boasts global stars Barbara Banda and Rachael Kundananji in their ranks.

Nabukenya stressed the need for fan energy to help the team defend and score goals.

A win at home would give Uganda a crucial advantage ahead of the away leg.

The winner over two legs advances in the African qualifiers for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games.

Why Uganda needs a big crowd at Hamz Stadium

Home support provides psychological momentum against a Zambian side with immense international pedigree.

Nabukenya believes a full stadium can help the Crested Cranes come up clutch in tight moments.

Uganda vs Zambia Olympic qualifier key facts

  • First leg: October 8 at Hamz Stadium
  • Second leg: October 13 in Lusaka
  • Competition: African qualifiers for 2028 Olympic Games
  • Uganda coach: Asefa Firew Hailegebreal
  • Zambia key players: Barbara Banda, Rachael Kundananji
ChampionSport Editorial Team

ChampionSport Editorial Team

Editorial Team

The ChampionSport.ug editorial team compiles and edits sports coverage for Ugandan fans: the Uganda Premier League, the Cranes and the Premier League. Stories are drawn from official and reputable sources and checked before publishing.

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