HAALUBONO DEMANDS HUNGER AND COMMITMENT FROM COPPER QUEENS AHEAD OF UGANDA REMATCH

09.10.2026 | Football DNA

Interim Copper Queens head coach Charles Haalubono has warned that only players who demonstrate hunger, determination and commitment will be considered for selection as Zambia seeks to overturn a 2-1 defeat to Uganda in the race for a place at the 2028 Olympic Games.

Speaking during a post-match press conference following Thursday's defeat at Hamz Stadium in Kampala, Haalubono expressed disappointment with his team's performance, particularly their inability to match the fighting spirit displayed by the Ugandan players.

The interim coach stressed that representing the national team required more than individual reputation or the club a player represented, insisting that commitment, desire and willingness to fight for the country would be key considerations in his team selection for the return leg.

Haalubono acknowledged that Uganda had shown greater determination in challenging for possession and competing for every ball, something he believed Zambia lacked during crucial moments of the encounter.

He emphasised that Olympic qualification remained the team's ultimate objective but warned that achieving it would require greater effort, discipline and a winning mentality from every player selected.

The coach further indicated that he would prioritise players who demonstrated genuine passion for representing Zambia, regardless of their experience or playing background.

Meanwhile, Copper Queens captain Barbra Banda admitted that the defeat was disappointing but remained optimistic about Zambia's chances of overturning the deficit on home soil.

Banda acknowledged that Uganda had presented a difficult challenge and said the team would need to carefully review its performance, identify areas of weakness and make the necessary adjustments ahead of the second leg.

The skipper also commended the younger players for their determination and contributions, noting that their performances were increasing competition for places in the national team.

She challenged the senior players to raise their standards and respond positively as Zambia prepares for the decisive encounter.

Zambia had made a promising start to the match, with Prisca Chilufya opening the scoring inside the first five minutes.

However, Uganda fought back through Agness Nabukenya, who restored parity with a free kick, before Sylvia Kabene completed the comeback with a 57th-minute winner to hand the Crested Cranes a narrow advantage heading into the return fixture.

The Copper Queens will now need to produce a stronger performance when they host Uganda at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, at 18h00.

A victory by two clear goals would see Zambia overturn the first-leg deficit and advance in their quest to qualify for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games.

Tickets for the highly anticipated encounter are already available at Shoprite outlets nationwide.