Copper Queens Jet Out for Uganda Showdown

The Zambian senior women's national football team, affectionately known as the Copper Queens, have officially jetted out of Kenneth Kaunda International Airport for Kampala, Uganda, embarking on a critical redemption mission ahead of their second-round 2028 Olympic qualifier. Smarting from a difficult and underwhelming campaign at the Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), where the team missed out on vital targets, the squad is under immense pressure to restore national pride and keep their Olympic dreams alive on the international stage. Interim head coach Charles Haalubono, who has taken the reins alongside a newly bolstered technical bench featuring experienced tacticians Florence Mwila and Wisdom Zulu, expressed absolute readiness for the challenge awaiting them in East Africa. Speaking prior to departure, Haalubono emphasized that the technical team has spent intense days in local camp addressing defensive vulnerabilities and sharpening ball possession dynamics. The objective in Kampala is clear: secure a commanding or steady advantage in the first leg before returning home to host the Crested Cranes at the Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola. Zambia's recent disappointments on the continental front have only served to galvanize the playing group, with senior players and technical staff alike acknowledging the weight of expectation carried by the crest. Having previously broken barriers by appearing at major global showcases including the Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024 Olympic Games, the Copper Queens possess the pedigree required to navigate high-stakes qualifiers. However, Haalubono has cautioned his charges against complacency, noting that Uganda has made tremendous strides in women's football development and will pose a formidable tactical test on home soil. The Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) has rallied the nation behind the team, urging stakeholders and soccer fans across the country to offer unwavering support during this transitional phase. A positive