KUNDANANJI: WE WILL NOT FAIL TO QUALIFY FOR THE OLYMPICS

As anticipation reaches fever pitch ahead of the crucial return leg, Zambia Women's National Team forward Racheal Kundananji has stepped forward to reassure the nation, vowing that the Copper Queens will pull out all the stops to secure their place at the global showpiece. Zambia trails 2-1 following a hard-fought first leg against Uganda's Crested Cranes in Kampala, where despite an early opener from Prisca Chilufya, the hosts capitalized on defensive lapses to take the upper hand. Speaking from the team camp, Kundananji emphasized that the squad is fully focused on amending the minor errors that cost them in Uganda. The star striker, who plays her club football abroad, stressed that missing out on qualification is simply not an option for a generation of players that has continually broken glass ceilings for Zambian football. She urged her teammates to display collective resilience and absolute backing for the technical bench as they pivot toward the decisive fixture at Ndola’s Levy Mwanawasa Stadium. The stakes could hardly be higher for the Copper Queens, who are cheered on by a passionate fanbase eager to see their beloved heroines back on the international stage. Technical adaptations are expected following the analysis of the Kampala encounter, with mid-fielders highlighting the importance of maintaining quick ground passes and bypassing Uganda's physical aerial dominance. Fans have been called upon to throng the Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in numbers, transforming the venue into an intimidating fortress that can inspire the players to overturn the deficit. For Zambian sport, a successful qualification campaign would further cement the rapid ascent of women’s football within the country, inspiring thousands of young girls nationwide. Kundananji’s defiant stance serves as a powerful reminder of the elite mentality cultivated within the national setup. As kickoff approaches, the entire nation holds its breath, trusting that the Copper Queens' trademark fighting