By 
Uganda’s Crested Cranes produced a spirited comeback to defeat Zambia 2-1 in the first leg of the second round of the 2028 CAF Women’s Olympic qualifiers at Nakivubo Stadium on Thursday.
The visitors made the perfect start when Prisca Chilufya put Zambia ahead just six minutes into the contest, but Uganda refused to panic and gradually took control of the game.
Agnes Nabukenya restored parity before Sylvia Kabene completed the comeback early in the second half, giving the Crested Cranes a slender advantage to take into the return leg.
Zambia’s opener came after captain Barbara Banda created the opening from the right. Banda did the hard work before picking out Chilufya at the far post, with the forward making no mistake from close range.
Uganda responded strongly and began creating openings of their own. Kabene came close to an equaliser but could not control the ball, while Nabukenya went even closer in the 22nd minute when she raced through on goal and beat goalkeeper Hazel Nali, only to see her effort rebound off the upright.
The pressure eventually paid off three minutes after the half-hour mark. Nabukenya stepped up to a free kick just outside the box and unleashed a powerful strike that gave Nali no chance, bringing Uganda level.
The Crested Cranes finished the opening half strongly and carried that momentum into the second period.
Their persistence was rewarded in the 57th minute when Kabene headed Uganda into the lead.
Auki Kigogo quickly played a corner to Zaina Nandede, who delivered a perfectly weighted cross into the danger area. Kabene rose to meet it and sent the ball home to complete Uganda’s turnaround.
The Crested Cranes held on for the remainder of the contest to secure an important home victory and take a 2-1 advantage to Zambia.
The return leg will be played next Tuesday at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola, where Uganda will look to finish the job and advance to the third qualifying round.
The winner on aggregate will face either Mauritius or Ghana in the next round, keeping Uganda’s hopes of reaching the 2028 Olympic Games alive.
