Kundananji Distinguishes World Cup Failure From Olympic Qualification Bid

Copper Queens forward Racheal Kundananji has vowed that Zambia will fight to keep their Los Angeles 2028 Olympic dream alive despite losing the first leg of their CAF Women’s Olympic qualifier against Uganda.

Zambia face the Crested Cranes in the return leg at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola on Tuesday, October 13, needing to overturn a 2-1 deficit to progress in the qualifying campaign.

The Copper Queens took an early lead through Prisca Chilufya in Kampala but were pegged back by Agness Nabukenya’s superb free-kick before Sylvia Kabene scored Uganda’s winner in the second half.

Despite the setback, Kundananji remains confident that Zambia can respond on home soil and avoid another qualification disappointment after missing out on the FIFA Women’s World Cup.

“We failed to qualify for the World Cup, but we are not failing to qualify for the Olympics. We are going to do our level best,” Kundananji declared.

The forward admitted that Zambia did not perform to their expected level in the first leg but believes the team has the quality and understanding needed to turn the tie around.

She also called for unity behind interim coach Charles Haalubono, urging the players to support the technical bench and demonstrate maturity during the crucial assignment.

Kundananji further praised the younger players in the squad, saying their energy and development are important as they prepare to take over from the current generation.

With Olympic qualification at stake, the Copper Queens will be looking to make home advantage count in Ndola. Zambia need to win by at least two clear goals to progress without a penalty shootout, while a one-goal victory would send the tie to penalties.