Former Zambia head coach Charles Bwale says the Copper Queens have to finish off the match against Uganda in the first half when the two sides meet in the second leg of the second round of the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games today in Ndola.
The Copper Queens are trailing the Crested Cranes 2-1 from the first leg played in Kampala last Thursday. The team needs to rebound and qualify for the third round of the qualifiers.
Speaking in an interview with BolaNews, Bwale stated that the team was under pressure to overturn the result from the first leg.
He, however, added that the team should not be let the pressure get to them.
“There is always pressure when the team losses the first match. At this point, we need calmness and composure, not panic,” he said. “There are chances of overturning the results, and we should quickly settle in the first half. Get an early goal to unsettle the Ugandans and quickly kill off the match. We have the home advantage, and we have to fully utilised it just like how Uganda did.”
Bwale also emphasised the team’s potential to succeed, given the quality of the squad.
“If you look at the squad, it is basically an experienced squad; they have been in such a situation before. The captains have to help their coaches on the pitch and help others push in the same direction,” Bwale said.
“It will be tough, but it can still be done; we just have to rally behind the team and encourage them to die a little for the country. Qualifying for the Olympics will be a major achievement for the nation and the players.”
