“We have got no way out; it’s just to win the game,” Copper Queens interim head coach Charles Haalubono has declared ahead of Zambia’s decisive second-leg encounter against Uganda in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic qualifiers.
Zambia must overturn a 2-1 deficit from the first leg to advance to the third round, with the return fixture scheduled for Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola tomorrow at 15:00.
Speaking during a pre-match press conference, Haalubono said the technical bench had analysed the opening leg, identified areas requiring improvement and worked with the players to address the shortcomings.
“We have prepared well. We saw where we are supposed to improve, and we have worked on that. Our aim, and we have got no way out, is just to win the game,” Haalubono said.
The coach identified Zambia’s defensive approach and failure to put Uganda’s players under pressure as key areas that needed improvement.
“We gave them too much space when they had the ball. That is why I said the attitude was not good. We have worked on it. We have to press and work extra hard as we play,” he said.
Haalubono expressed confidence that the Copper Queens could overturn the deficit on home soil, citing their familiarity with the pitch and the support of the home crowd.
“They have an advantage, but they beat us at their home ground, which we are able to do even here. We have our home ground, which we are used to playing on, so we will work extra hard,” he said.
He added that the players were looking sharp in training as they prepared for the crucial encounter.
Meanwhile, Copper Queens captain Barbra Banda emphasised the importance of unity and belief within the squad.
“It all goes to teamwork, team spirit, talent and courage in each other,” Banda said.
If Zambia progresses, it will face the winner of the tie between Ghana and Comoros in the next round.
