Zambia successfully overturned a 2-1 first-leg deficit to progress to the next round of the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics first-round qualifiers after beating Uganda 4-1 at the Levy Mwanawasa Stadium. Natasha Nanyangwe’s early opener was cancelled out by Sylvia Kabene’s strike before an Eneless Phiri goal, and Barbra Banda’s brace condemned the Crested Cranes to defeat.

BolaNews rates the individual performances of the Copper Queens during their emphatic win over Uganda in Ndola.

GOALKEEPER

Hazel Nali (8/10): Nali commanded the box exceptionally, demonstrating top-notch confidence when coming off her line and while distributing the ball.

DEFENDERS

Margret Belemu (7/10): A solid performance from the right back, who was impressive both going forward and defensively.

Margaret Gondwe (7/10): She was great at the back and did not hesitate to find the line-breaking pass from deep.

Lushomo Mweemba (7/10): Mweemba was the guilty party when Zambia conceded but was absolutely impenetrable every other time Uganda came knocking.

Martha Tembo (6/10): Tembo got back into the starting XI and put in a good shift.

MIDFIELDERS

Ireen Lungu (8/10): Lungu was absolutely influential both on and off the ball, covering every blade of grass at the Levy Mwanawasa Stadium.

Evarine Katongo (7/10): Her composure in midfield and ability to dictate the tempo of the game came to the fore during the match.

Natasha Nanyangwe (7/10): Nanyangwe rose highest to nod Zambia into the lead, starting their comeback.

FORWARDS

Prisca Chilufya (7/10): Her explosive run and impeccable vision to find Phiri in the first half were breathtaking.

Eneless Phiri (10/10): At this point, keeping her out of the starting XI should be criminal. Besides her emphatic goal and remarkable assist, Phiri was the heartbeat of Zambia’s play and helped a lot defensively.

Barbra Banda (9/10): Banda worked her socks off against Uganda, demonstrating world-class hold-up play to get her team higher up the pitch. She also came up clutch with two goals.

SUBSTITUTES

Mercy Chipasula (6/10): An impressive throughball by the youngster in the buildup to Banda’s second goal.

Racheal Kundananji (7/10): Kundananji responded positively to being dropped from the starting lineup, unselfishly teeing up Banda.

Natasha Nkaka (7/10): The teenager brought so much energy on the left flank.

Esther Muchinga and Zangose Zulu (N/A): The duo came on at the death.

COACH

Charles Haalubono (8/10): A great performance from his side owing to a good team selection and impactful substitutions.