The Uganda Senior Women’s National Team, the Crested Cranes, will host Zambia on Thursday, 8th October 2026, in the first leg of the 2028 CAF Women’s Olympic Qualifiers at Hamz Stadium, Nakivubo.
Kick-off is scheduled for 4:00pm.
The Crested Cranes head into the encounter after a positive build-up, with the full squad now assembled in camp and the mood high ahead of the opening leg.
Assistant coach Ahumuza Collins expressed satisfaction with the team’s preparations and believes the players are ready for the challenge.
‘We have had good preparations and now have the full squad together. The mood in camp is positive, the players are motivated, and we are expecting a good performance tomorrow,’ Collins said.
With Uganda hosting the opening leg, Collins stressed the importance of making home advantage count.
‘Playing the first leg at home is important for us. We have to make the most of the home advantage and use the support of our fans to give us an extra push,’ she noted.
She also acknowledged the quality of the Zambian side while pointing to the experience within the Crested Cranes squad.
‘We know Zambia is a good team and we respect their quality. However, we also have experienced players who have played at this level before, and we believe they can match the challenge,’ she added.
Uganda will draw confidence from previous meetings with Zambia. The Crested Cranes defeated the Copper Queens 1-0 in the 2018 COSAFA Women’s Championship third-place playoff before recording a 5-0 victory in an international friendly in Marrakech in 2022.
Goalkeeper Ruth Aturo described the atmosphere in camp as positive as the players look forward to the encounter.
‘The feeling in camp is good. The players are excited, and we are looking forward to giving our best tomorrow,’ Aturo said.
The Simba Queens goalkeeper also highlighted the unity within the squad, particularly the support between the experienced players and the younger members.
‘We are a united group. The experienced players are supporting the younger ones, and we share ideas and learn from each other. That has helped us build a strong bond as a team,’ she added.
Aturo called upon fans to turn up in large numbers and support the Crested Cranes at Hamz Stadium.
‘We call upon our fans to come in big numbers and support us. We will give our best on the pitch and do everything we can to make the country proud,’ she said.
FUFA has confirmed free entrance for fans attending Thursday’s fixture, giving supporters an opportunity to rally behind the Crested Cranes on the eve of Uganda’s Independence Day.
The Crested Cranes will now look to make home advantage count before travelling to Ndola for the return leg at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium on 13th October 2026.
