Crested Cranes prepare for Olympic football qualifiers against Zambia

The Uganda women’s national football team, the Crested Cranes, is intensifying preparations for their 2028 Los Angeles Olympic qualifying matches against Zambia. The two-legged fixture will begin on October 8, 2026, at Hamz Stadium, followed by a return leg in Lusaka on October 13.

Under the leadership of new head coach Asefa Firew Hailegebreal, the squad has been undergoing rigorous training sessions focused on tactical organization and departmental responsibilities. Sports scientist Nkata Moses William reported that players are responding positively to the training program, which aims to refine individual roles on the pitch. The team recently held a practice match against Isra Soccer Academy to build momentum.

Forward Agnes Nabukenya has called on Ugandan supporters to provide vocal encouragement, describing the fans as the ‘12th player’ needed to support the team. The squad faces a significant challenge against Zambia’s Copper Queens, a team featuring prominent international players. The technical team is currently awaiting the arrival of additional players to complete the squad assessment.