A total of 35 African national federations are competing for just two qualification spots allocated to CAF for the final 16-team Olympic tournament in Los Angeles.
Sixteen teams are scheduled to compete in the women's football tournament at the 2028 Summer Olympics.
Fifteen women’s national teams from six confederations will qualify to join the United States, who qualified as the host nation.
With the qualification spot at stake, Haalubono said the target for Zambia was to win and qualify for the Olympics for a third time in a row.
“On our side, we enjoy putting the ball down as our natural Zambian football. So, we will try to put the ball down and play,” Haalubono said during a press conference ahead of the game.
“I know most of these players. I have been with them for such a long time. I think bonding will not be a problem because we have been together.”
The last meeting between the two sides saw Uganda win the game 5-0 in a friendly, and when asked about it, Haalubono responded: “We are looking at the present. What we have put in. What we have done.”
Zambia has no special player
Zambia captain Barbra Banda said there are no special players in the team adding they are united and every player has to fight for her position ahead of the match.
“I will tell you, our team has got no special players. We are all equal. Our youngsters are so talented, I can assure you; I have to fight for that position because I can’t just come and say I have it all in the team because we have competition,” said Banda.
The skipper said the Copper Queens are not underrating Uganda and are aware of the challenge that awaits them in Kampala.
Banda said the team has been preparing with the target of winning the two-legged tie and qualifying for the next round.
“As a team, we only have one goal. To win so that we qualify for the next round. The team is ready,” added Banda.
Uganda ready for the challenge
Uganda’s 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,” said Collins.
“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.
“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.”
Uganda goalkeeper Ruth Aturo said: ‘The feeling in camp is good. The players are excited, and we are looking forward to giving our best on Thursday.
“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.”
The Crested Cranes will now look to make home advantage count before travelling to Ndola for the return leg at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium on October 13th.
