NDINAWE SIMPELWE
Ndola
ZAMBIA under-20 team coach Florence Mwila says they will adopt a smarter and quicker approach when they face Uganda in tomorrow’s 2026 Poland FIFA Women Under-20 World Cup third round return leg at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola.
In an interview with the Football Association of Zambia media on Wednesday, Mwila admitted that Uganda’s aggressive and fast-paced style unsettled the Young Copper Queens and disrupted the usual possession-based game plan.
“Uganda were aggressive and quick, which made it difficult for us to play our possession game,” she said.
Mwila, however, believes the first leg provided valuable insight into Uganda’s style of play.
“The advantage is that we have tested Uganda. We now know how they play and how they approach the game. There are a lot of areas we saw that we need to work on and we have been addressing those,” she said.
Mwila said Zambia will need to be tactically disciplined and intelligent to overcome an opponent that thrives on physicality.
“We need to be wise on how to face an aggressive opponent. We have told the girls not to keep the ball for too long to avoid contact. We have to utilise the spaces,” she said.
A win or a goalless draw will see Zambia progressing to the final round where Ghana or South Africa await.
Ghana and South Africa drew 2-2 in Accra last Sunday.
Mwila urged fans to turn up in numbers and celebrate Valentine’s Day with the team.
And defender Kampamba Mulenga said they are eager to perform better than they did in Kampala.
Mulenga acknowledged that Uganda are a tough opponent and hard work will be required.
“We just have to work hard as a team. We want to start where we ended. We want to do better than we did in Uganda. The game will not be easy but we are going to do our best,” Mulenga said.
Captain Jessy Zulu said the Ugandans made it tough for short Zambian defenders but was quick to add that everyone is hungry for a win.
“The playing style will be different. We lacked the confidence but now we are confident to play. The hunger that we are showing in training shows that we want to achieve something,” Zulu said.
Meanwhile, Uganda arrived in Ndola yesterday with coach Sheryl Botes targeting to beat Zambia.
Botes told Uganda media in Kampala that they are aware that it has been raining heavily in Ndola and her charges will need to adjust.
“I believe we have the ability to do more damage in Zambia. I have been told it has been raining every day. So we will assess the situation on arrival. We will definitely train in the rain a day before the match so the girls can get used to the conditions. I am hopeful and I believe we can make an impact in Zambia,” she said.
Uganda arrived at Simon Mwansa Kapwepwe International Airport at 11:50 hours and were received by Football Association of Zambia officials.
