The Zambia Women’s National Team have a chance to rewrite history when they tussle against South Africa in the finals of the 2022 Hollywoodbets COSAFA Women’s Championship against South Africa this afternoon.
The game will kick-off at 15h00 at the Isaac Wolfson stadium in Gqeberha and will be live on SuperSport, GOtv and streamed live on COSAFA.tv, SABC Sport and FIFA+.
Today’s final will be a repeat of the 2019 edition when Banyana Banyana won 1-0 courtesy of 22nd minute goal by Tiisetso Makhubela at today’s match venue.
That was the closest the Copper Queens have come to regional glory, and today they set out on a mission to lift the title after winning all their matches at this year’s competition including a screaming 7-0 win over Lesotho and a 2-1 victory over guests Tanzania in the semi-finals.
Copper Queens coach Bruce Mwape will rely mostly on members of his squad who claimed a historic FIFA Women’s World Cup qualification and Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) bronze in Morocco, and with two clean sheets in three matches, Catherine Musonda is a sure starter in goal.
In defence, Martha Tembo, Margaret Belemu, Lushomo Mweemba and Agness Musesa look ready to fill the void while it is in midfield where they may be a change in personnel. It could be either semi-final match winner Misozi Zulu or Avell Chitundu to partner Evarine Susan Katongo. Mary Wilombe or Ireen Lungu could start in the historic final.
With nine goals in her name, skipper Barbara Banda will lead the Copper Queens attack supported by winger Xiomara Mapepa, Ochumba Oseke Lubanji or Eneless Phiri. Natasha Nanyangwe is also an available option.
This afternoon’s match will be South Africa’s eighth final in which they have won seven titles, but the WAFCON champions will be wary of the Copper Queens who made sure they finished outside the tournament’s medals bracket for the first time in the history of the competition at last year’s event.
Zambia beat South Africa 4-3 on penalties after settling for a 1-1 draw in regulation time and this year’s final couldn’t have come at a better time.
