The Zambia Women’s Football National team will be making their debut appearance at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand with the aim of leaving a mark at the global showpiece.
The Copper Queens qualified to the Women’s World Cup after an impressive bronze medal finish at the CAF Women’s ACFON in Morocco.
The Zambians come into the World Cup as the lowest ranked FIFA team amongst the African nations sitting on number 77. They managed to secure one of the four spots available to Africa even without their star player Barbra Banda who was unable to play after failing a mandatory gender test. However, the imposing captain will be available to feature at the FIFA Women’s World Cup and will be the one to look out for in this Zambian side.
Zambia made Germany their camp base and played a number of friendly matches against quality opposition in the the run up to the World Cup. Bruce Mwape’s Lasses recorded a 3-2 loss to Ireland in Dublin before letting slip a 3-1 lead against Switzerland to draw 3-3 in the town of Biel/Bienne. Zambia then beat Germany 3-2 in their last preparatory match played in Furth.
The Zambians are hoping to build on their momentum as they head into their opening fixture against Japan on Saturday 22nd July in Hamilton at the FMG Stadium Waikato. They will then take on Spain in their second match on Wednesday 26th July, 2023 at Eden Park in Auckland, New Zealand. The Zambians wrap up their Group C matches against Costa Rica on Monday 31st July at the FMG Stadium Waikato.
The Copper Queens will be without influential goalkeeper Hazel Nali who has been ruled out of the World Cup with an ACL injury she sustained during the European tour. She has since been replaced by Zesco Girls goalkeeper Leticia Lungu. This means that Second choice Catherine Musonda will now be Zambia’s first choice goalkeeper at the tournament.
Catherine Musonda will be Zambia’s first choice keeper in the absence of veteran Hazel Nali
“It’s a hard thing for the entire team and our fans to accept of course with Hazel’s Injury. She is very important to the team. I am ready work hard and to step up to prove everyone wrong so that the supporters can have faith in me,” said Catherine Musonda.
Musonda was in between the sticks when Zambia beat Germany; “The friendly against Germany was tough but we played well as a unit with one purpose. We need to win our first game against Japan and we leave everything in the hands of God.”
ZAMBIA TEAM PROFILE
Nickname: Copper Queens
Manager: Bruce Mwape
Captain: Barbra Banda
World Cup Appearances: 1 (first appearance)
FIFA Ranking: 77
GROUP C
Costa Rica
Japan
Spain
Zambia
MATCH SECHEDULE
Saturday 22 July, FMG Stadium Waikato
Zambia vs Japan (09:00 AM CAT / 10:00 AM EAT)
Wednesday 26 July, Eden Park
Spain vs Zambia (09:30 AM CAT/ 10:30 AM EAT)
Monday 21 July, FMG Stadium Waikato
Costa Rica vs Zambia (09:00 AM CAT / 10:30 AM EAT)
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