COPPER QUEENS TARGET BRONZE IN WAFCON FINAL TUSSLE
The Zambia Women National Team will this evening seek to conclude their incredible run at the 2022 TotalEnergies Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) when they face the dethroned Super Falcons of Nigeria.
Today’s match presents the Copper Queens with a last opportunity to clinch a medal at the tournament, three days after the team painfully lost 1-0 to a last-minute South Africa penalty in the semi-final match played at Mohammed V stadium in Casablanca.
Nigeria’s dreams of clinching a record 10th title also went in tatters after they lost on penalties to Morocco who played in front of a record home crowd.
The WAFCON has been a success for the Copper Queens team that booked their first FIFA Women’s World Cup ticket but going into today’s bronze medal play-off match, Zambia will be missing the services of defender Lushomo Mweemba and goalkeeper Catherine Musonda due to suspension and injury.
The duo’s absence presents other players with an opportunity to fill the void, with the returning Hazel Nali competing for a Starting XI with Letisha Lungu while Anita Mulenga and Esther Banda could step in the defence that may have Margaret Belemu, Esther Siamfuko, Agness Musesa or Martha Tembo.
In midfield, Ireen Lungu, Mary Wilombe and the enterprising Evarine Susan Katongo may form a midfield-three but there is a lot of optimism on Maweta Chilenga, Misozi Zulu and Avell Chitundu getting involved early in the game.
In the last meeting between the two sides 21 November 2018 at the WAFCON, Zambia lost 4-0 to Nigeria and striker Grace Chanda, Natasha Nanyangwe, Xiomara Mapepa, Noria Sosala and Ochumba Oseke Lubanji will have to be at their best to convert the chances and seek revenge.
It’s almost a full house for the Super Falcons but they will be without striker Rasheedat Ajibade and midfielder Halimatu Ayinde who got matching orders in their semi-final match against Morocco but with two goals to her name at this tournament, forward Uchenna Kanu is available in attack.
The match will kick-off at 22h00CAT at the Mohammed V stadium in Casablanca and will be live on TopStar and SuperSport.