Image copyright: FAZ Media
The Zambia Women’s Football National Team, known as the Copper Queens, have intensified their preparations for the
2024 Paris Olympic Games, slated to start on July 25 and run through August 11.
The Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) has organized a 12-day international camp for the Copper Queens ahead of the tournament. Last Sunday, they had their first international friendly game against New Zealand at Stade Louis Darragon in Lyon, which ended in a 1-1 draw.
The starting eleven featured some changes, with stars like Barbra Banda and Rachel Kundananji beginning on the bench. Nga’mbo Musole started in goal, with a defensive lineup featuring veteran Martha Tembo on the left, Esther Saimfuko on the right, and central defenders Lushomo Mweemba and Pauline Zulu. Rhoda Chileshe was positioned as a defensive midfielder, Avell Chitundu as an attacking midfielder, and Zulu Misozi on the right wing. Kabange Mupopo, the captain for the day, was on the left wing, while Lubanji Ochumba and Rachel Nachula led the attack as strikers.
Both teams had a decent first half, which ended scoreless. Nine minutes into the second half, Rhoda Chileshe scored to give Zambia the lead. However, the advantage was short-lived as Esther Siamfuko handled the ball in the box in the 67th minute, allowing New Zealand to equalize from the penalty spot.
The match ended in a 1-1 draw, which was a promising start for the Copper Queens. Notable absentees from this year's Olympics squad include Margret Belemu, Ireen Lungu, Evarine Susan Katongo, and Susan Banda, among others.
Zambia will face the United States in their opener on July 25, followed by matches against Australia on July 28 and Germany on July 31. It is a tough pool, but Zambia can take heart from their 3-2 victory over Germany ahead of last year’s Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.
This marks Zambia's second successive appearance at the Olympics, following their debut at Tokyo 2020, where they were eliminated in the first round but played to a thrilling 4-4 draw with China.
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