The Copper Queens were held to a 1-1 draw by Botswana in their opening match of the Three Nations Challenge at the Lucas Moripe Stadium. A defensive lapse saw Barbra Banda’s 67th-minute opener cancelled out by Gaonyadiwe Ontlametse.

BolaNews rates the performances of the Zambia women’s national team players in their stalemate with The Mares on Saturday.

GOALKEEPER

Catherine Musonda (6/10): Musonda exited the match with clean gloves, largely involved in building from the back with few saves to make.

DEFENDERS

Racheal Nachula (6/10): Playing in an unfamiliar fullback role, the veteran played in the cross that led to Zambia’s goal.

Mapalo Maluba (8/10): Aged 18, Maluba looked so comfortable at the back, snuffing out any danger in the penalty area.

Lushomo Mweemba (7/10): She made the most clearances (6) and was the driving force behind Zambia’s passing patterns, skillfully transferring the ball into midfield.

Xiomara Mapepa (5/10): The biggest chance of the match fell to the left back, who couldn’t make it count.

MIDFIELDERS

Evarine Katongo (8/10): Her ball control and passing ability helped the Copper Queens command the lion’s share of possession.

Ireen Lungu (7/10): Lungu was active in the middle of the park, dictating play.

Grace Chanda (7/10): Zambia looked dangerous every time she got on the ball. Chanda came close to scoring in the 52nd minute, hitting the woodwork.

FORWARDS

Prisca Chilufya (5/10): Not the most impressive of showings from the Orlando Pride attacker.

Racheal Kundananji (6/10): Kundananji could have snatched a winner for Zambia from a direct free kick late on.

Barbra Banda (8/10): She pounced on a loose ball to give the Copper Queens a lead against Botswana.

SUBSTITUTES

Mwila Mufunte (3/10): The youngster’s goalkeeping error gifted The Mares an equalizer.

Mercy Chipasula (6/10): The 2025 best young sportswoman in Southern Africa, she was decent after coming off the bench.

Fridah Mukoma (6/10): She was a threat after coming on, creating a big chance for Kundananji in the 74th minute.

Margret Belemu (4/10): Belemu replaced Nachula at right back.

Martha Tembo (5/10): She featured in the last ten minutes for the Copper Queens.

COACH

Nora Hauptle (6/10): Hauptle will be impressed with Zambia’s domination of possession. However, when they play South Africa, the African champions, on Tuesday, the lack of offensive innovation will be a worry.