The Copper Queens began their 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup Group C campaign with a 5-0 loss to Japan.
Japan got out to a fast start, launching attacks while Zambia struggled to hold possession of the ball.
In the 21st minute, Zambia failed to deal with Jun Endo’s free-kick from the right side, allowing the loose ball to bounce in the six-yard box until Mina Tanaka hammered it past a helpless Catherine Musonda, but the goal was disallowed following a VAR review for a slight offside.
Hope for Zambia, but the Japanese kept pressing and finally got the opening goal in the 43rd minute through Hinata Miyazawa, whose cool first touch beat Musonda to put her team ahead at halftime.
Nadeshiko Japan came out firing in the second half, scoring again in the 50th minute through Tanaka, but VAR ruled it offside for the second time.
Japan was awarded a penalty two minutes later after Aoba Fujino was brought down by Musonda’s challenge. But for the third time, VAR judged the Japanese striker was in an offside position prior to the foul.
Despite Zambia surviving three times, Nadeshiko Japan continued piling pressure on the wasteful Zambian defense. And Tanaka finally got her long-awaited goal to make it 2-0 in the 55th minute.
Seven minutes later, Miyazawa completed her brace to make it 3-0 after tapping home into an empty net after the Zambian defense crumbled.
In the 71st, Endo scored to make it 4-0 before Bruce Mwape made changes, introducing Ochumba Lubanji for Ireen Lungu and Avell Chitundu for Xiomara Mapape. Lushomo Mwemba got injured and was replaced by Vast Phiri.
Musonda’s brilliant efforts ended with a red card
However, just when Zambia appeared to have found their mojo and deep in the 7th addition minute, Zambian goalkeeper Musonda’s clumsy foul on racing Riko Ueki saw her get red-carded and win a penalty for Japan, which was missed at the first attempt.
Ueki’s penalty kick hit the crossbar, but following a VAR intervention, the referee ordered a retake because substitute Eunice Sakala was believed to have stepped off her line. The retake was successful, bringing the score to 5-0.
Meanwhile, Zambian coach Bruce Mwape described the match as a learning curve, stating that his team made a lot of mistakes.
“Our team made a lot of mistakes, which made us concede all those goals,” he said. “But it’s not the end of the world; we still have a chance. We can go back and plan for the remaining two games. I am sure we can still come back and fight for a position to qualify for the next round.”
Mwape also noted that “There was a lot of panicking each time we were in possession.” He said the girls gave out possession to the opponents cheaply adding that they also lacked tactical discipline.
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The Copper Queens, who concluded the game with no shots on goal, will now turn their attention to Spain, whom they will face in their second group C match on Wednesday.
They are now at the bottom of the group, along with Costa Rica, with no points. Japan and Spain are first and second with three points each.
