Zambia’s pre-World Cup European tour kicked off with a 3-2 loss to the Republic of Ireland at the Tallaght Stadium in Dublin in an international friendly match.

The Copper Queens got off to a strong start, with good offensive exploits that saw them grab the lead 16 minutes into the match when Irish goalkeeper Courtney Brosnan failed to stop Barbara Banda’s shot, deflecting it into her own goal.

However, Ireland came back firing in the second half as substitute Amber Barrett leveled from the spot following a handball in the box.

The Irish went on to extend their lead to 2-1 through substitute Claire O’Riordan in the 63rd minute.

A triple substitution by Bruce Mwape, which saw Lushomo Mweemba, Susan Banda, and Xiomara Mapepa replaced by Vast Phiri, Rhonda Chileshe, and Ochumba Oseke Lubanji, did not help matters as Barrett completed her brace from a Hezel Nali rebound that was quickly passed to her from outside the box.

In the 79th minute, Racheal Kundananji beat two defenders to score a solo goal and make it 3-2.

Zambia showed a few signs of a comeback towards the end but it was too late.

Both countries were fine-tuning preparations for the World Cup which is set to kick off on July 20th in Newzleand and Australia.

Copper Queen’s disastrous defense continues to worry

The Copper Queens have now lost five of their last eight matches, winning three while conceding 15 goals. They have also managed to score ten goals in those matches.

Meanwhile, the girls will now shift their attention to Switzerland for another friendly on June 30 in Zurich.

READ MORE: Evarine Katongo hints on her transfer

They will conclude their European camp with a game against two-time world champions Germany in Furth on July 7.

Zambia will be making their debut at the World Cup. They are in Group C alongside Spain, Japan, and Costa Rica.

The Copper Queens will kick off their campaign on the 22nd of July against Japan.