Zambia’s Copper Queens secured a third-place finish at the 2025 Yongchuan International Tournament in China with a thrilling 4-3 victory over Uzbekistan.

The win was a strong response after coach Nora Hauptle’s side narrowly lost 3-2 to Thailand in their tournament opener. The team played without several key players, including captain Barbra Banda, Racheal Kundananji, Prisca Chilufya, and Grace Chanda.

Determined to bounce back, the Copper Queens came out firing on Tuesday. Ireen Lungu opened the scoring in the 24th minute, converting from a Mercy Chipasula corner. Just two minutes later, Chipasula scored her debut goal after a brilliant solo run past Uzbekistan defenders, giving Zambia a 2-0 lead heading into halftime.

In the second half, Hauptle introduced Penelope Mulubwa and Avell Chitundu for Chipasula and Natasha Nanyangwe. The changes paid off immediately as Fridah Mukoma extended Zambia’s lead to 3-0 in the 46th minute. However, Uzbekistan pulled one back five minutes later through substitute Feruza Turdiboeva, who beat goalkeeper Catherine Musonda.

Hauptle made further adjustments, bringing on Esther Siamfuko for Margaret Belemu in the 57th minute. Zambia remained in control and restored their three-goal cushion in the 73rd minute when Kabange Mupopo capitalized on a rebound to score the team’s fourth.

More substitutions followed, with Martha Tembo and Maweta Chilenga replacing Racheal Nachula and Mupopo, while Rhoda Chileshe came on for Mukoma. Despite their comfortable lead, Zambia faced late pressure.

In the 90th minute, a foul by Lushomo Mweemba on Dilnura Mamatkulova led to a penalty, which Diyorakhon Khabibullaeva converted. She struck again just a minute later, narrowing the gap to 4-3.

With Uzbekistan pressing hard, Zambia dropped deep into their own half but held on during the tense final moments to secure the bronze medal in a hard-fought contest.