Zambia’s Copper Queens were off to a thrilling start in the 2024 COSAFA Women’s Championship, defeating Angola 3-0 on Thursday at Gelvandale Stadium.
The Florence Mwila-led local based Copper Queens delivered a standout performance, with the majority of debutants coming up to deliver.
In the 29th minute, Ochumba Oseke Lubanji scored with a well-placed strike that had Angola’s defense scrambling. Lungowe Namasiku doubled Zambia’s lead in the 46th minute, taking advantage of a defensive lapse to finish easily.
As the game went, substitute Regina Chanda sealed the victory in the 73rd minute, guaranteeing a comfortable lead over the Welwitschia. Fridah Mukoma put on an excellent display throughout the encounter on her debut, contributing greatly to the team’s second half goals while Elite Ladies FC defender, Pauline Zulu earned the Player of the Match award. Her defensive skills were crucial in thwarting Angola’s attempts to create scoring opportunities.
Mwila happy with the team’s performance
Coach Mwila was happy with her team’s performance, especially since the majority were debutants.
“Its a good independence [Day Anniversary] present for Zambia. We started a bit slow, a bit shaky here and there as a team. Like I said, in my prematch interview, 90% of the players are very new, and playing international football for the first time,” she told a post-match press conference. ” So I think obviously they were trying to settle in here and there, but after talking to them along the way, they settled and we started playing better. I’m happy that they were able to have the confidence to express themselves and we got goals.”
Following the win, Zambia hopes to improve on their performance from the previous year, when they lost to Malawi in the final, and replicate their success from the 2022 tournament, where they won the title.
The Copper Queens’ next match comes against Comoros on Saturday.
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