The Copper Queens opened their FIFA Series Tournament campaign with a 4-0 defeat to Canada on Saturday evening.

With Barbra Banda, Grace Chanda and Prisca Chilufya all arriving late for the game, coach Charles Haluboono started with an all-local squad led by Margret Belemu.

The first thirty minutes saw the Copper Queens keep the scoreline level despite being forced to play in their own half. However, in the 41st minute, Nichelle Prince finally broke the deadlock with a tap-in from close range before being gifted another goal due to poor defending seven minutes later to complete her brace and put her side 2-0 up at the break.

In the second half, Haalubono introduced some experienced players, including Banda, Chanda, Chilufya, Martha Tembo, and Lushomo Mweemba, but it proved too little too late as Canada continued to dominate.

In the 80th minute, Annabelle Chuku, who was a constant threat, extended Canada’s lead before doubling her tally in the 88th minute to make it 4-0.

Assistant coach Charles Haalubono, who is in charge of the team, attributed the defeat to fatigue.

“Frst of all, we conceded the first two goals in the first half towards at the end. That was a sign of fatigue coming in because we had players coming in, some this morning, others came in yesterday, so they haven’t rested so much. But we are happy with the resilience and the competitiveness they have shown.”

The Copper Queens will next face Brazil on Wednesday, who thrashed South Korea 5-1.

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