The Copper Queens were given a run for their money by Kenya in the semifinals of the Four Nations Tournament, earning a 4-1 victory in the penalty shootout after a 1-1 draw in normal time.
Prisca Chilufya got Zambia off to a perfect start with a close-range finish in the third minute before Marion Serenge grabbed an equalizer at 77 minutes.
BolaNews rates the Copper Queens stars in their victory over the Harambee Starlets at the Levy Mwanawasa Stadium.
GOALKEEPER
Hazel Nali (8/10): Kenya should have scored at least three more goals against Zambia but for Nali’s heroic saves between the sticks.
DEFENDERS
Margret Belemu (7/10): Belemu made excellent attacking. She got herself in good scoring positions too.
Mapalo Maluba (5/10): She did not offer enough defensive cover for the goalkeeper, allowing the Harambee Starlets to fire at goal.
Lushomo Mweemba (5/10): Mweemba started the match relatively well but became uncharacteristically shaky as the game progressed.
Nachula highest rated defender.
Rhoda Chileshe (5/10): The midfielder played much deeper against Kenya, sitting between the usual center-back pair.
Racheal Nachula (6/10): She assisted the opening goal with an outstanding cross from the left flank.
MIDFIELDERS
Ireen Lungu (5/10): A lot of running off the ball but little to no control of possession in the middle of the park from Lungu.
Grace Chanda (4/10): A quiet performance from the playmaker, whose passing and ball control were below her usual standards.
FORWARDS
Racheal Kundananji (5/10): In the absence of Barbra Banda, Kundananji carried all the expectations but did not live up to the billing.
Prisca Chilufya (6/10): Chilufya put Zambia into the driving seat with a good finish from point-blank range.
Fridah Mukoma (6/10): She might not have scored a goal or bagged an assist, but her work rate and industry upfront were impressive.
SUBSTITUTES
Mercy Chipasula (5/10): The youngster brought her energy and ingenuity to the Copper Queens attack.
Ochumba Lubanji Oseke (6/10): Some tidy hold-up and link-up play from the target forward, who scored the winning penalty.
Evarine Susan Katongo and Saliya Mwanza (5/10): Katongo came in to give Zambia some midfield control while Mwanza replaced the veteran Nachula.
Avell Chitundu (N/A): Some minutes in the tank for the 2025-26 Zambian Women’s Super League topscorer.
COACH
Nora Häuptle (5/10): Häuptle will expect a better outing in the final against Zimbabwe.
READ ALSO : Why Nora Häuptle’s Copper Queens return is a shot at redemption.
