In a match spanning two days, Nora Häuptle tasted her first victory for the Copper Queens beating Malawi 2-0 in an international friendly. Racheal Kundananji’s sensational direct free-kick goal and Avell Chitundu’s clever finish, a day prior, sealed the win for Zambia.
BolaNews rates the performances of the Copper Queens in their triumph against the Scorchers at the Reiz Arena on Sunday.
GOALKEEPER
Catherine Musonda (7/10): Musonda was quite proactive in the box, attempting to clear away or collect dangerous crosses, though falling short on occasion. She also struggled with the new style of starting from the back as she was occasionally late to restart play.
DEFENDERS
Margret Belemu (7/10): She is well and truly back in the Copper Queens fold, giving Temwa Chawinga a run for her money on the right side of defense.
Memory Nthala (7/10): Starting ahead of first-choice defender Pauline Zulu, Nthala walked away with a clean sheet against Malawi. Did well but still needs to learn to be a ball-playing defender if she is to dethrone Zulu in the pecking order.
Lushomo Mweemba (7/10): Despite being outpaced by the Scorchers attackers on occasion, Mweemba outwitted them, snuffing out danger in the box. Her experience came in handy.
Judith Soko (7/10): Tabitha Chawinga was probably expecting to have a field day against Soko but the ZESCO Ndola Girls defender had other plans.
MIDFIELDERS
Ireen Lungu (8/10): She was everywhere on the pitch, breaking up play and orchestrating passes in the middle of the park.
Avell Chitundu (7/10): Chitundu broke the deadlock for Zambia on Saturday, becoming the first goalscorer of Nora Häuptle’s tenure.
Evarine Katongo (8/10): Every time she got on the ball, she mesmerized the crowd with her ball control and dribbling prowess. Her combination play with Lungu and co was top-notch.
FORWARDS
Racheal Nachula (3/10): Everything seemed out of place for the veteran, who was guilty of losing possession more often than not and missing a penalty.
Racheal Kundananji (8/10): In a battle of African superstars, Kundananji provided the moment of magic with a glorious free-kick goal, putting a dagger in Malawian hearts.
Barbra Banda (7/10): As always, the skipper led from the front, attempting deadly shots, creating chances and dropping deep to defend.
SUBSTITUTES
Pauline Zulu (7/10): She made vital interventions to keep Malawi at bay in the last half hour.
Natasha Nanyangwe (5/10): Nanyangwe helped retain some possession in midfield.
Maweta Chilenga (6/10): She looked very sharp in attack, bringing some excitement late on.
Xiomara Mapepa (N/A): Mapepa made her return to the Copper Queens setup after a lengthy absence.
COACH
Nora Häuptle (7/10): While the Swiss manager admitted that the implementation of her playstyle is still a work in progress, a win and a clean sheet are a great way to start. However, it was clear that she is yet to know her players well and trying to come up with her dependable starting eleven. Tuesday’s game could be the beginning of the best to come for Häuptle.
READ MORE: ‘Panono panono’—Nora reacts after Copper Queens defeat Malawi 2-0
