Zambia’s Copper Queens defeated Zimbabwe 3-1 on Tuesday to be crowned champions of the Three-Nation Tournament hosted by Malawi in Lilongwe. The victory followed their 1-1 draw with Malawi, who had earlier suffered a 2-1 loss to Zimbabwe.
The Copper Queens started brightly, with wonderkid Eneless Phiri opening the scoring from a tight angle on the left flank in the 10th minute. She doubled the lead just a minute later, reacting quickest to a rebound after Ireen Lungu’s cross was mishandled in the box, with Evarine Katongo missing the initial touch. Phiri now boasts four goal contributions (2 goals, 2 assists) in her first four appearances for the Copper Queens.
Zimbabwe pulled one back in the 30th minute through Nobukhosi Ncube, who scored from a free kick after goalkeeper Catherine Musonda failed to collect the ball cleanly, allowing it to drop over the line.
Zambia responded strongly, launching several attacks before Natasha Nanyangwe restored the two-goal cushion with a stunning long-range strike in the 43rd minute—her second goal of the tournament.
In the second half, assistant coach Charles Halubono, who is leading the team in Nora Häuptle’s absence, made several changes. Hazel Nali replaced Musonda in goal, while Mary Mambwe came on for Nanyangwe and delivered an impressive performance.
Phiri made way for Penelope Mulumbwa in the 63rd minute, followed by further substitutions in the 72nd minute as Martha Tembo came off for Judith Soko and Prisca Chilufya for Esther Muchinga. Memory Ntala was later replaced by Margaret Gondwe.
The Copper Queens used the tournament as part of their build-up to the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) qualifiers scheduled for March next year, which will also serve as the pathway to the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
Zambia Starting XI
Cathrine Musonda(GK), Memory Nthala, Margaret Belemu, Martha Tembo, Everine Katongo, Ireen Lungu, Racheal Kundananji (C), Prisca Chilufya, Natasha Nanyangwe, Blessing Maluba, Eneless Phiri.
SUBS: Hazel Nali (GK), Chishala Mafunte (GK), Mary Mambwe, Margaret Gondwe, Esther Muchinga, Racheal Nachula, Mercy Chipasula, Avel Chitundu, Maweta Chilenga, Regina Chanda, Judith Soko, Penelope Mulubwa
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