The Zambian women’s national team will now look to bolster their squad after an underwhelming display at the Paris 2024 Olympics. The Copper Queens lost all three Group B matches due to some tactical shortcomings and a porous defense.
Zambia women’s team assistant coach Florence Mwila expressed disappointment with the team’s performance at the global event.
“Some players are getting older, so we need to start bringing in new ones,” Mwila admitted. “We have seen some areas; obviously midfield and other departments in the team need beefing up.”
Here are five women’s players that the technical team would want to consider in their future selections.
Agness Fabiola Banda (TP Mazembe, D.R.C.)
Since Hazel Nali’s injury, the Copper Queens goalkeeping role has been somewhat of a bittersweet experience. No one has really performed to the expected level of consistency. Agness Banda has been excellent since moving to the Democratic Republic of Congo, keeping an impressive 12 clean sheets in only 13 games during her debut season last year. Since then, she has amassed six titles, including two national league trophies.
Charity Mubanga (ZESCO Ndola Girls)
Mubanga finished as the second-highest scorer in the Zambian Premier League (ZPL) Women’s Super League last season, impressively netting 24 goals in 26 games. Despite being included in the 34-member provisional squad, the forward did not make the final cut for the Paris 2024 Olympics
Natasha Nkaka (Choma Warriors)
While Zangose Zulu and Namute Chileshe grabbed the headlines during Zambia’s successful 2024 U17 FIFA Women’s World Cup qualification campaign, Nkaka was also a marvel to watch. Dubbed the Next Margaret Belemu, she is an exceptional right-back, excelling both defensively and offensively.
Mapalo Maluba (Marvelous Academy):
Zambia U17 midfielder Mapalo Maluba was the youngest player to feature in the preliminary squad for the Paris 2024 Olympics. Her ability to dictate the game and break up play makes her a good option for the Copper Queens in the defensive midfield role.
Namasiku Lungowe (ZISD Women)
Kabange Mupopo and Racheal Nachula are not getting any younger, which is reflected in their struggle in front of goal. ZISD FC’s Lungowe Namasiku is someone who could bring in goals. She scored 24 goals in the 2023–24 Women’s Super League, missing out on the Golden Boot by a single goal.
READ MORE: Mpika-born goalkeeper Elvis Lungu shares his experience in national team trials
