Zambia finished bottom in the four-team competition, while the Brazilian Women’s National Team won the FIFA Series by defeating Canada 1-0 at Arena Pantanal in Cuiabá.
The Copper Queens lost two matches and drew one in Cuiabá. Brazil. They opened their campaign with a 4-0 defeat to Canada before losing 6-1 to Brazil, with the last match against South Korea ending 1-1.
Speaking following the conclusion of the tournament, Copper Queens assistant coach, Charles Haalubono said the team has been exposed to high-level competition, which is vital to improving the performance of the team in future tournaments.
“The tournament has given us a platform to see where we can improve. Looking at the teams whom we have played against, they are so good,” he stated.
“We have been exposed to high levels of competition, the facilities – everything is so good. So, I think the intensity of play is so high; we need to up our game when we go back to Zambia. Also, it has helped us to give experience to our players, those who are playing for the first time in the national team.”
“We need good preparation” – Banda.
Copper Queens captain Barbra Banda also echoed the coach’s sentiment.
Banda noted improvement in the match especially since the team had conceded 10 goals in their last matches in 2023.
“Not the result that we wanted, but all in all I think we’ve done well in this last game. You know I remember when we played the same team last time. We had conceded so many goals, but I think now it was a good game. I think we dominated the game,” she said.
“We conceded toward the end of the game, which we need to concentrate on in those moments. So I think, yeah, we’re heading on the good path“
The Orlando Pride forwards noted that the team needs better organisation as they head towards the upcoming Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).
“We need proper team organisation and everything. So I think the team has material and quality players; all we need is good preparation.”
