Zambia’s Copper Queens were held to a 1-1 draw by Malawi on Sunday in their opening match of the three-nation tournament in Lilongwe at the Bingu National Stadium.
The Copper Queens came from behind to equalize through substitute Natasha Nanyangwe ten minutes after Rose Kadzere had put the hosts in front in the 58th minute.
Reacting after the match, assistant coach Charles Halubono, standing in for head coach Nora Hauptle, described it as a very competitive encounter.
“Very good game. Like I’ve said, very competitive. Malawi came very strong. Well-organized team. Well-coordinated football. I think even soccer fans are very happy with what they have seen,” Halubono said.
“It was a game full of scoring opportunities from both sides. That was very good. For me, I’m happy with the result. I think a draw is a fair result for all of us.”
Despite Zambia being ranked 4th in Africa and 65th globally, Halubono believes Malawi are now at the same level as the Copper Queens.
“Malawi keeps on improving. I think you have seen that we are now almost at the same level. If not, we are at the same level,” he said.
“You have seen how the game has gone. They have kept on improving, getting better. You’ll see young players coming in who are performing very well. I know most of these Malawian players. I follow the league and what is happening. I see the development here. It is really developing.”
Halubono Excites Malawi Coach
Malawi, ranked 33rd in Africa and 155th in the world, will make their debut appearance at the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) next year. They boast two of the continent’s most prolific strikers: Kansas City Current striker Temwa Chawinga, who won the National Women’s Soccer League golden boot twice in a row, and her sister Tabitha Chawinga, who enjoyed a successful career in Europe.
In response to Halubono’s remarks, Malawi coach Lovermore Fazili said, “If Zambia is accepting that Malawi has improved, then it is a good sign for us since they had almost the whole team to represent the country next year at WAFCON.”
The Copper Queens fielded an inexperienced defense, with Lushomo Mweemba absent from the squad and Martha Tembo starting from the bench. The team also missed injured skipper Barbra Banda, while midfielder Grace Chanda was not in the squad.
Zambia will conclude their campaign in the three-nation tournament tomorrow with a match against Zimbabwe, who defeated Malawi 2-1.
ZAMBIA’S STARTING XI
- Hazel Nali (GK)
- Memory Nthala
- Margaret Belemu
- Regina Chanda
- Everine Katongo
- Ireen Lungu
- Racheal Kundananji (C)
- Racheal Nachula
- Avel Chitundu
- Blessing Maluba
- Eneless Phiri
SUBS
- Catherine Musonda
- Margaret Gondwe
- Mary Mambwe
- Esther Muchinga
- Martha Tembo
- Mercy Chipasula
- Natasha Nanyangwe
- Maweta Chilenga
- Prisca Chilufya
- Judith Soko
READ ALSO: Banda Finds His Scoring Touch Again, Mutandwa Delivers Drama, Liteta Starts Against Juventus
