The Copper Queens were held to a goalless draw by Zimbabwe in their second group match of the 2025 COSAFA Women’s Championship on Sunday. Despite creating several great chances, Zambia could not break the deadlock against a resilient Mighty Warriors side.
BolaNews evaluates the individual performances of the defending champions in their barren stalemate against Zimbabwe at the Seshego Stadium.
GOALKEEPER
Hazel Nali (7/10): Playing a more conservative role between the sticks today, Nali led her backline proficiently to keep out Zimbabwe’s attack.
DEFENDERS
Margret Belemu (7/10): The right back had a much busier afternoon compared to her outing against Botswana, making important clearances and tackles.
She did deliver a couple of dangerous crosses when given the freedom to go forward.
Mapalo Maluba (8/10): Back-to-back cleansheets for Maluba, who has been insurmountable in defence, keeping Zimbabwe at bay.
Memory Nthala (8/10): Nthala put her body on the line against the Mighty Warriors, exiting the match early owing to an injury.
Saliya Mwanza (7/10): Her link-up play and runs on the left flank were incredible, as she continues to stake a claim for a permanent role in the Copper Queens squad.
MIDFIELDERS
Susan Banda (7/10): Banda did not put a foot wrong for most of the match, up until the 80th minute when she ran out of gas.
Strikers need to deliver against Eswatini.
Maweta Chilenga (6/10): She suffered an early substitution in the second stanza.
Avell Chitundu (7/10): Chitundu did play some great passes upfront as she tried to open up a compact Zimbabwe defence.
FORWARDS
Eneless Phiri (8/10): Despite missing the biggest chance of the game, Phiri made a good account of herself at the Seshego Stadium, with her playmaking and dribbling skills on display.
Agness Phiri (5/10): She nearly got on the scoresheet but for the crossbar denying her wonderful attempt.
Kabange Mupopo (6/10): While the finishing touch was lacking on the day, the skipper made significant contributions attacking wise and defensively.
SUBSTITUTES
Ngosa Chabwe (5/10): A replacement to pile up some pressure on Zimbabwe.
Sascha Chisanga (4/10): Got a yellow card after coming on.
Margret Gondwe (6/10): The youngster helped secure an important cleansheet for Zambia.
Natasha Witika and Mercy Chipasula (N/A): Too little too late for the duo, who hardly had any minutes to influence the game.
COACH
Charles Haalubono (6/10): Disappointed by missed opportunities against Zimbabwe.
