After suffering a 5-0 loss to Japan in their opening game last weekend, the Copper Queens are set to take on Spain in their second Group C matchup on Wednesday in Auckland.
They will be without goalkeeper Catherine Musonda, who was suspended after collecting two yellow cards following a challenge on Japan’s Riko Ueki.
Zambia, who are making their debut in this competition, will need to win their remaining two games to advance to the next round. They will be eliminated with a game to spare if they lose to Spain.
Meanwhile coach Bruce Mwape says his team is aiming for maximum points against La Roja tomorrow.
“We have done almost everything we can. The team has prepared adequately, and at least in tomorrow’s game, people should expect a different game altogether,” Mwape confidently told reporters.
“We want maximum points,” he added. “Because for us to qualify, we need to win the remaining games.”
And team captain Barbra Banda says her team is up to the task when they face Spain tomorrow.
“I think Spain is not a pushover,” admitted Banda. “It’s a very good team. So we are expecting a very tough game tomorrow, but we are up to the challenge. We just have to do our best.”
Just like Costa Rica, Zambia is at the bottom of Group C with no points. Japan and Spain are first and second with three points each.
Japan will also face Costa Rica tomorrow in a match that, if won, will advance them to the next round.
