The Copper Queens were eliminated in the group stages of their FIFA World Cup debut after two 5-0 defeats to Japan and Spain, respectively.

It’s evident the experience will serve as a lesson to a young side that is now widely regarded as the golden generation.

The girls showed very little flashes of brilliance in both games. Their generous defense and blunt attack proved to be the difference.

For coach Bruce Mwape it will be a moment of reflection, his troops made the nation’s dream come true.

He admitted that playing against the best teams in the world was difficult.

Mwape stated that he has learned a lot of lessons from his two consecutive losses at the World Cup.

“Playing the best teams in the World is not easy,” he stated after the match against Spain. “We have learned a lot, especially in the last two games. We have seen how our friends are playing, so going forward, we will improve on those tactics.”

Daka to the Copper Queens after World Cup exit

Public figures particularly sports personalities have continued to send words of encouragement to the Copper Queens.

Leicester City forward and Chipolopolo star, Patson Daka wrote a hearty message to the women’s team in a show of solidarity.

Daka wrote on his Facebook page stating that, “success has many fathers, but failure is an orphan.”

He added: “Survive the dark and you’ll become the light. This is the time for you to stick together and be there for each other mentally, physically, and emotionally, and always remember what brought you this far. Always supporting you through thick and thin. Proud of you Copper Queens.”

Zambia have a chance to leave the global showpiece on the high as they take on Costa Rica on Monday in the last group match.