The Zambian women’s national team concluded their FIFA World Cup preparation on a high note by humbling Germany 3-2 on home soil. In a result that many had not anticipated, the Copper Queens stunned the best national team in Europe against all reasonable odds.
Zambia’s defensive masterclass was slightly overshadowed by Germany’s two goals in a controversial ten minutes of added time. However, the Copper Queens were rewarded with the win their performance deserved by scoring three goals courtesy of Barbra Banda (twice) and Rachael Kundananji.
Bolanews presents the player ratings for the World Cup-bound Copper Queens in their win against Germany.
GOALKEEPER
Catherine Musonda (7/10)
The shot-stopper shined for Zambia against Germany, as she was introduced in place of Hazel Nali in the starting XI. She held her guard in the first 90 minutes of regular time, preventing Germany from scoring early with four crucial saves.
DEFENDERS
Margaret Belemu (7/10)
We have become accustomed to the fullback delivering world-class performances time and again. The Kazakhstan-based defender, though beaten on occasion, was decent in reading most of Germany’s runs in behind Zambia’s defense. She completed more tackles than any other player on the pitch (6).
Agness Musesa(7/10)
Musesa managed to contain the 2022 Women’s Euros, top scorer, Alex Pop, for the most part of the game before she eventually fired past the Copper Queens’ defense. It was an improved defensive showing compared to the performances against South Korea, Ireland, and Switzerland.
Lushomo Mweemba (6/10)
The Green Buffaloes defender made the most clearances on the pitch (9) against the 2nd-best-ranked nation in the world. Fatigue and a lapse in concentration eventually caught up with Mweemba and co., who surrendered a two-goal lead late on after an astute defensive showing.
Martha Tembo (5/10)
Tembo put her body on the line on a couple of occasions in the first hour until it weighed heavy on her. The Copper Queens will be hoping that she is fit for their opener against Japan, given her quality both in defense and attack.
MIDFIELDERS
Susan Banda (6/10)
The veteran did not get enough time on the ball to influence the attack. Most of her work was defensive. She was eventually withdrawn at halftime to make way for Mary Wilombe in midfield.
Evarine Katongo (6/10)
We did not see Katongo’s magical footwork on the night, as she was trying to limit Germany’s attacking threat. The youngster covered a lot of distance in the match and was eventually rested after 81 minutes.
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Avell Chitundu (5/10)
Most Zambian fans were excited to see the midfielder return to the starting XI after being dropped for the friendlies against South Korea. She was quiet for the most part of the game against the dominant German outfit in midfield.
Ochumba Lubanji (7/10)
The Red Arrows FC forward contributed with a shot that led to Kundananji’s goal. She was crucial in holding up the play up front. Ochumba completed three tackles against Germany and won as many fouls.
FORWARDS
Barbra Banda (9/10)
The Zambian captain is fueling up the sort of form that saw her score back-to-back hat-tricks at the 2020 Olympics. That’s now three goals in her last two internationals and five in 2023. Defenders in Group C of the World Cup should be very weary of what the talismanic figure has in store for them.
Rachael Kundananji (8/10)
Arguably the best African player in the world right now, Kundananji has continued to fire on all cylinders. Be it scoring goals, creating chances, or defending, the Madrid CFF striker has it all. Alongside her goal and assist, the forward played six successful long balls in behind the Germany defense. She also contributed four tackles, four interceptions, and two clearances.
SUBSTITUTES
Mary Wilombe (6/10)
The midfielder was decent on the night, having been brought in as a replacement for Susan Banda at halftime. She made two clearances against the European side.
Judith Soko (6/10)
Soko was brought on in the last 30 minutes of the match to replace Martha Tembo following the latter’s injury. Of course, her night was not going to be easy given the fact that the Germans piled up more pressure in the last 40 minutes of the encounter.
Ireen Lungu (7/10)
Having been dropped from the starting XI against Germany, Lungu did not disappoint when brought on as a substitute. She sent Barbara Banda on her way to net the last-minute winner with a delightful through-ball.
Xiomera Mapepa (5/10)
The 2022–23 Zambian Women’s Super League top scorer was rested from the starting XI before coming in to help the Copper Queens see out the result.
Hellen Chanda (N/A)
She was introduced very late on during the encounter and got the match-needed minutes into her tank given the prolonged added time.
COACH
Bruce Mwape (8/10)
Bar the last ten minutes of the game, Mwape will be very proud of his girl’s defensive organization. The manager came under fire for his side’s defensive woes, and he responded with a clean sheet against Germany in the first 90 minutes. The gaffer now needs to encourage his girls to sustain such defensive performances until the final whistle and link up effectively in midfield and attack.
