The Copper Princesses lost against Brazil 1-0 on Friday morning to begin their 2024 U17 FIFA Women’s World Cup campaign.
Despite their spirited performance at the Estadio Olympico Felix Sanchez, Zambia could not cancel out Juju’s 19th minute opener.
BolaNews unveils the player ratings of the Copper Princesses in their first U17 FIFA Women’s World Cup match since 2014.
GOALKEEPER
Mwila Chisala Mufunte (9/10): She made a match-high seven (7) saves and four accurate longballs.
DEFENDERS
Precious Mwape (6/10): Mwape’s vital defensive intervention in the penalty box saw her pick up an injury.
Margret Gondwe (8/10): Gondwe was breathing down the neck of A Seleção strikers, often advancing into midfield to win tackles.
Nana Malanda (7/10): She was unfortunate not to keep a clean sheet against the South American champions.
Saliya Mwanza (7/10): Her surging runs from defence to attack unsettled Brazil. Mwanza was not taking any chances at the back, executing a lot of clearances.
MIDFIELDERS
Mapalo Maluba (7/10): But for the crossbar and Brazilian goalkeeper’s fingertips, her stunning long-range effort would have grabbed the headlines.
Taonga Mubanga (6/10): Mubanga picked up the pace in the second half with a numerous number of interceptions.
Zangose Zulu (6/10): The skipper was surprisingly chucked off at halftime despite playing some excellent through balls up front.
FORWARDS
Lweendo Hanongo (6/10): Hanongo was quite decent on the night, helping in attack and defence.
Mercy Chipasula (7/10): She was impressive, attempting a couple of crosses that were not capitalized by her teammates.
Namute Chileshe (8/10): Chileshe was taking no prisoners in the opening match. She proved to be a constant nightmare for Brazil’s defence, attempting the most crosses (6) and dribbles for her side.
SUBSTITUTES
Mary Mukupa (7/10): The substitute’s work rate in midfield was commendable. Harriet Matipa (6/10): Her explosive run into the six-yard box sent shivers down the spines of Brazil’s defence. Eunice Bwalya (6/10): She replaced Precious Mwape who suffered a knock in the first half.
COACH
Carol Kanyemba (7/10)
Everything but the result for Carol Kanyemba’s lasses. She is the first ever woman to lead Zambia in a FIFA World Cup at any level.
READ ALSO: Cheche upbeat ahead of North Korea tie, despite defeat to England.
