As expected, Rachael Kundananji, who broke the world record for the most expensive female player following her move to National Women’s Soccer League side Bay FC for a transfer fee of $860,000, showed why she is worth the amount after stepping up for the Copper Queens.
Zambia defeated Ghana’s Black Queens 1-0 at the Accra Sports Stadium in the first leg of the 2024 Paris Olympics third-round qualifiers on Friday evening.
The Copper Queens, who were hoping for back-to-back Olympic qualification, made their intentions clear from the first kick of the ball; however, the Black Queens managed to hold off the deadly combination of Barbra Banda and Kundananji for a little period.
After 19 minutes of play, they couldn’t stop the duo as Kundananji exploited her pace to beat Ghana’s goalkeeper, Victoria Agye, to the near post for the opening goal.
The Copper Queens could have scored more in the first half, but most of their scoring chances were carefully defended, with Kabange Mupopo’s effort blocked inside the 18-yard line at the half-hour mark.
Ghana came firing in the second half
Ghana began the second half determined to turn the game around, dominating ball possesion. They continued to apply pressure in search of an equalizer, but the Zambian defense, led by Lushomo Mwemba and Pauline Zulu, stood firm.
The Copper Queens’ midfield was clearly outplayed by the Ghanaians, forcing Bruce Mwape to replace veterans Racheal Nachula and Kabange Mupopo with Avell Chitundu and Fridah Kabwe, who provided some stability with 66 minutes played.
With time running out, the Black Queens had little chance of reversing the score, which ended with Zambia winning by a single goal.
The second leg between Ghana and Zambia will take place on Wednesday next week at the Levy Mwanawansa Stadium in Ndola.
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The victor of the Zambia-Ghana tie will face either Morocco or Tunisia, whose match today finished 2-1 for the former.
Zambia’s starting XI vs Ghana
Catherine Musonda 1, Lushomo Mweemba 3, Pauline Zulu 5, Kabange Mupopo 9, Barbra Banda © 11, Evarine Susan Katongo 12, Martha Tembo 13, Ireen Lungu 14, Racheal Kundananji 17, Racheal Nachula 20, Esther Banda 22
SUBSTITUTES
Judith Soko 2, Tabo Miselo 4, Marjory Mulenga 6, Misozi Zulu 7, Natasha Kapombo 8, Comfort Selemani 10, Loveness Tonge 16, Ngambo Musole 18, Martha Banda 19, Avell Chitundu 21, Fridah Kabwe 23
