Despite being absent from the Copper Queens squad for the third time in a row, Xiomara Mapepa is still a standout player for Elite Ladies.
Prior to the back-to-back 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations second-round matches against Angola, Copper Queen’s coach Bruce Mwape announced his 25-member provisional team, with Mapepa missing from the squad.
The squad has seen the inclusion of Zanaco Ladies FC striker Sara Jere, who has now been ruled out due to an ankle injury.
However, in the FAZ Women’s Super-Division Week 9 match, Elite Ladies defeated Queens Sports Academy 4-0, with Mapepa scoring a brace. So far this season, she has scored seven goals for the in seven games.
Despite this, the winger has seemingly fallen out of favour in the plans of the technical bench.
Before the most recent squad was announced, Mapepa told BolaNews that she was putting a lot of effort into getting back to her best before the team faced Angola in the World Cup qualifying round.
“I am a goal scorer and team player. I just need a few more games to prove that I am still one of the best players,” she said.
The 21-year-old also remains optimistic about retaining her place in the Senior Women’s National Team.
“I am putting in a lot of [hard] work to regain my fitness and return to my personal best,” she stated.
READ ALSO: Cynthia Shonga eyes CAF Goalkeeper of the Year Award.
The speedy winger last featured for the Copper Queens in June during the Women’s FIFA World Cup.
