After settling in France a week ago, Bruce Mwape’s charges will begin their Olympic journey on Thursday against the four-time gold medallists, the United States Women’s National Team (USWNT). This will be the Copper Queens’ second appearance in the competition, following their debut at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
They return to the tournament after disappointing performances at the previous Olympics, when they were thrashed 10-3 by the Netherlands, drew 4-4 with China, and finished with a 1-0 loss to Brazil.
Mwape’s lasses will begin their campaign at the Stade de Nice before facing World Cup semi-finalists Australia three days later at the same location. Their final group match will be against Germany, which won gold in Rio 2016.
Barbra Banda the Copper Queens weapon
To get anything tangible out of the group, the Zambians will have to be on their toes. The Copper Queens, who boast one of the deadliest attacks in the world with the likes of Barbra Banda and Racheal Kundananji, should be full of confidence heading into the fixtures.
Banda was at the top of her game in Japan, scoring back-to-back hat tricks to become the only player to do so in Olympic history.
READ MORE: USWNT coach admits Barbra Banda is the best striker in the World
The 24-year-old, who joined Orlando Pride from Chinese top-tier side Shanghai Shengli in March, has been unstoppable in the league, scoring 12 goals in 12 games and tying for the Golden Boot lead.
Following yet another underwhelming display at the 2023 World Cup, where they lost 5-0 to both Japan and Spain before winning 3-1 against Costa Rica, they will be out to prove they are one of Africa’s best teams at the moment.
On the other hand, Emma Hayes’ new-look USWNT have been up and down in their preparation games but remain the favourites to win gold. The expectations are high from their fans. They are unbeaten in their last nine matches ahead of this fixture and will be confident to lead the group in what seems to be their easiest opener.
How To Watch The Match
For Zambian fans, you can watch this match on the country’s national braodcaster ZNBC TV 1 or pay tv channel SuperSport who also have online streaming platforms.
For highlights of the game fans can watch them ob the Olympic Channel TV for free.
Prediction
Although most fans are predicting straight win for the USWNT, this will be a tricky encourter as the Copper Queens have rebuilt with new inclusions made in their leaking defense. It will tough much that could end in a 3-3 draw.
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