Nigeria absolutely decimated Zambia in the 2024 Women’s AFCON quarterfinals, scoring five goals against the Copper Queens with no reply. A premature exit for Nora Häuptle’s side, who were among the favourites to win Africa’s top crown.
BolaNews evaluates the performances of the Copper Queens players in their 5-0 defeat against the Super Falcons at the Stade Larbi Zaouli stadium on Friday.
GOALKEEPER
Ngambo Musole (4/10): Nigeria’s frontline was unapologetically lethal with their finishing, leaving Musole scrambling on her line.
DEFENDERS
Margret Belemu (4/10): Having produced a masterclass against Nigeria three years ago, Belemu had a difficult night this time around.
Mapalo Maluba (5/10): The Super Falcons proved too much of a nuisance for Maluba, who couldn’t get the better of them.
Lushomo Mweemba (5/10): Mweemba and co. failed to set a reliable offside trap against Nigeria, who had a field day against Zambia.
Racheal Nachula (4/10): The veteran had an evening to forget against Nigeria, who gave her a run for her money.
MIDFIELDERS
Mary Wilombe (5/10): Wilombe was chasing shadows in the middle of the park in Casablanca.
Ireen Lungu (5/10): Little action for Lungu, who was sacrificed for Evarine Katongo at the half hour mark.
Grace Chanda (4/10): Nothing seemed to go right for Chanda on the day from her touches on the ball to her attempts at goal.
The Zambian Forwards Had No Shots On Target
Prisca Chilufya (4/10): A tournament to forget for Chilufya, who did not turn up in Morocco.
Racheal Kundananji (5/10): Kundananji, who was on a run of three goals in as many matches, was kept quiet against the Super Falcons.
Barbra Banda (6/10): Unfortunately, with the weight of the nation on her shoulders, Barbra Banda could not captain the Copper Queens to their maiden Women’s AFCON title. A spirited performance but no shot on target for her or any of her teammates against Nigeria.
SUBSTITUTES
Evarine Katongo (4/10): We couldn’t witness any of her magic this time around against Nigeria, like the strike against the same opponent that delivered the bronze medal three years ago.
Fridah Mukoma (5/10): Some positive runs on the wing but she couldn’t conjure anything to change the scoreboard in Zambia’s favour.
Mercy Chipasula (4/10): The youngster could not make a difference against a Super Falcon side firing on all cylinders.
Martha Tembo (4/10): Too little too late for Martha Tembo, who produced a masterclass against the record Nigeria in 2022.
Memory Nthala (N/A): Nthala made her debut at the Women’s AFCON late on.
COACH
Nora Häuptle (4/10): Nora Häuptle and her technical bench, got the ultimate reality check against Nigeria.
READ ALSO: Nora Admits Zambia Were Outclassed by Nigeria, Vows to “Hunt” Again at Next WAFCON
