So close but yet so far for the Copper Queens, who surrendered a lead twice against Morocco in their opening match of the 2024 Women’s AFCON to draw 2-2. An early goal from Barbra Banda was cancelled out by Jraidi Ibtissam from the penalty spot before Ghizlane Chebbak replied to Racheal Kundananji’s strike late on.
BolaNews rates the Zambian women’s national team players in their stalemate against the Atlas Lionesses at the Stade Olympique on Saturday.
GOALKEEPER
Ngambo Musole (5/10): Musole was not tested as much as her opposite number, but could do little to keep out a spotkick and glorious strike that demanded stretching.
DEFENDERS
Margret Belemu (7/10): Going forward, Belemu was finally given the freedom to go for her trademark long balls and sent Barbra Banda through on goal to give Zambia a lead.
Mapalo Maluba (7/10): The youngster did not hesitate to ping the ball up to Barbra Banda and Racheal Kundananji when the opportunity presented itself.
Lushomo Mweemba (9/10): Mweemba could do no wrong against the Atlas Lionesses. She was always two steps ahead of her striker, intercepting any ghosting runs in behind her defence. Her perfectly timed clearances and tackles kept Morocco’s attackers at bay.
Racheal Nachula (8/10): Playing in an unorthodox left-back role, the striker stepped up to the plate in defence. She proved to be a barricade against Morocco’s attacks on the right wing.
MIDFIELDERS
Mary Wilombe (6/10): She dropped to help her backline defend on occasion.
Ireen Lungu (6/10): Lungu had a very proactive and impressive start to the second half, but eventually surrendered control of the midfield to Morocco.
Grace Chanda (6/10): The Zambian faithful would have loved to see more of her playmaking skills against the Atlas Lionesses. But she conceded a spotkick.
FORWARDS
Prisca Chilufya (5/10): Chilufya had a couple of openings to grab a goal or an assist, but could not.
Racheal Kundananji (8/10): Kundananji’s tidy finish saw her become Zambia’s all-time scorer in Women’s AFCON history with four goals. She was very helpful in defence.
Barbra Banda (9/10): She could not have asked for a better debut in the Women’s AFCON, scoring a goal in just a few seconds and notching an assist as well. Her hold-up play was world-class.
SUBSTITUTES
Fridah Mukoma (6/10): Mukoma nearly bagged an assist but for the Atlas Lionesses defender putting off Kundananji in the 74th minute.
Kabange Mupopo (5/10): The veteran made her return to the competition for the first time in over a decade.
COACH
Nora Häuptle (7/10): Häuptle went for a much more direct approach, which saw Zambia have the more deadly chances while Morocco edged possession. A point against the hosts and fellow title favourites is not the worst result.
READ MORE: Nora Bemoans Missed Chances After Draw with Morocco
