The fixture had plenty of goals with Switzerland coming from two goals down to salvage a 3-3 draw. It was a draw that felt like a loss for most Copper Queens fanatics.
Switzerland got an early goal through Ana-Maria Crnogorcevic. Zambia fought back with goals from Grace Chanda, Barbra Banda, and Richael Kundananji to go 3-1 up before halftime.
The Swiss came out guns blazing in the second half with goals from Seraina Piubel and Coumba Sow in the 81st minute. The attack was brilliant while the defense was extremely generous.
READ MORE: Zambia blunders again to draw with Switzerland
Bolanews rates the performances of the Copper Queens team out of 10 as they conceded late against their Swiss opposition.
Goalkeeper
GK: Hazel Nali (5/10): She was not covered in glory and was punished for failing to command her backline.
Defenders
RB: Margaret Belemu (7/10): Was as solid as a rock at the back and protected her wing effectively.
CB: Agness Musesa (5/10): Had a brilliant first half but was porous in the second.
CB: Lushomo Mweemba (6/10): Mweemba’s partnership with Musesa looked convincing in the first 45 minutes, after the resumption of the second stanza the girls dropped gears.
LB: Martha Tembo (6/10): The experienced fullback often gifted possession. Showed a few bright spots but failed to stop the opposition from exploiting her wing.
Midfielders
CM: Evarine Katongo (7/10): Showed composure with the ball at her feet. Drew a good number of fouls to help slow down the game. Perhaps the turning point of the match was when she was substituted. She ensured Zambia maintained possession and connected with the attack from the middle of the park.
CM: Susan Banda(8/10): Was quite ineffective in the midfield and after she was taken off disaster followed.
AM: Grace Chanda (6/10): Pulled Zambia back on level terms with a well-taken goal but was taken off before halftime.
Forwards
Barbra Banda (7/10): The skipper scored a brilliant goal to put the Zambians in the lead. She was at the peak of her powers and could have easily scored more on another day.
RW: Rachael Kundananji (8/10): Showed composure in front of the goal that has earned her a reputation in Europe. The Madrid CFF forward was simply in the mood but unfortunately, her goal and assist were not enough to warrant a victory.
ST: Xiomara Mapepa (7/10): Put in a good shift and was everywhere in the pitch. The Elite Women’s striker was not on the scoresheet but offered so much.
SUBSTITUTES
Hellen Mubanga (5/10): Came in the 76th minute to replace Barbra Banda. With the scoreline at 3-2, she did nothing to consolidate the 1 goal led the girl’s hand.
Rhoda Chileshe (5/10): Came on the 76th to replace Susan Katongo and was just an ineffective substitute. It was a timid performance from her.
Catherin Musonda (4/10): Came on to replace Hazel Nali with less than 30 minutes left on the clock and failed to keep a clean sheet. The substitution was a risky one that didn’t pay off.
Hellen Chanda (5/10): failed to make a difference and was easily moved off the ball.
Irene Lungu (5/10): introduced in the first half, she wasn’t anywhere close to her usual best and failed to control the midfield.
Coach ratings
Bruce Mwape (5/10): The coach’s decision to turn to his bench was not rewarding. The gaffer starting lineup got the job done in the first stanza but the finishing was poor.
The defense remains Copper Queens’ biggest weakness. It would take a miracle to keep a clean sheet at the World Cup when conceding is almost Inevitable.
Copper Queens are splendid in attack but porous in defense. A draw is a positive result against a strong Switzerland side that never gave up.
With less than 30 days to go before the World Cup kicks off. WAFCON bronze medalists will now take on Germany in their last friendly encounter.
