The Zambia U-20 Women’s national team will this afternoon square off with Malawi U-20 Women’s national team in a Costa Rica 2022 FIFA Women’s World Cup qualifier, second round, first leg match.
The ZamFoot Crew now looks at the players that coach Charles Haalubono may line up today as the Young Queens look to start their campaign on a winning note.
In goal, Prison Leopard’s goal minder Loveness Tonge is expected to start ahead of In’gutu Muchahabali and Aisha Gama.
At right-back, Bauleni United Sports Academy (BUSA) defender, Martha Katila Banda is likely to start but the coach has several options including Comfort Selemani who can fit in that place.
At Left Back, Margaret Chisenga, the young midfielder from Green Buffaloes is likely to start at left-back.
In the heart of the defense, Nkwazi Queens forward Precious Phiri is likely to start in that position and partner either Bertha Imponene or Thelma from Kings Sports Academy.
In midfield, Coach Haalubono is spoilt for choice. Loveness Malunga is expected to get the node ahead of Esther ‘Gelo’ Banda, Precious Phiri, and Matilda Beauty Zulu.
Shelly Masumo is likely to start in the attacking midfield role ahead of Natasha Kapombo and Naomi Phiri.
Xiomala Mapepa is likely to get the node on the wing with Salome Phiri ahead on Pauline Zulu and Elless Chilandula.
Upfront Lungowe Namasiku, Eneless Phiri, and Florence Kasonde will battle for a starting berth.
Skipper Evarine Susan Katongo is expected to start in the second striker role and will be the player to orchestrate the Young Queens attacks.
Meanwhile, Malawi U20 WNT has already named their starting lineup for the match.
1. Shabelo Bengo
2. Benardetta Mkandawire
3. Justina Jumbo
4. Alinafe Majola
5. Martha Christopher
6. Memory Kulemeka
7. Rose Kabzere
8. Jessy Josefe
9. Fauza Muhamad
10. Deborah Banda
11. Kondawu Banda.
Substitute Bench
Faith Chinzimu, Sungani Mangan, Christina Phiri, Wongani Mnenula, Matamando Makawa, Grace Yotamu, Letitia Chinyamula,Chisomo Banda
Thse match will kick off at 15:00hrs and will be played behind closed doors.
The Young Queens will then travel to Lilongwe for the second leg to be played on 9th October 2021 at Bingu National Stadium.
The winner between Zambia and Malawi will face Ghana in the next round of qualifiers after Mauritania pulled out of the race to Costa Rica.
