A Barbra Banda scored a brace to propel Copper Queens to 2-0 win over Morocco in a friendly match played on Friday night.
With key defenders Margaret Belemu and Agnes Musesa dropped, coach Bruce Mwape started with Esther Banda and veteran Mary Mulenga in a changed backline.
There was another big call as Leticia Lungu was given the nod to start in goal ahead Catherine Musonda.
In midfield, Susan Banda started again ahead of Ireen Lungu.
In what was the first match post FIFA Women’s World Cup, the two countries took the match seriously.
It was interesting to see the Copper Queens play possession based football as opposed to the route one they displayed in New Zealand.
The Copper Queens continued to impress with emphasing on building from the back and this almost yielded a goal.
After the break, Mwape made three changes as the Copper Queens showed more intent going forward.
Susan Banda spotted Barbra’s run before the latter was brought down by the Atlas Lionesses goalkeeper in the box.
Barbra then picked herself as she scored from the spot in the 51st minute.
The Chinese based forward sealed the victory for Zambia with a cool finish seventeen minutes later on.
The two countries will meet again on Tuesday in another friendly match.
Zambia XI: Leticia Lungu – Martha Tembo, Lushomo Mweemba, Mary Mulenga (Esther Siamfuko 46′), Esther Banda – Susan Banda (Ireen Lungu 73′), Evarine Katongo (Mary Wilombe 86′)-Hellen Mubanga (Ochumba Lubanji 46′), Aveil Chitundu (Comfort Selemeni 46′), Barbra Banda (Natasha Nanyangwe 86′), Racheal Kundananji
Unused substitute: Catherine Musonda (gk), Eunice Sakala, Pauline Zulu, Vast Phiri, Hellen Chanda, Jacklind Nkole
FULL TIME: Morocco 0-2 Zambia (Barbra Banda 51′ p, 68′)
Thank Barbra Banda for doing good
We need to find someone who can come in, if Barbra Banda is not available. Without her the girls keep misfiring. After she was substituted the girls were missing clear chances…
Absolutely for men and women team. find multiple good players in each position
I beg of you
Congratulations to you our lovely copper queens!!!!
I’m very happy with you copper queens for your hard work. Same Spirit guys. Thank you!
She should be playing in Europe soon hopefully. She’s too good. Congratulations Girls!