Barbra Banda scored a brace as the Zambia Women’s national team beat South Africa in an international friendly match at Nkoloma Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
This was Banda’s first game at home since her heroics at the Olympics and she lead the team from the front with Hazel Nali returning to the starting line up.
The Copper Queens started strong from the word go and were 1-0 up in the sixth minute. Siomala Mapepa played a beautiful ball forward , Banda used her pace to create space and run into the 18 yard area before beating Andile Dlamini in the South Africa goal.
The Queens were in control and could have easily doubled their lead but Grace Chanda and Siomala Mapepa could not utilize their set pieces.
Zambia however finally got their second goal as Avell Chitundu headed home a pin point cross from Martha Tembo to double the lead at the half hour mark.
Banda grabbed her brace eight minutes later as she won a duel with a defender before beating Andile from close range.
In the second half Bruce Mwape made a number if changes bringing on Milika Limwanya, Theresa Chewe, Evarine Susan Katongo, Ng’ambo Musole and Maylan Mulenga.
The Copper Queens could not however add to their tally as they settled for a 3-0 win , Their first open play win over Banyana Banyana.
The match was a warm up to the Morocco 2022 Women Africa Cup of Nations final round qualifiers, Zambia battle Namibia while South Africa faces off with Algeria.
The Copper Queens will host the Brave Gladiators on Wednesday at Nkoloma before traveling to Windhoek on the 22nd of February.
The winner over two legs will qualify for the AWCON tournament that will run from 2-23 July and also doubles as the African qualifiers to the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup to be held in Australia and New Zealand.
International Friendly Match | Full Time
Zambia 3-0 South Africa
(Barbra Banda 6′, 38′, Avell Chitundu 30′)
Zambia Starting XI : 16.Hazel Nali ( Ng’ambo Musole ), 8. Margaret Belemu, 13. Martha Tembo,15. Agness Musesa, 3. Lushomo Mweemba, 9. Mary Wilombe (Milika Limwanya 57′), 14. Avell Chitundu (Theresa Chewe 57′) , 6. Elizabeth Mupeso (Evarine Susan Katongo 57′), 11. Barbara Banda (Maylan Mulenga 86′),10. Grace Chanda (Ochumba Oseke Lubanji 69′),17. Siomara Mapepa.
UNUSED SUBSTITUTES
20.Patrica Lampi,4. Esther Siamfuko,19. Elizabeth Nachivula,20.
South Africa Starting XI
16.Andile Dlamini (GK),3.Koketso Tlailane,4.Sibulele Holweni,5.Janine Van Wyk (C),6.Namello Makhabane,8.Hildah Magaia,9.Gabriela Salado,12. Antonia Maponya,13.Bambanani Mbane,17.Melinda Kgadiete,20.Robyn Moodaly.
SUBSTITUTES
1.Kaylin Swart (GK),22.Regirl Ngobeni (GK),2.Karabo Makhurubetshi,7.Noxolo Cesane,10.Oratile Mokwena,14.Tiisetso Makhubela,15.Thalea Smidt,19.Rhoda Mulaudzi.
