Zambia Women’s national team head coach Bruce Mwape was left impressed with how his players adjusted after a slow start in Wednesday’s 1-0 loss to Colombia.
Mwape made six changes to the team that suffered a similar fate on Sunday morning in a bid to give players game time.
The Copper Queens gaffer feels some of the new players struggled to fit into the system.
“We started the game on a slow note and eventually we picked up. The Colombians were playing a pressing game and it was hard for some players to adjust that in the first half,” he said.
“In the second half everyone understood their game play and we were able to adjust. We were slow in reacting but eventually the players picked up.”
“A few of the new players managed to suit in our system but others struggled maybe because of the tempo of the game and for most of them it’s their first time so it’s not easy to pick up in good time,” he added.
Mwape believes his side has picked up a few lessons from the two international friendly matches against the Power Puff Girls.
“I can say we have picked up a few things from our opponents and from the mistakes we were making in both games. We have identified a few areas we need to work on.”
Both Zambia and Colombia were using the match to prepare for the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup to be co-hosted by Australia and New Zealand.
The Copper Queens are in Group C alongside Spain, Japan and Costa Rica while Colombia will face Germany, Morocco and South Korea in Group H at the ninth edition of the FIFA Women’s World Cup.
