Zambia Women’s national team head coach Bruce Mwape has made nine changes to the team that beat Botswana on Friday at Woodlands Stadium ahead of this afternoon’s clash with the same opposition.
Mwape has only maintained Siomala Mapepa and Ochumba Oseke Lubanji while Evarine Susan Katongo, Lushomo Mweemba, Esther Siamfuko, Martha Tembo, Esther Banda drop to the bench.
Avell Chitundu, Mary Wilombe, Catherine Musonda and Lungowe Namasiku have been rested as part of giving game time to every member of the squad.
Green Buffaloes young striker Natasha Nanyangwe again starts from the bench.
Nkwazi Queens’ goal minder Eunice Sakala starts between the sticks with Margaret Mulenga, Judith Soko, Annie Kibanji and Elizabeth Nachivula making up the back four.
Elizabeth Mupeso and Rhoda Chileshe will partner in midfield with Siomala Mapepa and Mary Mambwe playing on the wings while Ochumba Oseke Lubanji with be joined by Square Maiwase upfront to lead the attack.
Zambia beat the Mares 1-0 in the first of two friendly matches on Friday thanks to a Ochumba Oseke Lubanji late goal.
The two matches are part of preparations for the Morocco 2022 TotalEnergies Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.
Zambia has been drawn in Group B alongside Cameroon, Tunisia and Togo for the tournament.
Today’s game against Botswana kicks off at 15:00 hours and will be live on all Top Star platforms and ZNBC TV3.
Tickets are being sold at Webtickets outlet at Omega Mall in Northmead. An additional selling point is available at Nkoloma Stadium. Open wing entry is pegged at K20 while grandstand is fetching K100.
The 2022 Morocco Women Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) will take place between 2nd and 23rd July, 2022.
The top 4 teams will qualify to the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup to be co-hosted by Australia and New Zealand.
Zambia WNT Starting XI: (GK 18) Eunice Sakala, (2) Margaret Mulenga, (8) Judith Soko, (12) Rhoda Chileshe, (14) Elizabeth Nachivula, (9) Mary Mambwe, (6) Elizabeth Mupeso, (10) Square Maiwase, (7) Ochumba Oseke Lubanji, (20) Annie Kibanji, (11) Siomala Mapepa.
Substitutes : (GK 1) Agness Banda, (4) Esther Siamfuko, (19) Natasha Nanyangwe, (13) Martha Tembo, (17) Maweta Glory Chilenga, (3) Lushomo Mweemba, (5) Anita Mulenga, (21) Norin Betani, (15) Evarine Susan Katongo.
