The Zambia Women’s national team’s historic Olympics tournament journey came to an end on Tuesday afternoon after they suffered a narrow 1-0 defeat at the hands of heavyweights Brazil.
Coach Bruce Mwape made two changes to the team that played out to a 4-4 draw with China as Martha Tembo and Margaret Belemu came in to replace Esther Siamfuko and Mary Wilombe.
The Copper Queens started strong with Barbra Banda, Avell Chitundu, and Rachel Kundananji all testing Barbara in the Brazil goal in the first seven minutes.
Hazel Nali had to pull out a brilliant save to deny Beatriz before again being called into action moments later clashing into Ludmila and unfortunately her afternoon came to a premature end, going out injured and replaced by Ng’ambo Musole.
After a long stoppage for Nali’s injury, VAR was called into action and Lushomo Mweemba was given a direct red card for a foul on Ludmila forcing coach Bruce Mwape to make a tactical change with Vast Phiri coming on to take. the place of Avell Chitundu.
12' Direct Red card for Lushomo Mweemba, VAR called into actin.
Brazil 0-0 Zambia
— Zambia WNT (@Copper_Queens) July 27, 2021
Brazil took the lead immediately after play was resumed as Andressa Alves scored from a direct free-kick that resulted from Lushomo’s foul on Ludmilla.
Brazil was lucky to escape cautions for fouls on Kundananji, Banda, and Martha Tembo, 1-0 the match went to the break.
In the second half, Pia Sundhage made changes to his Seleção Feminina withdrawing experienced Marta and Formiga who made way for Julia and Duda.
Second half underway
Brazil make two changes as Marta and Formiga make way for Julia and Duda
Brazil 1-0 Zambia
— Zambia WNT (@Copper_Queens) July 27, 2021
The Copper Queens continued to put up a spirited fight but could not find a way back into the match as it ended, 1-0, Brazil progressing to the next round while the Copper Queens journey comes to an end with a third-place finish in the group.
WOMEN’S OLYMPIC FOOTBALL TOURNAMENT TOKYO 2020
FULL-TIME: Brazil 1-0 Zambia
Andressa 19'Brazil and Netherlands qualify from Group F while Zambia and China are eliminated.#Tokyo2020 #Olympics
— FAZ (@FAZFootball) July 27, 2021
The girls played extremely well. Keep up the good work!
I was impressed with the way the defenders managed to contain the Brazilians. The girls need to be rewarded for the job well done. Nevertheless, let’s prepare for the future assignments.
Well done
I salute these ladies. The put in a valiant fight and were good ambassadors of Zambia. True ambassadors and the government should reward. Let us use this experience as a rally cry for greater things as we move forward.
May God bless abundantly Zambia and its people. Go Zambia Go
Am not disappointed with the last game at all. Playing 10 and 11 players for Brazil the girls gave all they had for Zambia. The girls fought till the last whistle.. Not disappointed at all
Unbelievable ,the giants failed to mess up our copper queens. Well done girl’s. Keep up the spirit and never give up.
The girls were amazing, it had to take a free kick in a good area and an extra player for Brazil to get a win.
No ball went passed Martha Tembo. Musole did well apart from conceding that goal. Brazil made sure that they marked Barbra Banda out.
It was very good to watch
KAMANGA leave football to people who are passionate about football not this..Well done girls
Resign and let Kalu takeover
Failures will continue not until elections are level headed
Ba MUZO you are also a dissapointment
VIVA KALU VIVA KAL
I salute my Copper Queens you are have done 👍👍👌 the best (the red card)
Well done girls we are proud of you, the fipolopolo girls , and keep flying our flag high we love you 👏👏⚽⚽🥰🥰🇿🇲🇿🇲🇿🇲🇿🇲
I am very impressed with Zambian women’s team.. the way they played & defended against Brazil was superb.. this is in spite of goal keeper and main defender out of the game.. they played like champs…
Congratulations to the girls for putting up a good game, one moment I thought we would be overrun by sheer skill of the Brazilians. Kudos to Kamanga led Faz! You cant win them all.