Copper Queens clinch bronze with their first triumph over Nigeria

Zambia Women’s national team edged Nigeria 1-0 in a third and fourth play off to clinch bronze on Friday.

Evarine Susan Katongo’s first half strike was enough to hand the Copper Queens their first ever medals at the tournament.

Coning into this gane, Nine Woman Super Falcons were defeated by the Atlas Lionesses in a post-match penalty shootout following a 1-1 draw after extra-time in the enthralling semi-final match in Rabat.

The Copper Queens on the other hand suffered a 1-0 loss to Banyana Banyana courtesy of a controversial Linda Mothlalo late penalty at Casablanca’s Mohammed V Stadium.

The two teams were looking to finish the tournament strong and it was the Super Falcons who dominated the early exchanges.

The Copper Queens however took their best chance just before the half hour mark as a Martha Tembo searching ball found midfield magician Evarine Susan Katongo whose beautiful shot hit the frame before deflecting off the Nigerian goalkeeper, Nnadozie, putting Zambia in the lead.

Nigeria had several chances to level matters with the best opportunities falling to Gift Monday who somehow failed to beat Hazel Nali.

Margaret Belemu headed an effort off the line while Martha Tembo made a number of last ditch tackles to make sure Zambia won the match 1-0.

The win is Zambia’s first over the Super Falcons. Evarine Susan Katongo was named as the player of the match.

Zambia XI Vs Nigeria

Hazel Nali 16, Anita Mulenga 5, Misozi Zulu 7 (Avell Chitundu 46′), Margaret Belemu 8, Ochumba Oseke Lubanji 9 (Noria Sosala 87′), Grace Chanda © 10, Xiomara Mapepa 11, Evarine Susan Katongo 12, Martha Tembo 13, Ireen Lungu 14 (Mary Wilombe 87′), Agness Musesa 15

UNUSED SUBS:
Leticia Lungu 18, Judith Soko 2, Esther Siamfuko 4, Esther Banda 17, Maweta Chilenga 19, Natasha Nanyangwe 22