The Copper Queens concluded their FIFA Series Tournament outing with a stalemate playing to a 1-1 draw with 18th ranked South Korea.
Coach Charles Haalubono made changes to the team that suffered a 6-1 defeat to Brazil with Martha Tembo, Catherine Musonda and Agnes Musesa all starting.
It was an evenly matched start to the game with Barbra Banda looking dangerous every time she was on the ball despite the South Korea strategy of triple teaming her.
Twelve minutes in, a move almost came together with Banda driving at the South Korea defense then looking to release Mercy Chipasula on the left but the 18 year old misjudged the move.
Zambia finally got their chance for a breakthrough five minutes to the half-hour mark as Prisca Chilufya was tripped in the box,the referee wasted no chance pointing to the spot.
Skipper Barbra Banda stepped up and coolly dispatched her penalty into the roof of the net, 1-0, and the second goal of the tournament for the Orlando Pride forward.
South Korea restored parity just before halftime through Phair Casey who timed her run well before beating an one rushing Catherine Musonda to the ball and then looping it into the net with defense failing to track back and cover the empty net.
1-1 the match went to the break. At the start of the second half,Coach Charles Haalubono introduced Margaret Gondwe, Mary Mambwe, and Natasha Nanyangwe, for Grace Chanda, Blessing Maluba and Mercy Chipasula.
Barbra Banda had her shot saved at the hour mark in what was a cagey second half.
South Korea thought they had taken the lead in the 80th minute but Son Hwayoon’s goal was called off for an offside.
Coach Haalubono went on to introduce Maweta Chilenga and Saliya Mwanza for Prisca Chilufya and Martha Tembo.
1-1 the match finished at Arena Pantanal meaning the Copper Queens finished fourth at the FIFA Series Brazil 2026 tournament.
Zambia fell 4-0 to Canada before suffering a 6-1 loss to hosts Brazil and wound up the Tournament with a 1-1 draw with South Korea.
The Copper Queens were using the FIFA Series tournament as part of preparation for the Women Africa Cup of Nations to be played in July/August in Morocco with top four teams qualifying for the FIFA World Cup to be hosted by Brazil.
FIFA SERIES 2026 | Full-Time
Korea Republic 1-1 Zambia
(Casey Phair 45+3′ | Barbra Banda 26′ pen)
