The Zambia Women’s National team will kick off their 2022 COSAFA Women’s Championship campaign this afternoon with a tricky encounter against Namibia.
Bruce Mwape’s side are coming off an impressive outing in Morocco at the 2022 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations where they went on to clinch bronze.
The Queens face a Namibia side they beat 3-0 last year at the same tournament in the second group match thanks to goals from Margaret Belemu, Grace Chanda and Mary Wilombe.
The two teams then met again in the final round of qualification for the 2022 WAFCON and Zambia edged them on away goals after two draws, 0-0 in Zambia and 1-1 away in Namibia.
Skipper Barbra Banda is back after missing the WAFCON and she is expected to lead the attack this afternoon.
Catherine Musonda is expected to start between the sticks ahead of newcomers Eunice Sakala and Agness Fabiola Banda.
Lushomo Mweemba , Agness Musesa, Martha Tembo and Margaret Belemu are expected to make up the back four. Youngsters Judith Soko, Esther Siamfuko and Esther ‘Gelo’ Banda together with Vast Phiri are also available for selection.
Mwape is expected to maintain the midfield duo of Ireen ‘Xavi’ Lungu, the female Computer and the enterprising Evarine Susan Katongo.
Nigeria based Natasha Witika, Mary Wilombe and Maweta Chilenga are also available for selection in the middle of the park.
Avell Chitundu, Xiomara Mapepa, Misozi Zulu and Natasha Nanyangwe will battle for the wings while Ochumba Oseke Lubanji is likely to join Barbra Banda in attack.
Zambia’s best outing at the COSAFA Women’s Championship came back in 2019 when they won silver after losing 1-0 in the final to South Africa.
Kick-off at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium is set at 15h30 and the match will be live on SuperSport and will be streamed via COSAFA.TV, SABC Sport and FIFA+.
The Copper Queens next Group B match will be against Lesotho at 15h30 on 4 September at the Madibaz stadium, while Namibia will tackle Eswatini in a lunch time kick-off.
