By FAZ Media
The Copper Queens return to the Pantanal Arena this evening (Wednesday morning in Zambia) where they face their more illustrious hosts Brazil in the two sides’ second game at the ongoing FIFA Series tournament in Cuiabá.
Brazil beat South Korea 5-1 while Zambia suffered a 4-0 loss to Canada on match day one of the FIFA Series.
Zambian trainer Charles Haalubono has the benefit of a rested squad having welcome an array of foreign based players that barely made it for the first match against Canada.
Skipper Barbra Banda is expected to lead the attack alongside the jet-heeled Prisca Chilufya and the youthful Mercy Chipasula which could re-energise the Zambian squad.
The squad presents several options especially the youngsters like Agness Phiri, Ngosa Chabwe, Natasha Nanyangwe, Maweta Chilenga and Saliya Mwanza.
In the middle of the pack there could a place by either Susan Banda or Rhodah Chileshe while Grace Chanda could weigh in with stabilizing matters.
The availability of the Turkish duo of Martha Tembo and Lushomo Mweemba add to the competition at the back where Margaret Gondwe, Agness Musesa, Rachael Nachula, Memory Nthala and Margaret Belemu will be raising up their hands for a starting berth will increase the options.
In goal the trio of Hazel Nali, Catherine Musonda and Chishala Mufunte will be competing to start in a match the provides good optics for the participants.
On the opposite side the Canarinho will be teeming with confidence having swept aside Korea Republic 5-1 in their opening match before their home crowd.
One of the stars of the current Women’s Super League season, Gio Kerolin of Manchester City who was on target in the opening match will be one of the key threats. Blessed with pace, power and spellbindingly quick feet, she is certainly a player to keep an eye on.
The Arthur Elias coached side has also the likes of Dudinha Marilia,Ary Borges and Taina Maranhao in their set up with Lauren Calhau in goal.
The last time the two sides met was at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics where the Marta da Silva inspired Brazil beat Zambia 1-0.
Kickoff is at 21h00 local time (03h00 AM CAT which is Wednesday morning in Zambia and the match will be streamed on the FIFA+ platform.
