The Zambia Women’s national team where held to a goalless draw by Namibia in the first leg of the 2022 Morocco Women’s Africa Cup of Nations final round qualifier on Wednesday afternoon.
Coach Bruce Mwape was forced to make replace skipper Barbra Banda who suffered an hamstring injury while Elizabeth Mupeso was replaced by Evarine Susan Katongo in midfield.
Grace Chanda captained the team and led the line alongside side Ochumba Oseke Lubanji.
The match started on a slow note with both sides struggling to get their footing.
Zambia’s first chance came in the 7th minute but Siomala Mapepa’s shot went wide.
The Copper Queens controlled the match from then on but could not find the final pass and were restricted to freekicks away from the 18 yard area. Grace Chanda took the responsibility but could not make anything out of them.
The match went to the break level at 0-0. In the second stanza Zambia came back looking a little more determined with Mary Wilombe’s tamed shot easily collected by Mellisa in the Namibia goal.
Mwape decided to withdraw Avell Chitundu and Siomala Mapepa for Maylan Mulenga and Zambia U-17 forward Jessy Zulu for her debut.
The duo could not help the team find the back of the net as the match finished goalless after 90 minutes.
The Copper Queens will now travel to South Africa for the second leg on the 22nd of February.
The winner over two legs will qualify for the AWCON tournament that will run from 2-23 July and also doubles as the African qualifiers to the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup to be held in Australia and New Zealand.
Zambia Starting XI: Hazel Nali (16), Margaret Belemu (8), Martha Tembo (13), Lushomo Mweemba (3), Agness Musesa (15), Mary Wilombe (6), Evarine Susan Katongo (12), Siomala Mapepa (Maylan Mulenga 73′), Avell Chitundu (Jessy Zulu ,73′), Ochumba Oseke Lubanji (7), Grace Chanda (10. C).
Unused Substitutes : Ng’ambo Petronella Musole (18), Esther Siamfuko (4), Anita Mulenga (5), Patricia Lampi (20), Theresa Chewe (21).
