Copper Queens out to clinch bronze

The Copper Queens will be looking to end their Women’s Africa Cup of Nations on high when they square off with the Super Falcons this evening in a third and fourth place play off.

Zambia made history when they edged Senegal in the quarter finals to qualify to the World Cup but they failed to reach the final and will hope to clinch bronze.

The 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 have a chance at winning medals after failing to reach the final.

Zambia will be missing the services of defender Lushomo Mweemba and goalkeeper Catherine Musonda due to suspension and injury.

Meanwhile Nigeria will be without striker Rasheedat Ajibade and midfielder Halimatu Ayinde who got matching orders in their semi-final match against Morocco.

Coach Bruce Mwape is expected to recall Hazel Nali in between the sticks after she missed the semifinal clash due to an illness.

Margaret Belemu, Martha Tembo, Agnes Musesa and Anita Mulenga are expected to make up the back four.

The brilliant midfield combination of the female Computer, Irene Lungu and the enterprising Evarine Susan Katongo is expected to continue in the middle of the park.

Ochumba Oseke Lubanji is expected to lead the attack supported by skipper and CAF Women’s player of the year nominee Grace Chanda with Avell Chitundu and Xiomala Mapepa on the wings.

This will be the third meeting between the two teams at the AFCON qualifier with the Super Falcons coming out triumphant on the two previous occasions, 6-0 in 2014 and 4-0 in 2018.

The match will kick-off at 22h00CAT at the Mohammed V stadium in Casablanca and will be live on TopStar and SuperSport.