The Zambia Women’s national team was denied a chance to play in the final of ongoing Morocco 2022 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations following a dubious penalty.
The Copper Queens were robbed by Referee Lydia Tafesae Abebe and Video Assistant Referees (VAR) with a suspicious penalty in the dying minutes of the match.
Coach Bruce Mwape made one change to the team heading into the match with Hazel Nali who was feeling unwell making way for Catherine Musonda.
The Copper Queens started strong and came close in the opening stages with Grace Chanda and Xiomala Mapepa combining well.
Irene Lungu and Evarine Susan Katongo dominated the midfield keeping Banyana Banyana skipper Jane Refiloe at bay.
Chanda was a menace for Banyana Banyana finding Ochumba and Mapepa with good passes into the box but both failed to convert.
In the second half, The Copper Queens was a bit reserved with Banyana Banyana being the more adventurous side.
The Ethiopian referee awarded South Africa a penalty in the 58th minute but after a VAR check it was reversed for a free kick as the foul by Lushomo Mweemba was outside the box.
Mwape made changes bringing in Natasha Nanyangwe, Mary Wilombe, and Misozi Zulu for Ochumba Oseke Lubanji, Irene Lungu, and Avell Chitundu to freshen up things.
Drama however came in the dying minutes as the Ethiopian referee awarded a suspicious penalty in the dying minutes which was converted by Linda Motlhalo to send Banyana Banyana to the final.
Skipper Grace Chanda was named as the official player of the match.
Zambia will now fight for third place at the Mohammed V Stadium against the losers of the Morocco Vs Nigeria match.
FULL-TIME: Zambia 0-1 South Africa
Linda Motlhalo (P) 90′
Zambia XI Vs South Africa
Catherine Musonda 1, Lushomo Mweemba 3, Margaret Belemu 8, Ochumba Oseke Lubanji 9 (Natasha Nanyangwe 63′), Grace Chanda © 10, Xiomara Mapepa 11, Evarine Susan Katongo 12, Martha Tembo 13, Ireen Lungu 14 (Mary Wilombe 63′), Agness Musesa 15, Avell Chitundu 21 (Misozi Zulu 71′)
UNUSED SUBS: Hazel Nali 16, Leticia Lungu 18, Esther Siamfuko 4, Anita Mulenga 5, Esther Banda 17, Maweta Chilenga 19, Noria Sosala 20
Fake referee and poor decisions made by uneducated var!
Just encourage them to watch UEFA,limbi they can start thinking before making big decision.
Africa is full of corruption sorry to say but it’s true
There are grounds to appeal against this referee’s decision. FAZ should look into by his immediately
That was day light robbery, ln Africa we wil never emprove, honest how can you award a penalty like that? You cant even fill shame of yourself sure, people are really disapportant with that referee and her var assistant referees . That was very poor officiating .. zambia has been robbed . Faz pliz can you do something it tomuch for zambia now. Am hurt
Im proudly South African .but to be honest.that was not a penalty
This is a set up for Morroco.. Zambia was supposed to win the trophy 🏆
Am proud of the Zambia women national team. We tried to win but the ref was unfair from the begining she wanted to give south africa a penalty on grounds of unfair reasons
Congratulations copper queens Zambia is proud of you
Broval shepolopolo!!!
Referee,if your country has no football talent , don’t be jealous of zambia.just change your citizenship to Zambia.
This same useless officiating is the same reason Africans referees are left out in most competitions. I wonder who’s even approves some of these referees, because Even a person with little knowledge on football is able to tell that wasn’t a penalty.
We need justice over that again not only Zambian but people around the world 🌍🌎 are not happy,, if this is how football will be taken then as Africans it means we are not going anywhere full of corruption and jealous otherwise I salute for our copper queens they have showed them how good we are In our girls soccer ⚽
I request for a match replay!!!
Corruption, corruption stinking every where in Africa, what is wrong with us Africans who has Bewitched us? Lydia you are a let down ,seek God’s face.