The Copper Queens suffered a huge defeat in their opening match of the FIFA Series Tournament in Brazil.
Heading into the game, disorganization, poor travel arrangements, visa hitches, poor preparations in addition to an absent head coach surrounded the team.
From the onset the more prepared team, Canada dominated with Zambia mostly on the back foot.
Canada’s pressure finally paid off in the 41st minute as Nichelle Prince got on the end of a Delaney Pridham cross to poke home from close range.
The 31 year old doubled the lead in additional time of the first half, she drove into the box and immediately shot at goal but her effort was blocked, unfortunately not well cleared as the ball went back into her path and she scored with a fine finish inside the box to make it 2-0.
The match went to the break with Canada leading 2-0. At the start of the second half coach Charles Haalubono made changes introducing Barbra Banda, Grace Chanda and Rhoda Chileshe to breathe a little life into the game.
However Canada continued to dominate making eight changes while Haalubono also introduced Mary Mambwe, Lushomo Mweemba and Martha Tembo.
Arsenal youngster Olivia Smith who was introduced after the hour mark drove to the line and put in a dangerous cross and youngster Annabelle Chuku was there to head home from close range opening her account for the Canucks.
Chuku added a fourth in the 88th minute, receiving the ball inside the box from Denver Summit defender Janine Sonis before turning and shooting to beat Hazel Nali at the near post.
It was a dominant performance from the 2021 Olympics gold medalists who will now face North Korea while Zambia will face Brazil in their next game.
FIFA Series Tournament
Full Time
Canada 4-0 Zambia
(Nichelle Prince 41′,45+2′, Annabelle Chuku 80′, 88′)
