The Zambia Women’s National team, the Copper Queens suffered a narrow 1-0 defeat in their final preparatory match ahead of TotalEnergies Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) Morocco 2026.
Zambia started strong with skipper Barbra Banda giving the Algeria defense a difficult time.
After ten minutes, Algeria enjoyed a good spell of possession but a foul on their captain stopped their momentum as play was stopped.
The Copper Queens came close in the 21st minute with Rachel Kundananji who hit the crossbar with a ferocious shot inside the box after a brilliant run.
Six minutes later it was Algeria’s turn to come close but Bethi Melissa put her poorly taken effort wide with only Hazel Nali to beat.
In the 31st minute , Zambia hit the crossbar again this time around it Racheal Nachula’s effort from the centre of the box that rattled the crossbar . The match went to the break goalless.
At the start of the second half, Coach Nora Häuptle made several changes introducing Ochumba Oseke Lubanji for Barbra Banda, Kabange Mupopo for Racheal Kundananji, Eneless Phiri replaced Prisca Chilufya, Evarine Katongo for Ireen Lungu, Margaret Gondwe replaced Lushomo while Saliya Mwanza replaced Margaret Belemu.
Eight minutes in, Saliya Mwanza picked out Kabange Mupopo who buried it but the referee denied her what looked like a goal for offside. In the 56th minute, Rachel Nachula was withdrawn for Xiomara Mapepa.
At the hour mark, Kabange Mupopo set up Mapepa with a brilliant flick but the latter shot wide. Martha Tembo was introduced for Mapalo Maluba with 15 minutes to go.
In the 84th minute, Algeria finally found the breakthrough, Naili Nouhed scoring the goal at the end of a brilliant team move.
The Copper Queens had an opportunity to level matters two minutes later after Grace Chanda was hacked in the box only for Ochumba Oseke Lubanji to fail to convert from 12 yards, hitting the post, the ball came back to her but a defender reacted quickly to dispose her, the ball fell to Grace Chanda but her effort went wide. 1-0 the match finished.
The Copper Queens will tomorrow jet into Morocco ahead of the kick off of the tournament on July 26th.
The Copper Queens are in Group C alongside defending champions Nigeria, regional rivals Malawi and Egypt.
The tournament will run from 26 July to 16 August in Morocco and will also serve as a qualifier for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil, with four automatic qualification places available for African teams.
International friendly match Full-Time;
Algeria 1-0 Zambia
(Naili Nouhed 84′)
