The Zambia Women’s national team has qualified for the semifinals of the ongoing 2021 COSAFA Women’s Championship in Nelson Mandela Bay, South Africa.
The Copper Queens beat guest nation Uganda 1-0 to seal their place in the last four and maintaining their 100 percent winning record.
Coach Florence Chalesa Nkatya Mwila made three changes to the team that beat Namibia 3-0 on Saturday. Vast Phiri, Penelope Mulubwa, and Elizabeth Mupeso came on to replace Esther Namukwasa, Mary Mulenga, and Milika Limwaya.
The Copper Queens who came into the match needing only a draw to advance started slow. The chances were few and apart until the big break in the 37thminute, Lushomo Mweemba raced to save the ball from going out before passing to Ochumba Oseke Lubanji who put Grace Chanda on goal and the skipper made no mistake slotting home from close range.
In the second half, It was more the same but the Queens created a but more chances.
Ochumba had a shot saved by Ruth Aturo in the Crested Crane’s goal after receiving a beautiful cross from Mulubwa just seven minutes into the second stanza.
In the 67th minute, the Queens had a chance to extend their lead after Ochumba threaded a good pass into Chanda’s path but the skipper hurried her shot and it went above the bar.
Uganda pushed for an equalizer which never came and the Queens held on to win the match 1-0 and seal their semifinal slot.
Grace Chanda was named player of the match. Zambia has now won all their opening three games of the tournament scoring nine goals and still yet to concede.
The Queens will face Tanzania in the semi-finals on Thursday 7 October at 12:00hours at Nelson Mandela Bay stadium.
The other semi-final will see hosts South Africa taking on Malawi on the same day at 15:30hours.
Zambia XI Vs Namibia
N’gambo Musole 18, Lushomo Mweemba 3, Elizabeth Mupeso 6, Ochumba Oseke Lubanji 7, Margaret Belemu 8, Grace Chanda © 10, Penelope Mulubwa 11, Avell Chitundu 14 ( Esther Namukwasa 53′), Agness Musase 15, Mary Wilombe 17, Vast Phiri 19
Unused Subs: Catherine Musonda 1, Eunice Sakala 16, Margret Mulenga 2, Happy Pinto 4, Milika Limwanya 5, Thandiwe Nkhata 9, Patricia Lampi 20, Mary Mulenga 21
