The Zambia Women’s National team will face the Republic of Ireland on 22nd June in an international friendly match, the Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) has confirmed.
The match will be the second last friendly match for the COSAFA Champions as they face co-hosts Australia in their final match before the tournament.
“In the run-up to FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023, FAZ has clinched an international friendly match which will see the Copper Queens play the Republic of Ireland on Thursday, June 22 at Tallaght Stadium in Dublin.”
Both teams will be preparing for their Australia/New Zealand FIFA World Cup engagements.
The first ever meeting of the two teams will act as the second opportunity for Ireland coach Vera Pauw’s squad to take on African opposition – following last November’s 4-0 win over Morocco – as they plan ahead for their Group B game against Nigeria in Brisbane.
Zambia coach Bruce Mwape will be looking to acquaint his squad with the European flair in the Irish side as the Copper Queens will play Spain in their Group C fixture in New Zealand.
The Copper Queens have already tested themselves against South American side, Colombia, European sides North Macedonia, Slovenia and will face Uzbekistan tomorrow.
Ireland is ranked 23rd in the world while Zambia stands 81st on the global standings.
Zambia finished third in the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations – beating Nigeria 1-0 in their Third-Place game – to secure a spot at this summer’s main tournament, where they will make their World Cup debut.
The Copper Queens are in Group C alongside Spain, Costa Rica and Japan at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup which kicks off in July.
