Copper Queens win Three Nations Tournament 

The Copper Queens outclassed Zimbabwe 3-1 on Tuesday afternoon at Bingu National Stadium to be crowned the 2025 Three Nations Tournament Champions. 

A quick fire brace from Eneless Phiri and a beautiful long range strike from Natasha ‘Little Tasha’ Nanyangwe gave Zambia a comfortable win over their neighbors. 

Coach Charles Haalubono made four changes to the team that drew 1-1 with Malawi, goalscorer Natasha Nanyangwe was rewarded with a starting berth, Catherine Musonda came in for Hazel Nali while Martha Tembo and Prisca Chilufya coming for Rachel Nachula and Regina Chanda respectively. 

Zambia started brilliantly and their early pressure paid off as Enelesi Phiri beat Cynthia Shonga from an awkward angle with a powerful strike that looped over the former ZISD Women goalkeeper ten minutes in to open the scores. 

Phiri doubled the lead two minutes later with another powerful strike into the roof of the net this time from inside the box after some good work on the left wing by Rachel Kundananji. 

Zimbabwe pulled one back at the half hour mark through Ncube Nobukhosi aided by a Catherine Musonda blunder. 

Zambia restored their two goal lead just before halftime, Natasha ‘Little Tasha’ Nanyangwe with a powerful long range strike that left Shonga with no chance. 

In the second stanza, Coach Charles Haalubono made changes bringing on Mary Mambwe, Hazel Nali, Penelope Mulubwa, Esther Muchinga and later Margaret Gondwe for her debut. 

Zambia continued to push for a fourth goal which did not come with Shonga denying them with a brilliant save on about four occasions while they were also wasteful on a number of occasions. 

Rachel Kundananji was named as the player of the tournament while Eneless Phiri won the top goalscorer award with two goals and an assist. 

THREE NATIONS WOMEN’S TOURNAMENT 

FULL- TIME 

Zambia 3-1 Zimbabwe 

(Eneles Phiri 10’, 12′, Natasha Nanyangwe 43’| Ncube Nobukhosi 30′)