The Zambia Women’s National Team will be looking to avenge their final loss last year as well as book their place in the final when face off with Malawi at noon at the ongoing COSAFA Women’s Championship.
The Copper Queens cruised through Group C with wins over Angola (3-0) and Comoros (7-0) to set up a repeat of last year’s final.
Captain of the side Margaret Belemu is expecting a tough game this afternoon against a tricky Malawi side with pacy wingers.
Belemu is however confident the team has prepared well and knows what is at stake as they are focused on taking the trophy back home with them.
“The game is very important, they are a good side. They beat us in the final. It’s a very tough game, they have wingers with pace like us, so it is going to be very tough,” she said.
“We are very prepared, everyone has been pushing and everyone is improving. Like I said, Malawi have a very strong side, they have wingers who have speed , so I think what will work is for us to close their supply in midfield and play as a team.”
“No, we are not intimidated. Our aim is to go back home with the trophy so I think everyone is ready for the encounter,” she added.
Margaret Belemu is expected to lead the team from right back with Pauline Zulu likely to partner either Jackline Chomba or Esther Muchinga at the heart of defence. Tabo Miselo is also available for selection.
Martha Katila Banda and Diana Banda will battle for a chance to rival ZESCO Ndola Girls Melody Kapimpi at the left back position where she accounted well for herself in the opening two matches.
In midfield, Mwila is spoilt for choice with Evarine Susan Katongo expected to run things in the middle alongside ‘Sergio’, Marjory Mulenga.
In form, Red Arrows youngster Bupe Banda, Ruth Mukusi, Regina Chanda, and Esther Mushota are all available for selection.
In attack, Mwila has options Ochumba Oseke Lubanji, Charity Mubanga, Lungowe Namasiku and Natasha Nanyangwe.
Namasiku and Ochumba are the favourites to start having scored in the opening match.
Fridah Mukoma will continue on the wing after her brilliant performances in the two games scoring three goals and assisting two.
The semi-final one will kick off at 12h00 CAT at Wolfson stadium and will be broadcast live on SuperSport, TopStar, the COSAFA YouTube Channel, and FIFA+.
Hosts South Africa will take on Mozambique in the second semi-final at 15h00 at the same venue.
MATCH DAY
COSAFA Women’s Championship| Semifinal
Zambia vs Malawi
📆: Thursday, 31st, October, 2024
⌚: 12h00
🏟️: Wolfson Stadium
📺:SuperSport, TopStar, the COSAFA YouTube Channel, and FIFA+.
