ZANACO defender Esther Muchinga will start on Sunday against the Matildas as the Copper Queens look to dust themselves and move on from the disappointing loss against the United States of America.
Muchinga came off the bench to replace Grace Chanda and slot into the centre back position alongside Lushomo Mweemba.
This was after Pauline Zulu was shown a direct Redcard 30 minutes into the match following a VAR Review after initially being shown a yellow card for a foul on Trinity Rodman.
Coach Bruce Mwape confirmed in his post match interview that Muchinga will continue after praising her performance saying she did not make any mistakes.
“(Defender) Esther (Muchinga) played well because she came in the first half, she never made mistakes in the second half she did well and we will stick to the same player,” Mwape said.
A brace by Mallory Swanson and a Trinity Rodman goal gave the USA maximum points in a match that the Copper Queens played one hour with a player less following Pauline Zulu’s red card inside 30 minutes.
Zambia plays 2023 FIFA World Cup semi finalists Australia on Sunday at the Stade de Nice before winding down their Group B business on July 31 in St Etienne against Germany.
The top two teams after matchday three will progress to the quarterfinals and will be joined by two best third-place teams to the tournament’s knockout stage.
Tough lack Pauline do not worry your friends will make sure you play again in the quarter finals. We shall overcome this set back.