Copper Queens defender Esther Siamfuko believes there are some positives that can be picked from the team’s opening match huge defeat at the ongoing Paris 2024 Olympics.
Siamfuko believes the team did well in the second half to contain USA despite playing with a player less after Pauline Zulu was sent off 30 minutes into the match.
The Green Buffaloes defender feels the team just took long to adapt to USAWNT style of play hence conceding three goals in a short space in the first half.
“The preparations have been going well. We had a recovery session which focused on the mistakes we made, what we did well and what to improve ahead of the Australia match,” she said.
“I think there were a lot of positives from that game, especially in the second half, we had a player less but we quickly got organised and we managed to contain them and not concede any goals in the second half.”
“The goals we conceded in the first half were just too late to adapt to how they play. We have watched matches of how they play, their tactics and style of play but it’s different when you are playing against them so I think it took a bit of time for us to study them but eventually we did,” she added.
The former Zambia U17 Women’s National Team captain says the game against the Matildas is a must win for the Copper Queens.
She was also quick to reiterate the importance of the support from the fans which she says pushes the team and boosts their morale.
“I think we have roles to play but it’s teamwork. We just have to put in our best and do everything the coach requires of me in order to help the team,” she said.
“Well the support from the fans is always important for us. We are ambassadors for them, their support is always important and boosts our morale knowing we have their support. It keeps us going.”
“I think we expect a good game. We are all coming back from losses. For us it’s a must win match, so we are going there with a positive attitude, forgetting about the past and hoping for a positive result,” she added.
The Copper Queens will face the Matildas of Australia tomorrow in the penultimate group match.
The match will kick-off at 19h00 at the Nice Stadium on Sunday, 28 July 2024. USA will face Germany in another group B match at the Orange Velodrome in Marseille.
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.
