Grace Chanda’s late goal wins it for Copper Queens

The Zambia Women’s national team left it late to beat North Macedonia by a narrow 1-0 win at the Miracle Sports Complex.

The match which was played on Wednesday afternoon saw coach Bruce Mwape’s lasses test themselves for the first time since the 1-0 back to back  losses to Colombia last year.  

With skipper Barbra Banda yet to arrive and Grace Chanda arriving just that morning, Ireen ‘Xavi’ Lungu, the female Computer was handed the arm band. 

Lungu was joined by Evarine Susan Katongo in midfield with Hazel Nali in goal and Margaret Belemu, Martha Tembo, Agness Musesa and Lushomo Mweemba making up the back four. 

In attack Hellen Mubanga led the attack alongside Ochumba Oseke Lubanji supported by Xiomara Mapepa and Prisca Chilufya on the wings. 

Zambia started the match as the dominant side and Lungu hit the crossbar within the opening ten minutes. 

For all their dominance, the Copper Queens were still failing to create clear cut chances. 

Mwape made two changes just 26 minutes into the match withdrawing Prisca Chilufya and Ochumba Oseke Lubanji for Rachel Kundananji and Grace Chanda. 

In the second half the dominance continued with Kundananji and Chanda looking lively. 

Mwape made another double change as Esther Siamfuko replaced Belemu while Hellen Mubanga made way for Hellen Chanda. 

Siamfuko on her wing brought in a lot of energy and started making some beautiful runs. 

The breakthrough was still not coming with Hellen Chanda and Kundananji trying to force their way into the area but somehow their efforts failed to result in a positive outcome. 

Evarine Susan Katongo also tried to unleash some powerful shots from outside the 18 yard area but her efforts did not have enough Vernon. 

Zambia however got their goal with basically the last kick of the match as a beautiful build up from the back involving Martha Tembo, Agness Musesa, Lushomo Mweemba and Kundananji saw the two Chanda’s combine, Hellen setting up Grace for an easy tap in inside the area, 1-0 the match finished. 

Next up for the Copper Queens is Slovenia on Saturday at the Miracle Sports Complex. 

Zambia Women’s national team starting XI vs North Macedonia

16. Hazel Nali, 8. Margaret Belemu (Esther Siamfuko 56′), 13. Martha Tembo, 3. Lushomo Mweemba, 15. Agness Musesa, 14. Ireen Lungu ©, 12. Evarine Susan Katongo, 23. Prisca Chilufya (Grace Chanda 26′)  24. Ochumba Oseke Lubanji (Rachel Kundananji 26′) , 9. Hellen Mubanga (Hellen Chanda 56′),  19. Xiomara Mapepa. 

Unused Substitutes : 1. Catherine Musonda, 18. Eunice Sakala, 7. Misozi Zulu, 2. Judith Soko, 22. Esther Banda, 6. Mary Wilombe, 5. Pauline Zulu, 20. Rachel Nachula.