Ireland v Copper Queens: Nali to start between the sticks

The Zambian Women’s National team will today face the Republic of Ireland in an international friendly match at the Tallaght Stadium in Dublin. 

This will be the first meeting between the two and the  Copper Queens will become only the  third African opponent that Ireland WNT will be facing following on from games against South Africa (Cyprus Cup) and Morocco (International Friendly). 

With Coach Bruce Mwape eager to fine tune his side for the FIFA Women’s World Cup he is expected to line up a very strong side. 

Turkey based goalkeeper Hazel Nali is expected to start between the sticks. 

Nali is Copper Queens first choice goalkeeper and was instrumental as Zambia secured their place at the World Cup last year. 

Nali saved a penalty and scored the winning spot kick as Bruce Mwape’s lasses beat Senegal to book a place in the last four at the 2022 WAFCON and also subsequently qualify for their maiden appearance at the World Cup. 

Eunice Sakala and Leticia Lungu have been working hard in training to try and pose a challenge and give Nali competition. 

Lungu who is on the books of ZESCO Ndola Girls was the third choice goalkeeper at WAFCON while Nkwazi Queens’ Sakala was second choice at COSAFA last year. 

U17 graduate Esther Chitete Munsaka is also available for selection having been putting in a lot of work during the camp both at home and away in Germany. 

There are 55 places between Zambia and Ireland in the FIFA Women’s World Rankings as Ireland are in 22nd place while Zambia are in 77th.

The Copper Queens and the Girls in Green will be using the match to prepare for their debut appearance at the FIFA Women’s World Cup and the sold-out game will be played under the Tallaght lights at 20h30CAT.