The junior copper queens kicked off their Inaugural COSAFA 2019 Under-17 Women’s Championships campaign with a 1-all draw against East African Guests Uganda in a game that could have gone either way played at the St. Francois Xavier Stadium in Port Louis, Mauritius.
This was arguably going to be a tough match for both sides and it lived upto its billing has first half saw a cagey affair being witnessed and no goal recorded.
The Junior Copper Queens was always comfortable on the ball but wasn’t going to be easy against a strong Crested Crane side which looked very dangerous each time they were attacking which gave the Zambian defense some work to do.
But the first half witnessed no goals.
After a barren first half, Ugandan Captain Juliet Nalukenge put the Guests ahead converting from the penalty spot in the 62nd minute after Kevin Nakachwa was fouled in the box to lead 1-Nil.
The Junior Copper Queens fought back towards the last stage of the match and with less than 7 minutes before the end of the match Bauleni United Soccer Academy Midfielder Shelly Masumo Equalized with an excellent shot in the 84th minute which left Ugandan Goalkeeper Daphine Nanyenga with absolutely no chance to level matters.
The Coach Kaluba Kangwa charges will be looking to redeem themselves as they get back to the pitch on Sunday 22nd September against Group A bottom-placed Comoros who suffered a 5-1 defeat at the hands of the Host nation Mauritius who top group A on 3 points with Zambia and Uganda sharing a Point each.
Zambia U17 Starting XI: Ingutu Muchahabali, Edah Lungu, Martha Banda, Precious Nsama, Florence Kasonde, Esther Banda, Maweta Chilenga, Patricia Mumba, Comfort Selemani, Esther Siamufuko (C), Tisilile Lungu
