10th March 2020 will live long in the memories of the Copper Queens and all Women’s football-loving Zambians as the team made history by qualifying for the Olympics for the very first time.
And today they make their debut at the biggest sporting spectacle in the world as they square off with the 2019 World Cup runners-up, The Netherlands.
With Lieke Martens, Vivianne Miedema and Jill Roord expected to lead the Orange Lionesses’ attack, Coach Bruce Mwape will have to find a strong defense to protect the goalkeeper this afternoon.
The ZamFoot Crew now looks at who Mwape may line up ahead of this big match, arguably the biggest game of the Copper Queens’ lives so far.
Israeli-based goalkeeper Hazel Nali is expected to start in goal ahead of Indeni Roses’ Catherine Musonda and ZESCO Ndola Girls’ Ng’ambo Petronella Musole.
Nali has been the Copper Queens’ first-choice goalkeeper and is known for her quick reflexes and brilliant saves.
At right-back, Red Arrows’ Margaret Belemu is expected to start as she has made the position personal to holder of late with her outstanding showing.
Green Buffaloes duo of Anita Mulenga and Lushomo Mweemba is expected to start in the heart of the defense.
At left-back, Martha Tembo is suspended after receiving a red card during the final round of qualification hence Red Arrows’ midfielder Mary Wilombe is expected to take up the position.
The African representatives will start their Olympic journey at 13:00hrs against the much-fancied Netherlands at the Miyagi Stadium.
