The Zambia Women’s National Team played out to a 1-1 draw with the Football Ferns of New Zealand in a preparatory match.
Katie Kitching scored from the spot to level matters after Rhoda Chileshe had put the Copper Queens in the lead with a headed goal.
Coach Bruce Mwape made a much changed starting XI with Kabange Mupopo leading the team alongside Rachel Nachula and Ochumba Oseke Lubanji.
Avell Chitundu, Misozi Zulu and Rhoda Chileshe made up the midfield with Esther Siamfuko, Martha Tembo, Lushomo Mweemba and Pauline Zulu making up the back four.
Ng’ambo Petronella Musole started between the sticks.
It started very cagey with neither side willing to give anything away.
Chances came by far and apart with Kabange Mupopo as the Copper Queen’s bright spark on the right wing.
The match went to the break with the teams failing to find the back of the net.
In the second stanza the Copper Queens only needed four four minutes to take the lead as Rhoda Chileshe headed home a Esther Siamfuko free kick to open the scoring.
The Football Ferns drew level in the 67th minute, Katie Kitching sending Ngambo Musole the wrong direction from the spot after Esther Siamfuko conceded the penalty with a handball inside the area.
Coach Bruce Mwape made several changes introducing the likes of Esther Muchinga, Diana Banda and Mary Wilombe.
Skipper Barbra Banda and Rachel Kundananji were also introduced with about 18 minutes to go.
The introduction of the American based duo shifted the momentum into Zambia’s favour with Banda tormenting the Football Ferns on the right wing.
She had a shot saved by goalkeeper Victoria Eason and later her cross was cleared by a last ditch tackle before Kundananji could react.
New Zealand also had clear chances with Zambia needing Musole to come out and deny a second goal towards the dying minutes.
In the end the two teams settled for a draw.
Women’s International Friendly Match| Full-Time
New Zealand W 1-1 Zambia W
(Katie Kitching (p) 67’ | Rhoda Chileshe 49’)
Copper queens is a good team but lacking coordination,no clear passes no accurate or smoothie play something is wrong see
these teams they know how to run to play fast
they know slow football game
they know using mathematics
A Zambian player should be stable and strong at the ball
If we want to win some games follow my guidelines