Full-Time Scores:
Zambia WNT 5-0 Eswatini WNT (Ochumba Lubanje Oseke 24′, 75′, 77′, Margret Belemu 58′, Esther Mukwasa 81′)
The Copper Queens started their 2021 COSAFA Women’s Championship journey on a high note with an amazing display as they thrashed Eswatini 5-0 to go top of Group C on Thursday afternoon.
The early kick-off between Namibia and guest nation, Uganda ended in a goalless draw
Red Arrows striker Ochumba Lubanje Oseke who was named as player of the match scored a historical hattrick including two quick goals in a space of 3 minutes while clubmate Margret Belemu contributed a goal plus two assists as the 2019 runners up lauded off a fantastic performance.
Indeni Roses’ Esther Mukwasa also found herself on the scoresheet and also contributed an assist after being introduced.
Lubanje opened the scores in the 24th minute with a powerful header connecting from a beautiful cross from club mate, Belemu to make it 1-0 to Zambia going to the break.
After resumption, Copper Queens came out more offensive and launched more attacks against Sitsebe Samhlekazi and it paid off as Belemu turned from provider to goalscorer with a ferocious shot in the 57th minute after being set up by captain Grace Chanda to make it 2-0.
Zambia Coach Florence Chalesa Nkatya Mwila made a double change after an hour and introduced Lusaka Dynamos’ Elizabeth Mupeso and Indeni Roses’ Esther Mukwasa for Red Arrows’ Mary Wilombe and ZESCO Ndola Girls’ Penelope Mulubwa respectively.
It did not take long for the changes to be noticed because both Mukwasa and Mupeso quickly got involved in a thick of things as Lubanje scored the third goal for Zambia in the 75th minute slotting home from close range after a pinpoint pass from Mukwasa inside the 18-yard box to make it 3-0.
Two minutes later, Lubanje was yet again found on the scoresheet as she completed her hattrick with another powerful header connecting well from substitute Mupeso’s effort in the box to make it 4-0 to Zambia.
Mukwasa added the icing on the cake with a fifth goal with a long-range shot assisted by Belemu to complete an emphatic scoreline as Zambia run riot over Eswatini with an excellent 5-0 victory.
The Copper Queens next Group C match is against Namibia on Sunday at 15:30hrs at the same venue (Madibaz Stadium) and a win against the Gladiators will secure a semi-final spot for Zambia.
Congratulations to the copper queens and i wish best in the next game in general and in particular my star Ochumba make the sky your limits in Jesus Christ of Nazareth might name.