Paris 2024; Copper Queens eye good start with Olympic slot at stake 

The Zambia Women’s National Team will be looking to start their final qualification round for the 2024 Paris Olympics onna good note as they welcome Morocco at the Levy Mwanawasa Stadium. 

Coach Bruce Mwape is expecting a tough match against the Atlas Lionesses who are also keen to qualify to the Olympics. 

The Copper Queens are aiming to make it back to back qualifications after making their debut at the 2020 edition. 

Morocco’s Spanish gaffer Jorge Vilda will be looking to make it a double over the Copper Queens having beaten them with Spain last year at the FIFA Women’s World Cup. 

Vilda will look to the likes of Jradi Ibtissam, Fatima Tagnout, Rosella Ayane, and skipper Ghizlaine Chebbak to make things happen. 

For Zambia with Catherine Musonda out injured coach Bruce Mwape will have to decide between Ng’ambo Petronella Musole and Eunice Sakala who start between the sticks. Annie Namonje is also available for selection. 

In defence Lushomo Mweemba is expected to start alongside Pauline Zulu in the heart of heart of defence with Martha Tembo on the left. Esther Banda, Diana Banda and Esther Siamfuko who will battle it out for a place at right back. 

With the return of Grace Chanda, the Madrid CFF midfielder is expected to go straight into the team and could be supported by either Ireen Lungu or Rhoda Chileshe. 

Rachel Nachula and Kabange Mupopo are expected to be on the wings with the United States of America, National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) new acquisitions, Rachel Kundananji and Barbra Banda expected to lead the charge. 

Tickets for today’s match that will kick-off at 19h00 at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium are selling at K40 East, North and South, K60 West  and are available in all Shoprite stores countrywide via CompuTicket.

The overall winner over two legs will book one of the two available spots for African nations at the Olympics.

The other slot will come from the Nigeria versus South Africa clash to complete Africa’s two representatives at the global event.