The Zambia Women’s National Team will be looking for a big upset to keep their hopes of qualifying to the next round alive when they take on Spain.
The Copper Queens suffered a huge humiliation in their opening game against Japan and will need to dig deep to beat La Roja.
Spain on the other hand will be looking to make it two wins in a row after beating Costa Rica 3-0 in their opening game.
South Korea referee Hyeonjeong Oh will be in charge of the match and will be assisted by compatriot Seulgi Lee and Misuk Park as first and second assistants respectively.
With first choice goalkeeper Catherine Musonda’s out due to a red card she received against Japan, Eunice Sakala is expected to start ahead of Leticia Lungu.
The ZamFoot Crew now looks at things coach Bruce Mwape and his team could do to change the fortunes against a formidable Spain Women’s National Team.
- MAKE CHANGES
Mwape should be brave to make changes to the team. In the loss to Japan almost the whole team was below par hence a few changes are expected.
Mwape could make at least two changes to the team. Catherine Musonda is out of the match hence Eunice Sakala will make her first start at the FIFA Women’s World Cup.
Avell Chitundu and Ochumba Oseke Lubanji came on and worked hard against Japan and could also start tomorrow.
Ochumba is good with hold play which came in handy against Spain. Chitundu meanwhile has proved to be a hard worker as the game needs a lot of work.
- A PROPER FORMATION AND GAME PLAN
The team was poor against Japan and needs to improve tactically to stand a chance against Spain.
The route one football played against Japan did not work out and the Copper Queens needs to return to their usual passing game.
Zambia has been named the shortest squad at the World Cup hence long balls are not the way for them.
In midfield, Ireen Lungu and Evarine Susan Katongo with all their creativity and talent are short players and can not function properly in a system of long balls.
- BE MORE ADVENTUROUS
The team failed to even have one shot on target against Japan and need to improve in that area if they have to beat Spain.
The midfield needs to be utilised together with the wings which is Zambia’s strength.
The team should avoid giving Spain chances to work out their magic on midfield and on the wings.
Players like Aitana Bonmati, Salma Paralluelo, Esther Gonzalez Rodriguez and Jennifer Hermoso should be watched closely.
Lushomo Mweemba, Martha Tembo, Margaret Belemu and Agnes Musesa are expected to start in defence.
In Midfield Evarine Susan Katongo could be joined by Ireen Lungu and Susan Banda.
Ochumba Oseke Lubanji could start alongside Barbra Banda, and Rachel Kundananji upfront.
Bruce Mwape has options in Comfort Selemani, Hellen Chanda, Hellen Mubanga, and Mary Wilombe.
The match will take place at the 50,000 capacity Eden Park Stadium.
Kickoff is at 09h30 Zambian time with ZNBC, Topstar and SuperSport beaming it live.
Looking at Spain , Zambia is going for the second loss.try to change the coach after coming back
What had he done. Remember he groomed that team, from way back. So a lose to Japan should warrant him be changed? Japan is the defending champion and are good. It’s our first time and we are gaining experience and exposure.
Zambia 1 Spain 0