Turkish Women’s Cup: Copper Queens thrash Uzbekistan

The Zambia Women’s National Team concluded their 2023 Turkish Women’s Cup outing with a comprehensive 4-0 win over Uzbekistan. 

Coach Bruce Mwape made three changes to the team that suffered a narrow 1-0 loss to Slovenia. 

Evarine Susan Katongo, Agness Musesa and Xiomara Mapepa made way for Misozi Zulu, Pauline Zulu and Ochumba Oseke Lubanji. 

The COSAFA Champions started the match with strong dominating play but had to wait for the 10th minute to open the lead. 

Grace Chanda reacted fastest and put away a rebound after the Uzbekistan goalkeeper failed to deal with a Barbra Banda shot. 

Banda, Kundananji, Chanda and Misozi Zulu all came close but could not add to the tally. 

1-0 was the scoreline as the match went to the break after 45 minutes. 

At the start of the second half Mwape made four changes Racheal Nachula came in for Grace Chanda, Evarine Katongo was introduced for Misozi Zulu, Ochumba Oseke Lubanji made way for Hellen Chanda while Esther Siamfuko took up the place of Magret Belemu. 

The newcomers took just about ten minutes to make an impact as Evarine Katongo provided a beautiful cross for Nachula to head in for the second goal of the match in the 58th minute. 

Kundananji made it 3-0 four minutes later as she beat Jonimkulova in the Uzbekistan goal with a brilliant free kick. 

Skipper Barbra Banda got in on the action five minutes later also netting a free kick to make it 4-0. 

Catherine Musonda was later introduced for Hazel Nali with eighteen minutes left to play. 

Kundananji came close again with a free kick but Jonimkulova was equal to the task this time around. 

4-0 the match finished, meaning Zambia finished the tournament with one win and one loss. Their final classification will be known after the other day’s matches are played.

FULL-TIME: Uzbekistan 0-4 Zambia

(Grace Chanda 10′, Rachael Nachula 58′, Rachael Kundananji 62′, Barbara Banda 67′)

Zambia Women’s national team starting XI vs North Macedonia

16. Hazel Nali (Catherine Musonda 72′), 8. Margaret Belemu (Esther Siamfuko 47′), 13. Martha Tembo, 3. Lushomo Mweemba, 5.Pauline Zulu, 14. Ireen Lungu , 7. Misozi Zulu (Evarine Susan Katongo 47′), 17. Rachel Kundananji, 24. Ochumba Oseke Lubanji (Hellen Chanda 47′), 10. Grace Chanda (Rachel Nachula 47′), 11. Barbra Banda © 

Unused Substitutes :18. Eunice Sakala,  2. Judith Soko, 22. Esther Banda, 6. Mary Wilombe , 19. Xiomara Mapepa, 9. Hellen Mubanga, 15. Agness Musesa, 23. Prisca Chilufya, 12.