The Copper Queens will be looking to seal their place in the quarterfinals of the TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) Morocco 2024 when they face the Democratic Republic of Congo in their final Group A fixture on Saturday night.
Nora Häuptle’s side have four points to their name after a 2-2 draw with Morocco and 3-2 win over Senegal in their first two matches.
Midfielder Grace Chanda will miss this evening’s encounter having accumulated two yellow cards and Coach Nora will need to replace her.
The ZamFoot Crew now looks at the possible replacements for the Orlando Pride midfielder ahead of the DR Congo clash.
EVARINE SUSAN KATONGO
Without much thought, the first name on most people’s lips is the Green Buffaloes Women’s Football Club midfield ace who is yet to test action at this tournament.
Katongo is one of the most technically gifted players in the team and could slot in easily and offers a lot when defending, a tireless worker on the pitch.
She brings the quality of passing the ball with defense splitting passes, creativity and also has an eye for goal.
However she will need to pass a late fitness test as the ZamFoot Crew understands she was unwell as of yesterday.
NATASHA NANYANGWE
Another option is Natasha Nanyangwe who can also play as an attacking midfielder.
The Green Buffaloes player is coming off a brilliant season that saw her score 23 goals and contribute 17 assists.
She is technical, can control the game and provides a goal threat which can come in handy should the Copper Queens usual goalscorers be policed heavily.
PAULINE ZULU AND RHODA CHILESHE
Coach Nora Häuptle also has options in Pauline Zulu and Rhoda Chileshe who can both play as defensive midfielders joining Mary Wilombe to free up Ireen Lungu to play in a more advanced role.
Pauline could also drop into the centre back role to partner Lushomo Mweemba and push Mapalo Maluba into the defensive midfielder role.
MERCY CHIPASULA AND FRIDAH MUKOMA
Youngsters Fridah Mukoma and Mercy Chipasula could also get their first start at the continental showpiece.
Looking at how Rachel Kundananji played well dropping deep in midfield, Coach Nora Häuptle could push her into the second striker role and send either Chipasula or Mukoma wide.
No matter the choice, one thing is clear, the Copper Queens have enough quality to deal with the big blow of not having their vice captain available for this match.
Kick-off at the El Bachir stadium in Mohammedia will be at 21h00CAT and the match will be live on ZNBC TV 1, Diamond TV and SuperSport.
Go Zambia Go