Full-Time Scores,
Zambia U20WNT 0-0 Ghana U20WNT
The Zambia Under-20 Women’s National Team was held to a goalless draw by Ghana in the third round first leg of the 2022 Costa Rica FIFA U-20 Women’s World played on Saturday afternoon at Lusaka’s Nkoloma Stadium.
Coach Charles Haalubono made three changes to the team that beat Malawi 6-0 at home in the second round. Esther Siamfuko returned from injury to replace Precious Nsama who is out injured, Elessy Chilandula came on to replace Tisilile Lungu who dropped to the bench while Salome Phiri made way for Agnes Phiri.
Ghana started as the better side with the Young Copper Queens taking long to settle and just pumping the ball upfront without purpose.
After an unentertaining first 44 minutes with chances coming far and apart, Coach Haalubono decided to withdraw Agness Phiri and Eless Chilandula for Tisilile Lungu and Lungowe Namasiku.
In the second stanza Zambia started to look a little more purposeful with chances finally coming a little more. Siomala Mapepa and Eneless Phiri came close but could not find the back of the net.
Zambia’s best chance came in the 78th minute when Eneless Phiri’s cross found Lungowe Namasiku unmarked in the area but her header went straight at Konlan Cynthia Findib.
On the other side Ghana had chances to open the floodgates but Loveness Tonge was not letting anything past her as she dealt with everything they threw at her to make sure the match ended level in Lusaka.
The return match is scheduled for 18th December 2021 in Accra. The overall aggregate winner will qualify to the fourth round to be played next year.
Only two spots from Africa will qualify to the World Cup next year.
Zambia U-20 WNT XI: 1. Loveness Tonge, 21. Margaret Chisenga, 4. Martha Katila Banda, 6. Bertha Imponene, 5. Esther Siamfuko, 17. Loveness Malunga, 15. Evarine Susan Katongo, 14. Eless Chilandula, (Tisilile Lungu 44′ ( Shelly Masumo 80′) 7. Agness Phiri, (Lungowe Namasiku 44′) 19. Eneless Phiri, 11. Siomala Mapepa
Unused Substitutes : 16. Blessings Kazila, 13. Judith Solo, Pauline Zulu, 20. Precious Phiri,
