‘We aren’t scared’

By MICHAEL MIYOBA
ZAMBIA national women’s team coach Bruce Mwape says the Copper Queens are not scared of their Women’s Africa Cup of Nations WAFCON quarter final against Senegal.
Mwape said his girls were ready to face the Senegalese who will fight to recover from defeat to host Morocco in their last fixture at the WAFCON.
He was speaking during a pre-match press conference ahead of today’s crucial clash at the Stade Mohammed V in Casablanca,
Mwape said the Copper Queens were determined to achieve their dream of qualifying for the 2023 Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.
“We have respect for all the teams that are here but we cannot fear them. We are ready for any team this time around because we are also fighting for a place at the world Cup because like I said our first target is to qualify for the World Cup,” Mwape said.
“For the game against Senegal we will not take it lightly. We will try by all means to be cautious and make sure that we create a lot of scoring chances like we did against Togo and Tunisia in the last two games,” he said.
Despite key players such as Barbra Banda, Rachel Nachula and Rachel Kundananji not being part of the team, Mwape is confident that the players available for selection are capable of delivering great results.
Meanwhile, goalkeeper Hazel Nali said the girls are focused going into today’s quarter final clash which symbolises the beginning of a new challenge for the Copper Queens.
“The tournament is just starting and everyone is looking forward to meet Senegal and we are ready as a team,” Nali said.
Nali is expected to lead Zambia’s solid defence of Lushomo Mweemba, Martha Tembo, Margret Belemu and Agness Musesa which has conceded only one goal from three games.
Young Susan Katongo and Ireen Lungu will dictate play in midfield while Siomala Mapepa, Ochumba Oseke and Captain Grace Chanda are expected to provide leadership upfront after impressing in the 4-1 bashing of Togo in the last game.
The Copper Queens will have to be wary of strikers Ndeye Diakhate, Nguenar Ndiaye and Korka Fall who scored Senegal’s three goals in the Group Stage where they finished second with six points.
The Lionesses who are competing at their second continental championship will fight to shock Zambia and book their slot at the FIFA Women’s World Cup.