By MICHAEL MIYOBA
THE Zambia national women’s team preparations for the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup started on a disappointing note losing 1-0 to World Cup bound Columbia in a friendly match played in the early hours of yesterday.
A first half goal from Mayra Ramirez gifted Columbia the win in a closely contested fixture played at the Pascual Guerrero Stadium in Cali, Columbia.
Ramirez benefitted from a cross bar rebound from Daniela Montoya who had attempted to beat goal keeper Hazel Nali with a long range strike from outside the 18-yard box.
With dependable defenders in Lushomo Mweemba and Martha Tembo not part of the team in Columbia, Copper Queens coach Bruce Mwape named Margaret Belemu, Esther Siamfuko, Esther Banda and Agness Musesa in defence while Nali started in goal.
In midfield, Ireen Lungu, Rachael Kundananji and Evarine Susan Katongo dictated play while Ochumba Oseke Lubanji Grace Chanda and Rachael Nachula started upfront.
The Copper Queens who arrived just 24 hours before the match tried their best to equalise but couldn’t recover from the sixth minute goal by the 2022 Copa America runner ups who proved to be worthy competitors for the Bruce Mwape-drilled lasses.
The Copper Queens will seek to redeem themselves when they face the same opposition in the early hours of Wednesday, at 02:30 hours Central African Time in the second international friendly as both teams prepare for the World Cup.
Columbia were drawn alongside former world champions Germany, South Korea and WAFCON 2022 runner ups Morocco at the World Cup which will be co-hosted by Australia and New Zealand.
Meanwhile, Zambia will compete with European outfit Spain, former world champions Japan and CONCACAF nation Costa Rica in Group C of the women’s World Cup.
Copper Queens lose in Columbia
