IN a quest to fine tune for the much-anticipated 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup kicking off on July 20 in Australia and New Zealand, the Copper Queens will today face Germany in their final preparatory fixture.
The international friendly match slated for Sportpark Ronhof Thomas Sommer Stadium in Germany promises sparks despite it being a friendly match.
The Bruce Mwape-drilled Copper Queens will seek redemption from two disappointing results recorded in the last two friendly games played in Europe where they lost to Ireland before drawing with Switzerland a week ago.
Today’s fixture is crucial as it will highlight the progress made by the Copper Queens who will compete in Group C at the World Cup alongside Spain, Japan and Costa Rica.
“Against Germany we just have to be good in all the areas. We don’t need to relax. Our aim is to play as a team and at the end of the day we will be able to identify where we are not doing well and where we are strong,” Mwape said.
“The idea is not necessarily winning but to observe and see if there will be an improvement or there is no improvement,” he said.
Meanwhile, Mwape said the Copper Queens target is to go past the Group Stage at the World Cup which will feature 32 teams with four teams representing Africa.
“It is the first time for us to compete in the tournament and our expectations or our target is to qualify to the knock out stage. All we need is to do well in the opening matches to get to another level where we will need to plan if we have to go further in the tournament,” Mwape said.
For Copper Queens captain Barbra Banda, competing at the World Cup is a dream come true and she was looking forward to show her talent.
Banda said the game against Germany would present the Copper Queens with a chance to improve ahead of the World Cup which will run from July 20 to August 20.
Mwape will likely maintain the squad that started and impressed against Switzerland in the game which ended 3-3.
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