By MICHAEL MIYOBA
ZAMBIA’s quest to defend the regional COSAFA Women’s championship will face a tough test today when the Copper Queens face rivals Zimbabwe in the first semifinal clash at the over 28, 000-seater Lucas “Masterpieces” Moripe Stadium in Pretoria, South Africa.
The Copper Queens topped Group B to set up a meeting with Zimbabwe who topped Group C following a 1-1 draw against Botswana on Wednesday.
After humiliating Comoros 5-1 in their last group B fixture, the Copper Queens are in high spirits to defend the title they won last year when they defeated South Africa in the finals.
Zimbabwe are determined to make history on returning to the regional championship after missing out in 2022 due to a ban which has since been lifted by FIFA.
Copper Queens assistant coach Florence Mwila is alive to the fact that today’s match will not be as easy as a walk in the park for his side who are favourites as defending champions.
“It won’t be an easy game. Zimbabwe have a good side, they are strong and quick so it is not going to be an easy one we just have to encourage the girls to push hard and be able to score early goals,” Mwila said.
Despite being unbeaten at the tournament, Mwila admitted that the Copper Queens were still under pressure.
“The pressure is on because we have to defend it and everyone is expecting us to defend it, so there is so much work that needs to be done so we need to get over this obstacle which is Zimbabwe,” she said.
She noted that despite most of the key players not being part of the team in South Africa, the young Copper Queens have continued to improve.
And vice-captain Susan Banda noted that the Copper Queens will have to be careful not to underrate Zimbabwe
Zambia is likely to maintain the same squad that humbled Comoros 5-1 with Fridah Kabwe, who scored a hat trick and Serah Jere who has scored three goals in the last two goals likely to partner upfront.
Meanwhile, Malawi and Mozambique will go head-to-head in the other second semifinal match.
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