By MICHAEL MIYOBA
THE Zambia National women’s team revived their hopes to defend the Cosafa Cup after humiliating rivals Angola 3-1 in a Group B fixture played yesterday at Dobsonville Stadium, in South Africa.
A brace from striker Sara Jere and a goal from defender Jackline Nkole gifted the Copper Queens the victory which excited assistant coach Florence Mwila.
“This is what we planned for. The three points is what we needed and the girls played according to our plan though wee had a lot of chances which we wasted. I think we would have even scored more goals,” Copper Queens assistant coach Florence Mwila said after the final whistle.
After starting the regional championship with a goalless draw against Mozambique, the Copper Queens were desperate for a win and started the match against Angola on a high note and got the lead just two minutes after kick off through Jere.
Nkole made things worse for the Angolans when she doubled Zambia’s lead ten minutes before the half hour mark after benefiting from Enelesi Phiri’s assist.
A 37th minute injury set back on Natasha Nanyangwe couldn’t derail the Copper Queens who continued to bully the Angolans.
Nanyangwe who collided with goal keeper Rita Jose was stretchered off before being replaced by Green Buffaloes striker, Maylan Mulenga.
The Copper Queens could have snatched their third goal six minutes before the hour mark but midfielder Evarine Katongo directed her effort wide of the Angola goal.
Zambia had to wait until the 85th minute for their third goal when Jere completed her brace after benefiting from Evarine Susan Katongo’s well calculated pass.
Angola were able to reduce the deficit via a long-range goal by Sara Luvunga four minutes into injury time.
Luvunga’s consolation goal was not enough to inspire a come back as the Copper Queens celebrated their first win which propelled them to four points.
After outclassing Angola, the Copper Queens will wrap up their Group B action with a match against Comoros on October 10 at UJ Soweto stadium.
