…as U-20 date Congo DR in must-win World Cup qualifier
By MICHAEL MIYOBA
THE Zambia national women’s team stormed the finals of the 2023 COSAFA Women’s Championship after overcoming rivals Zimbabwe 1-0 in a closely contested semifinal clash at Lucas “Masterpieces” Moripe Stadium in Pretoria, South Africa.
A second half individual brilliance from Sarah Jere guaranteed the win for the Copper Queens who are now one step closer to retaining the regional trophy.
Jere beat two defenders with ease before slotting the ball into the back of the net to score her fourth goal of the tournament.
The Copper Queens who remain unbeaten after one draw and three wins in the last four games will meet Malawi who defeated Mozambique to storm the finals.
Meanwhile, Zambia Under-20 national women’s team coach Charles Haalubono said the young Copper Queens are ready to face Congo DR in today’s return leg of the 2024 World Cup qualifier.
“We have prepared very well. We saw how Congo DR played, it is a very good team so we have worked on our mistakes and we have two players who are able to head the ball that is the challenge we faced in the first game and we have worked on that,” Halubono said.
“All our players are okay. We don’t have any injuries so far so we are good. I know it won’t be easy because Congo have prepared. All we need to do is to work extra hard if we get chances we score and defend well,” he said.
Zambia will need nothing but a win to progress to the next knock out stage after giving Congo DR the advantage following a 2-2 stalemate last weekend at Nkoloma Stadium in Lusaka.
