By MICHAEL MIYOBA
ZAMBIA Under-20 national women’s team quest to qualify for its maiden appearance at the World Cup will face its first hurdle today when the Charles Haalubono-drilled side face host Congo DR in today’s second round first leg fixture of the 2024 Under-20 Women’s World Cup qualifier.
And coach Haalubono says the girls are ready to face Congo at Nkoloma Stadium after a week of intensive preparations.
Haalubono, who had called a 35-member provisional squad said he was happy with the progress made by the girls who are determined to beat Congo DR when the two sides face off.
Asked how he was managing the pressure of trying to replicate the historical achievement by the Copper Queens who competed at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand, Haalubono said; “The pressure is positive pressure and like it because it motivates me and it also motivates our players as that is what everyone is now thinking of, qualifying for the World Cup. If our seniors can achieve that, we can also do it.”
And captain Chitete Munsaka said the girls would win the game against Congo to qualify for the World Cup.
“We promise our fans that we shall do our level best and we will make them proud,” Munsaka said.
Meanwhile, Congo DR coach Sandra Makombele Malezi promised to give the Copper Queens a tough match as the two sides begin their journey to qualify for the World Cup.
Congo DR captain Brigitte Ngamita said her team was not intimidated playing the Young Copper Queens who will have the advantage of playing in front of the home fans at Nkoloma Stadium.
After hosting Congo DR today, the Young Copper Queens will fly to Kinshasa for the return leg slated for October 14.
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