The Copper Queens of Zambia, making their debut at the Women’s World Cup and Africa’s fourth representative at the 2023 Senior Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand, are gearing up for the prestigious event by intensifying their preparations.
Zambia’s national team, the Copper Queens, has been placed in Group C of the 2023 Senior Women’s World Cup alongside Costa Rica, Japan, and Spain.
In a recent international friendly match on July 2, 2023, the Copper Queens, coached by Bruce Mwape, stunned the two-time Women’s World Cup winners, Germany, with a 3-2 victory.
The team’s inspirational captain, Barbra Banda, scored two goals in the match, while Rachel Kundananji, a forward from the Spanish Liga F, contributed another goal. Germany managed to score two consolation goals through Alexandra Popp.
Prior to their triumph over Germany, the Copper Queens had defeated neighboring Tanzania 1-0 in a send-off match held in Lusaka.
However, they suffered a 2-3 loss to the Republic of Ireland, their Group B opponent in the Women’s World Cup. Additionally, they played a thrilling 3-3 draw against Switzerland, who are part of Group A in the 2023 Women’s World Cup.
Two weeks ago, Bruce Mwape, the coach of the Copper Queens, announced the final squad of 23 players for the World Cup.
The squad includes skipper Barbra Banda, Spanish Liga F forward Rachel Kundananji, Evarine Susan Katango, Ireen Lungi, Ochumba Oseke Lubanji, Lushomo Mweemba, Margaret Belemu, Hazel Mali, Grace Chanda, and Susan Banda, among others.
Notably absent from the World Cup squad are former Copper Queens captain Misozi Zulu, Rachael Nachuba based in Spain, Prisca Chilufya based in Mexico, Leticia Lungi, Esther Chitete Munsaka, Jacklyn Nkole, Pauline Zulu, Regina Chanda, and Maylan Mulenga.
Three players, Esther Siamfuko, Rhoda Chileshe, and Comfort Selemani, have been placed on standby by Coach Bruce Mwape.
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