Copper Queens and Mares share spoils
Full-Time Scores From Nkoloma Stadium,
Zambia WNT 1-1 Botswana WNT (Lushomo Mweemba 58′ | Lesego Radiakanyo 27′)
Zambia Women’s National Team this afternoon settled for a 1-1 draw against the Botswana Women’s National Team in an International friendly match played at Lusaka’s Nkoloma Stadium.
Copper Queens coach Bruce Mwape made nine changes to the starting lineup from the team that played in the first friendly on Friday (29th April, 2022) at Woodlands Stadium which ended 1-nil in favor of Zambia.
Veteran Green Buffaloes defensive Kinpin Annie Kibanji captained the team that only had Ochumba Lubandje Oseke and Siomala Mapepa as the only two players who started in the Friday match.
On the other hand, Botswana coach Gaoletlhoo Nkutlwisang made three changes to her team which saw Michelle Abueng, Anna Sechane and Ontlametse Gaonyadiwe starting ahead of Thanda Onneila Mogkabo, Balothanyi Johannes and Lesego Keleboge respectively.
It was a game that could have gone either way as both sides started on a high temple pressing each other with end-to-end action.
However, Botswana’s striker Lesego Radiakanyo redeemed herself after missing a penalty on Friday by scoring for the visitors just before the half hour mark in the 27th minute benefiting from a defensive lapse in the Copper Queens area as she was left unmarked and made it 1-nil to the Mares.
Just before the stroke of half time, Zambia made 4 changes as captain Lushomo Mweemba replaced Annie Kibanji while Margaret Mulenga, Rhoda Chileshe, and Elizabeth Mupeso were replaced by Esther Siamfuko, Maweta Chilenga and Evarine Susan Katongo respectively.
A few minutes after the break, Mweemba equalized for Zambia and made it 1-1 in the 58th minute from a long range free kick after Botswana goalkeeper who came on at half time Bame Mokime taking over from Lesego Gloria failed to handle the ball which crossed her line but first assistant referee Mercy Zulu raised her flag signaling a goal to Zambia and centre referee Patience Mumba awarded a goal as The Mares protested but all in vain.
National Assembly goal minder Agnes Banda made her debut for the Copper Queens as she replaced Eunice Sakala in goal while Natasha Nanyangwe was brought in for Square Maiwase in the dying moments of the game.
There was also action for Tshegofatsa Mosotho who replaced Anna Sechane who was forced out due to injury while Johannes Balothlhanyi came on for Michelle Abueng.
After all was done and dusted spoils were shared in a fairly contested match via a 1-1 scoreline.
Both teams were using the two friendly matches as part of their preparations for the upcoming 12th Edition of the Women Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) to be hosted by Morocco from 2-23 July, 2022.
Zambia is placed in Group B alongside old timers Cameroon, Tunisia who are making their return after a 14 year absence and debutants Togo.
On the other hand, Botswana are in Group C together with giants Nigeria, South Africa and fellow debutants Burundi.
The top 4 teams will automatically book a place at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup to be co-hosted by Australia and New Zealand while two quarter-finalists will have to battle it out in the inter-continental playoffs for a spot at world’s greatest showpiece next year.
Group A has hosts Morocco, Burkina Faso, Senegal and Uganda to complete all the 12 teams who will take part at this years showpiece.
ZAMBIA STARTING XI
- Eunice Sakala, 2 Margaret Mulenga, 8. Judith Soko, 12 Rhoda Chileshe, 14 Elizabeth Nachivula, 9 Mary Mambwe, 6 Elizabeth Mupeso, 10) Square Maiwase, 7 Ochumba Oseke Lubanji, 20 Annie Kibanji, 11 Siomala Mapepa.
Substitutes: 1 Agness Banda, 4. Esther Siamfuko, 19. Natasha Nanyangwe, 13. Martha Tembo, 17. Maweta Glory Chilenga, 3. Lushomo Mweemba, 5. Anita Mulenga, 21. Norin Betani, 15.Evarine Susan Katongo.
BOTSWANA STARTING XI
- Lesego Moeng, 2. Kesegofetse Mochawe, 4. Masego Montsho, 14. Veronica Mogotsi, 3. Nancy Baeletsi, 21. Annah Sechane, 8. Lone Gaofetoge, 10. Lesego Radiakanyo, 6. Mitchell Abueng, 7. Refilwe Tholakele, 20. Ontlametse Gaonyadiwe
SUBSTIUTES
- Marlin John, 1. Bame Mokime, 22. Tshegofatso, 17. Atlang Busang, 18. Laone Moloi, 13. Keitumetse Dithebe, 9. Thanda Mokgabo, 5. Theo George, 11. Leungo Senwelo, 19. Lesego Keleboge, 15. Balothanyi Johannes, 12. Goitsemang Tlamma