Copper Queens in New Zealand test 

The Zambia Women’s National Team will play their first international friendly match before the 2024 Paris Olympics this afternoon. 

The Copper Queens play New Zealand  at 17:00 hours CAT at the Stade Louis Darragon in Lyon.

Coach Bruce Mwape will be looking to test his players against a top side like the Football Ferns as they look to fine tune ahead of the tournament. 

Mwape’s squad  has been boosted by the arrival of Barbra Banda and Rachel Kundananji who were earlier feared to miss the match. 

Banda and Kundananji are regarded as two of the flag bearers for Zambian Women’s football and also hold the record as the second most expensive and the most expensive female football players in history respectively.

Mwape will however be without Mexico based Prisca Chilufya and Grace Chanda who are yet to arrive. 

Ng’ambo Petronella Musole and Catherine Musonda will battle for a slot between the sticks. 

Lushomo Mweemba and Pauline Zulu will partner in the heart of defense with Esther Siamfuko and Martha Tembo expected to complete the backline. 

Diana Banda and Esther Muchinga are also available for selection. 

In midfield, Mwape has Rhoda Chileshe, Misozi Zulu, Hellen Chanda and Avell Chitundu to choose from in the absence of Prisca Chilufya and Grace Chanda. 

Skipper Barbra Banda is expected to lead the attack alongside Rachel Kundananji and Kabange Mupopo. 

Red Arrows forward Ochumba Oseke Lubanji is also available for selection.

The Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) has organized a 12-day international camp for the Copper Queens ahead of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.

Zambia starts its Olympic journey on July 25 against the United States of America before playing Australia three days later at the Stade de Nice. 

The final group match is against Germany on July 31 in St Etienne.