Copper Queens robbed by referee and VAR
The Zambia Women’s national team was denied a chance to play in the final of ongoing Morocco 2022 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations following a dubious penalty.
The Copper Queens were robbed by Referee Lydia Tafesae Abebe and Video Assistant Referees (VAR) with a suspicious penalty in the dying minutes of the match.
Coach Bruce Mwape made one change to the team heading into the match with Hazel Nali who was feeling unwell making way for Catherine Musonda.
The Copper Queens started strong and came close in the opening stages with Grace Chanda and Xiomala Mapepa combining well.
Irene Lungu and Evarine Susan Katongo dominated the midfield keeping Banyana Banyana skipper Jane Refiloe at bay.
Chanda was a menace for Banyana Banyana finding Ochumba and Mapepa with good passes into the box but both failed to convert.
In the second half, The Copper Queens was a bit reserved with Banyana Banyana being the more adventurous side.
The Ethiopian referee awarded South Africa a penalty in the 58th minute but after a VAR check it was reversed for a free kick as the foul by Lushomo Mweemba was outside the box.
Mwape made changes bringing in Natasha Nanyangwe, Mary Wilombe, and Misozi Zulu for Ochumba Oseke Lubanji, Irene Lungu, and Avell Chitundu to freshen up things.
Drama however came in the dying minutes as the Ethiopian referee awarded a suspicious penalty in the dying minutes which was converted by Linda Motlhalo to send Banyana Banyana to the final.
Skipper Grace Chanda was named as the official player of the match.
Zambia will now fight for third place at the Mohammed V Stadium against the losers of the Morocco Vs Nigeria match.
FULL-TIME: Zambia 0-1 South Africa
Linda Motlhalo (P) 90′
Zambia XI Vs South Africa
Catherine Musonda 1, Lushomo Mweemba 3, Margaret Belemu 8, Ochumba Oseke Lubanji 9 (Natasha Nanyangwe 63′), Grace Chanda © 10, Xiomara Mapepa 11, Evarine Susan Katongo 12, Martha Tembo 13, Ireen Lungu 14 (Mary Wilombe 63′), Agness Musesa 15, Avell Chitundu 21 (Misozi Zulu 71′)
UNUSED SUBS: Hazel Nali 16, Leticia Lungu 18, Esther Siamfuko 4, Anita Mulenga 5, Esther Banda 17, Maweta Chilenga 19, Noria Sosala 20