U20WWCQs: Young Copper Queens off to Ghana

The Zambia Under-20 Women’s National Team early this morning (Thursday) around 02:05hrs departed Lusaka for Accra, Ghana ahead of their 2022 Costa Rica FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup Qualifier third round, second leg match against Ghana set for Saturday 18th December 2021 at Accra Sports Stadium with kick-off slated at 15:00hrs local time which is 17:00hours Zambian time.

The Young Copper Queens will be going into this match with heads high knowing very well what is at stake as they will be looking for a victory or any scoring draw to make it to the final round.

Skipper Evarine Susan Katongo says everyone is excited and ready for the return leg.

“The preparations went on and everyone is excited and ready for the game. It won’t be an easy game but we have to win because it’s a must-win game,” she said.

Meanwhile Coach Charles Haalubono says they have worker on their mistakes from the first leg especially in the final third.

“Our target is to qualify to the next round. We have worked on the team especially the final third,” he said.

“The new players have blended well and they are looking good and will add much-needed value.”

The first leg that was played in Lusaka a fortnight ago ended 0-0 and the winner of this weekend’s game will qualify to the final round were they will take on either South Africa or Uganda who will also be playing this weekend in Johannesburg with the Young Cranes of Uganda carrying a slender 1-0 victory over Batsetsana.

Only 2 teams from Africa will qualify to the 16-team Costa Rica final tournament to be played next year from 10-28 August, 2022.

Here is a full 22-member squad list that has traveled to Ghana.

(GOALKEEPERS)

Loveness Tonge (Prison Leopards), Blessing Kazila (Green Buffaloes Women Football Club), Mirriam Sikaduli (Choma Warriors)

(DEFENDERS)

Esther Siamfuko, Sante Mukutwa (both Queens Academy), Martha Katila (BUSA), Bertha Imponene (Nkwazi Queens), Pauline Zulu (Pataaki Queens), Judith Soko, Margaret Chisenga (both Green Buffaloes Women Football Club)

(MIDFIELDERS)

Shelly Masumo, Lubasi Pumulo, Loveness Malunga (all Green Buffaloes Women Football Club), Tisilile Lungu (BUSA), Evarine Katongo (ZISD), Precious Phiri (Queens Academy)

(STRIKERS)

Namasiku Lungowe (ZISD), Agness Phiri (Queens Academy), Ruth Ngoma (Green Buffaloes Women Football Club), Siomala Mapepa (Lusaka Dynamos), Enelesi Phiri (Police Doves), Jessy Zulu (Pataaki Queens)