Copper Queens Thrash Uzbekistan to Win Bronze at Turkish Women’s Cup

The Zambia Women’s National Team concluded their Turkish Women’s Cup outing with a comprehensive 4-0 win over Uzbekistan.

Coach Bruce Mwape made three changes to his team that suffered a narrow 1-0 defeat to Slovenia, bringing in Misosi Zulu, Pauline Zulu and Ochunba Oseke Lubanji for Evarine Susan Katongo, Agness Musesa and Xiomara Mapepa.

The Copper Queens bounced back from their opening game in style, dominating play and showing why they are COSAFA champions.

Grace Chanda opened the scoring after 10 minutes, pouncing on a rebound from a Barbra Banda shot parried by the Uzbekistan keeper.

The Queens saw several close misses and went in 1-0 up at the break. Mwape made a further four changes: Evarine Katongo came on for Misosi Zulu, Racheal Nachula for Grace Chanda, Hellen Chanda for Ochumba Oseke Lubanji, and Esther Siamfuko for Magret Belemu.

The substitutes made an immediate impact. Evarine Katongo, who had been rested after her start in the Slovenia match, dipped in a cross for fellow substitute Nachula to nod home in the 58th minute.

Real Madrid forward Racheal Kundananji scored a fantastic free kick to bring the score to 3-0 after 62 minutes. Captain Barbra Banda added to the scoreline with her own free kick in the 67th minute, and Kundananji almost added to her tally when she forced a great save from another free kick.

Zambia were awarded the Bronze medal today, after Slovenia and South Africa drew to share joint gold. Racheal Kundananji was named Best Forward of the tournament, further proof of her rising star at just 22 years of age.

The tournament was useful competitive preparation for the FIFA Women’s World Cup this summer. The Copper Queens will face a tough group stage against Japan, Costa Rica and Spain, and will be hoping to qualify for the knockout stages.