Africa-Press – Zambia. The Zambia Women’s national team will this afternoon face off with hosts South Africa in the final of the 2022 COSAFA Women’s Championship. Zambia will be looking to win only their first ever COSAFA Women’s Championship having only previously managed to grab bronze.
Zambia defeated defending champions Tanzania 2-1 to end their short reign, while South Africa edged neighbours Namibia 1-0 to set up what could be the most anticipated final in years.
Coach Bruce Mwape will make very few changes if any ahead of today’s game. Mwape believes if his team can replicate their hard work from the last three games they will carry the day with easy.
“When we came here we said we came here to go up to the final and we have made it to the final so what we need is to just work hard like we have been doing. If we continue to work hard the match will not be that hard for us,” he said.
“We have worked on the mistakes we made in the game against Tanzania.”
“We still maintain the team that played the last game. If there will be any changes it will be just one or two. There is no second chance, tomorrow it’s do or die, this should be our title now,” he added.
Defender Margaret expects a though match and said :The game will be very tough, we played them at WAFCON it was tough and at this tournament they also have played well but I have so much confidence that we will win.”
Meanwhile skipper of the side, Barbra Banda is confident the team will carry the day. “It won’t be an easy game but we have prepared for it. Our target is to win the tournament and I am sure everyone is determined and up for the challenge,” she said.
“It is very important for the people because we have to do it for them and surely we will deliver good results.”
Catherine Musonda is expected to start between the sticks with Lushomo Mweemba, Agness Musesa, Martha Tembo and Margaret Belemu making up the back four.
The female Computer, Ireen Lungu is expected to return to the starting line up to partner Evarine Susan Katongo in the middle of the park. Banda who has already notched up nine goals will lead the line alongside Ochumba Oseke Lubanji with Misozi Zulu and Xiomara Mapepa on the wings.
The match is a repeat of the WAFCON semi final which Banyana Banyana won 1-0. South Africa have dominated this fixture with the Copper Queens winning just twice in the past on post match penalties last year at the same tournament and 3-0 in a friendly match in February thanks to a brace by Barbra Banda. The match will be at 15h00 at the Isaac Wolfson Stadium and will be live on Supersport and streamed live on SABC Sport, Cosafa.tv and FIFA+.
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