Zambia makes its Women’s World Cup debut towards Japan as a questionable participant within the elite match.
The Copper Queens certified due to Africa’s qualifying format. Because they’re ranked 77th on the earth, critics have questioned if the workforce can be right here if it had competed for every other continental confederation.
But then Zambia shocked in a three-match tour by way of Europe, main in each match whereas drawing towards Switzerland earlier than notching an upset win over Germany.
Its subsequent problem is a Group C match towards Japan to be performed in Hamilton, New Zealand. The group additionally consists of Spain and Costa Rica.
Long time period plan
Zambia has a long-term plan and just one participant in its squad is over the age of 28. Barbra Banda, the captain and the workforce’s finest participant, is simply 23 years previous. She has scored 22 objectives in 10 appearances for Zambia.
Zambia isn’t identified for its defence and sometimes appeared drained on the finish of its latest matches, giving up eight objectives on the European tour.
The workforce is also shrouded in controversy amid reviews that coach Bruce Mwape has been accused of sexual misconduct. He has denied wrongdoing however FIFA is investigating.
Mwape stated on Friday the Copper Queens are assured they could be a match for any opponent within the match, buoyed by their shock 3-2 pleasant win over world quantity two Germany a fortnight in the past.
Zambia head coach Bruce Mwape throughout the press convention forward of opening match and Women’s World Cup recreation towards Japan.
| Photo Credit:
AP
Zambia head coach Bruce Mwape throughout the press convention forward of opening match and Women’s World Cup recreation towards Japan.
| Photo Credit:
AP
“As far as I am concerned, we are not underdogs. The only ones who might think that are our opponents. We don’t think that we regard ourselves as a big team that can challenge any other team in the world,” he stated.
“We have been preparing for this World Cup for the last two months and I feel we are ready for any team in the tournament.”
Japan is clinging to its standing as a powerhouse after profitable the title in 2011 and making the ultimate in 2015. Its squad is essentially comprised of gamers that gained the Under-20 Women’s World Cup 5 years in the past. More than half the roster is 24 or youthful.
The veteran is 26-year-old Yui Hasegawa, a central midfielder who began every of Manchester City’s 20 Women’s Super League matches final season.
Injury setback for Zambia
Zambia’s key attacking midfielder Grace Chanda was dominated out of the match, workforce officers confirmed.
It is the second main withdrawal for coach Mwape’s aspect after first-choice goalkeeper Hazel Nali suffered a severe knee harm and was changed within the squad by teenager Leticia Lungu.
Zambia workforce physician Faith Chibeza didn’t elaborate on the rationale behind Chanda’s absence, however a supply instructed Reuters she had been hospitalised for therapy.
“Grace Chanda has been taken ill and unfortunately she is out of the tournament. We have done everything we can to help her, she is getting all the attention she needs but she won’t be able to take part,” Chibeza stated.
Chanda, 26, is a former captain of the aspect and vastly influential participant who has been a key a part of Zambia’s fast rise in worldwide soccer in recent times.
She has been changed within the squad by 18-year-old Comfort Selemani, who was a part of the preliminary choice however didn’t make the ultimate minimize.
Source: sportstar.thehindu.com