Copper Queens: A World Cup Dream Fulfilled

And so it comes to an end, what a ride the 2023 Women’s World Cup has been for the Zambians. Australia and New Zealand the hosts. Zambia first time participants.

The Copper Queens as they are fondly known, booked their flight to the footballing showpiece in New Zealand after a 4:2 penalty shootout victory over Senegal that sent them to the semis of the AFCON with the decisive spot kick scored by goalkeeper Hazel Nali. Take note of the name.

In a bid to adequately prepare for the tournament, they played a few high profile friendlies. They conceded 5 in back to back games against South Korea, lost 3:2 against the Irish, drew 3 all versus the Swiss, it was the final fixture against Germany that caught the world’s attention.

Die Nationalelf, 2nd in the world and one of the tournament favourites, probably anticipated a stroll in the park against 77th ranked Zambia. They received quite a startling shock when star player and Captain Barbara Banda blitzed past the last defender and whacked in a last minute goal to seal a 3:2 win.

Cue the euphoria, with that goal the Zambians dared to dream. Surely if they could beat the Germans they could beat anyone? The tag of dark horses had been earned. Unfortunately the joy was short lived as news filtered in that Hazel had missed the game after picking up an ACL injury and was out for the duration of competition. A few days later forward Grace Chanda was ruled out too. The first of many blows to strike the Zambians.

An unfortunate but rather straightforward issue you’d assume, well it never really is that way with Zambians. Turns out Hazel, though acknowledging her injury, aired her doubts through the media that her injury may not be the sole reason she was axed from the team. It was reported that the technical team initially believed she was feigning injury to avoid playing and that she was causing discord in the camp by demanding allowances owed to them. In what would become a running theme throughout the tournament, it would take Government intervention to put the matter to rest through various assurances.

With that sorted, you’d be amiss to assume that was the end of the distractions. Upon arrival of the Sky Jila in New Zealand, Zambia’s head coach Bruce Mwape, was bombarded with questions regarding an investigation of alleged sexual misconduct. Coach Bruce, visibly stumped and ill prepared for the questions, declined to offer a comment and so did skipper Barbara Banda. The allegations would continue to cast a long shadow over the team during the tournament with the media missing no opportunity to raise them.

Expectations were high for the opening encounter against 2011 champions Japan, and after a nervy 1st half, the Copper Queens were only down by a goal. With the nation hoping the rushed and misplaced passes were merely a sign of jittery nerves expected of any debutants on such a grand stage, the 2nd half offered no improvement as they conceded a further 4 goals including a red for stand in goalkeeper Catherine Musonda. This left Zambia down to her 3rd choice goalkeeper with a fixture against a dominant Spanish side looming. In jest, the Zambian fans threatened to ditch their Japanese made vehicles in the name of patriotism.

5 nil? This simply could not stand. Why would they lose by so many? Could it be the injuries? Nerves? Allegations around the coach or the owed allowances? A sane person would probably pin it on a combination of the above and of course the small matter of Japan simply being a better side. But football fans are hardly a sane bunch. After all, we beat the Germans. To absolutely nobody’s shock, blame was shifted to the boots not being the right type for the turf. The government swooped in yet again to save the day with some new boots. Of course after some cheap PR to go with it.

With new leather on their feet, the Zambians felt invincible. Japan was but a mere banana skin on the path to victory, the Spanish would be vanquished. Final score? 5:0. The Copper Queens were out of their maiden World Cup appearance with a game to spare, 10 goals conceded and none scored. The Zambians were inconsolable at full time. Only a dead rubber versus Costa Rica remained.

The reaction back home? The claims of imminent glory had dissipated into whimpers of “We tried, it was our first time, the girls should be proud.’’ No Bwalya, don’t lie. You said it was coming home and even put Zambia direct at the bookies.

With the pressure off, attention turned to the Costa Ricans and they received the full brunt of Zambia’s frustration after their earlier humiliation against Japan and Spain. 3:1 it ended in the favour of the Zambians. First goal and first win in their first ever appearance secured. They’re leaving with something.

The Copper Queens should expect a thunderous welcome in Lusaka. Fate played them a bad hand with the strength of their group opponents but for the worst ranked team in the tournament they played with pride and can hold their heads up high.

The results and overall play exposed how far behind the top teams we remain. With no space in behind to exploit, we resorted to pinging it long then hoping for the best. That’s before we make mention of the glaring gulf in technical ability. However in all fairness this is endemic of even the men’s side. Women’s football gets some respite for being in its early stages of development. The support will continue to grow but it is pertinent and in the Zambian FA’s best interest to clear up the allegations around Coach Bruce Mwape before the next assignment.