Zambia's Copper Queens will face Malawi's Scorchers this afternoon at the Woodlands Stadium in Lusaka, reigniting their historic rivalry. The international friendly match promises to be thrilling, as both teams boast formidable line-ups and high stakes.
Kickoff is set for 15:00 hours local time, and fans are eager to see their beloved teams take to the pitch. This match also marks the debut for Zambia’s new head coach, Nora Hauptle, whose strategies will be closely monitored as the team gears up for the upcoming Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).
Previous encounters have set the stage for what many expect to be another competitive show. The two teams have met seven times since 2012, with the record remarkably close. Each team has secured three wins, along with one draw, showcasing the balanced nature of this rivalry. Their latest clash at the 2024 Cosafa Women’s Championship saw Zambia triumph 2-0, avenging their loss to Malawi during the previous year’s Cosafa Cup final.
The match will spotlight key players, particularly Zambia’s captain Barbara Banda and dynamic forward Rachael Kundananji. They will be going head-to-head with Malawi's famous Chawinga sisters, Tabitha and Temwa, both of whom have shone on international stages and are pivotal to their team's offensive strategies.
Malawi's coach, Lovemore Fazili, expressed confidence heading to the match, stating, "We are going to give Zambia a good test. We need to get positive results from the matches." This not only highlights their determination but also the expectation for Malawi to establish themselves as strong contenders.
Conversely, Zambia's new coach Hauptle appears focused on solidifying team performance. She said, "We need to focus on the performance on the pitch," echoing the need for her squad to develop cohesion and strategy heading toward WAFCON.
With the historical backdrop of previous meetings and the urgency of this game, both teams are on their toes, aware of the significance beyond just the score on the board. Barbara Banda reflected, "This is a game to determine how far we have come with our preparations," underlining the importance of this friendly match as both teams look forward to the qualifiers.
Supporters of both nations will be hoping for memorable moments as their teams clash once more on the field, making this friendly not just about football, but about national pride and future aspirations. This afternoon’s encounter will serve as both preparation for future tournaments and continued rivalry between the Copper Queens and the Scorchers.