Olympics Preview: Zambia

Above: The Copper Queens are on their way to weaving more magic at the Olympics. Photo: FAZ.

by Genevieve Henry (20/7/24).

In the past few years, Zambia have become one the most exciting teams in women’s football, drawing eyes from all over the world to witness their meteoric rise.

Although they are the lowest-ranked team participating, Zambia are a fun and exciting project. If they can persevere through off-field challenges, they could be the team to watch.

With the two most expensive female footballers of all time, the Copper Queens are an attacking juggernaut with the potential to damage even the most solid of defences. Zambia are on the front line of the rise of women’s football in Africa and they will hope to prove what makes them so special at their second Olympics appearance.

Squad

Goalkeepers: Catherine Musonda, Ngambo Musole.

Defenders: Martha Tembo, Lushomo Mweemba, Esther Siamfuko, Diana Banda, Esther Muchinga, Pauline Zulu.

Midfielders: Grace Chanda, Misozi Zulu, Hellen Chanda, Rhodah Chileshe, Avell Chitundu, Prisca Chilufya.

Forwards: Barbra Banda, Ochumba Oseke, Rachael Kundananji, Kabange Mupopo.

Alternate Players (can only be selected if any players above are injured): Vast Phiri (DF), Rachael Nachula (FW), Mary Wilombe (MF), Eunice Sakala (GK).

Head Coach

**Above:** Bruce Mwape in a press conference. **Image:** FAZ.

Bruce Mwape has led the Copper Queens since 2018, leading them to their most successful period ever. He has helped them qualify for three major tournaments now, impressing in both the Tokyo Olympics and the 2023 World Cup with their goalscoring and energy. He also led them to their best-ever finish at the African Cup of Nations, finishing third which enabled them to qualify for their first World Cup.

However, these achievements by the team have come at the same time as a number of reported issues in the camp over a longer period of time. According to The Guardian, Mwape is not allowed private contact with the players during the Olympics, as he is being investigated for sexual misconduct.

Olympics History

Coming into their second Olympic Games, Zambia should be more prepared than ever after two major tournaments in the book. In Tokyo, they delivered thrilling results such as a 4-4 draw with China, a 10-3 loss to the Netherlands, and a 1-0 loss to Brazil. They have what it takes to score, but their defence is what will make or break their results.

How They Qualified

The Copper Queens qualified for Paris by beating Morocco 3-2 on aggregate in a play-off in the fourth round of the African qualifiers. Zambia had to overcome a 2-1 loss in the first leg by beating them 2-0 in the return fixture, an impressive feat under pressure.

Strengths

Zambia have one of the most threatening attacks in the world. With incredible speed and strength, as well as finishing skills, they can and will score against even the most capable of defences. The Copper Queens have players plying their trade all over the world, in Zambia, the USA, Kazakhstan, Israel, Mexico, and Turkey; bringing a variety of styles and experiences to the pitch. This adds to the squad’s experience and depth all over the field.

Development Areas

Although their defence may be shaky at times, it’s due to the lack of time and resources they have together. If they can solidify their backline, Zambia could become a truly formidable outfit.

Key Players

**Above:** Barbra Banda and Rachael Kundananji, two of the world’s best players, celebrating. **Image:** FAZ.

The Copper Queens making headlines for Zambia, especially since joining the NWSL, are Barbra Banda and Rachael Kundananji. These two have an inevitable goal-scoring prowess, especially when combined. With 24 goals, Kundananji brings incredible power to Zambia. Next to her, Banda has scored 53 goals in 60 games, and she’s already off to a flying start in the States with Orlando Pride at the top of the Golden Boot race. Combined, the two 24-year-olds are unstoppable. But, they are not the Copper Queens’ only stars.

Alongside Banda at Orlando Pride, Grace Chanda controls the midfield and adds plenty of goals herself. She makes it possible for Kundananji and Banda to thrive. Behind her, are defensive stalwarts Martha Tembo and Margaret Belemu, who lead the backline with skill and passion.

One to Watch

**Above:** Lushomo Mweemba (white shirt) in a tussle against Costa Rica. **Photo:** FIFA.

Lushomo Mweemba may not be one of the biggest names for those outside of Zambia, her impact for the Copper Queens is mighty. The 23-year-old defender has been playing for her country since 2018, making her one of the more experienced players in the squad. Remarkably, she scored Zambia’s first-ever World Cup goal–male or female. Mweemba plays for Zambian league powerhouse Green Buffaloes along with many of her national teammates, bringing that communication and connection to the defence. Mweemba not only strengthens the backline but offers something special going forward.

Success Would Be

If Zambia manage to get a win, they will have succeeded. While they are in an extremely competitive group, it is certainly possible with the attacking power they boast. If they can hit their opponents on the counterattack and silence their goal scorers, they could put up a real fight. There were high hopes for Zambia going into the 2023 World Cup that were ultimately given a reality check when faced with the difficulty of tournament football, but the Copper Queens have the potential and the motivation to be great at this Olympic Games.

Prediction

Zambia are likely to go out in the group stage due to the harsh reality of the tournament. Although they have star power, the Copper Queens lack depth and tournament experience. Up against the three teams with the arguably biggest aspirations, Zambia would have to dig deep and pull out something truly special to make it to the knockout rounds. They will almost surely score, like at the Tokyo Olympics, and if they can replicate how they beat Germany last year, they’d have a better chance.