Zambia crush Uzbekistan

ZAMBIA national women’s team concluded the 2023 Turkish Women’s Cup by humiliating Uzbekistan 4-0 at the Miracle Sport Complex in Alanya.
A first half goal from Grace Chanda and three second half goals from Rachel Nachula, Rachel Kundananji and Barbra Banda secured the win as the Copper Queens bounced back from the 1-0 defeat to Slovenia.
The Copper Queens had dominated play from the first whistle and it only took Chanda eight minutes to break the deadlock after finishing off a rebound from a Barbara Banda shot.
Zambia almost doubled their advantage a few minutes before the half hour mark with a beautiful counter attack which resulted in striker Misozi Zulu’s shot from inside the box being blocked by Uzbekistan defenders.
In the dying minutes of the first half, Chanda and Barbra Banda could have punished Uzbekistan with goals but they were unfortunate to see their chances going wide.
In the second half, coach Bruce Mwape made changes and introduced Evarine Katongo, Esther Siamfuko, Rachael Nachula and Hellen Chanda for Misozi Zulu, Margaret Belemu, Ochumba Oseke Lubanji and Grace Chanda respectively.
The substitutes combined well four minutes before the hour mark as Katongo delivered a superb cross that was headed into the back of the net by Nachula.
Two minutes after the hour mark, Uzbekistan were trailing by three goals after Kundananji scored with a beautiful free-kick from over 30 yards.
Four minutes later Barbara Banda added her name on the score sheet with a beautiful long range strike from a free-kick to give the Copper Queens a 4-0 win.
The victory was Zambia’s second at the tournament in Turkey were they stunned North Macedonia 1-0 in the first game.
Meanwhile, Zambia’s Ambassador to Turkey William Sikazwe says the Turkish Women’s Cup has given the Copper Queens a chance to hone their skills ahead of the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
Sikazwe, who watched as the team stunned Uzbekistan, said while the recent happenings in Turkey cast fears on the tournament, it was gratifying to see that the team has been able to participate at the annual tournament.
Sikazwe however cautioned the Copper Queens to remain focused and continue working hard as they prepare for the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup to be co-hosted by Australia and New Zealand.
“We need to polish up. It’s a World Cup. I want us to remain focused as we play, if we get to play USA, take them on. This is the opportunity that God gave us for us to come and prepare. Remain focused, FAZ is going to organise more friendlies for you,” Sikazwe said.