Zambia head coach Bruce Mwape has unleashed his starting XI to face Costa Rica in their final fixture of the 2023 Fifa Women’s World Cup at FMG Stadium Waikato on Monday.
The Coppers Queens have struggled to produce their best form at their first-ever appearance at a Women’s World Cup finals. After suffering 5-0 defeats to both Japan and Spain, the Copper Queens are left languishing at the bottom of Group C and without a chance to qualify for the Round of 16.
In the key change to the squad that played against Spain in their second fixture, coach Mwape has drafted goalkeeper Catherine Musonda to start between the sticks, replacing Eunice Sakala while forward Barbra Banda, who features for Chinese club Shanghai Shengli, will captain the side.
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While their hopes of making the knockout rounds are over, Zambia will be hoping to claim their first win at a Women’s World Cup. The Copper Queens started the tournament reeling after their goalkeeper Hazel Nali got injured days before the World Cup began, and in the waning minutes of their opening loss to Japan their backup goalie received a red card disqualifying her from playing against Spain.
Meanwhile, Costa Rica’s second Women’s World Cup campaign will end in a group-stage exit after failing to trouble Spain and Japan in their first two matches. A 3-0 defeat to La Roja was followed by a 2-0 loss to Japan on Wednesday, leaving Costa Rica in third place and with no chance of making it to the knockout rounds.
Zambia starting XI: Catherine Musonda, Lushomo Mwemba, Susan Banda, Margaret Belemu, Barbra Banda, Evarine Katongo, Martha Tembo, Agnes Musesa, Rachael Kundananji, Hellen Chanda, and Avell Chitundu.
Subs: Leticia Lungu, Eunice Sakala, Judith Soko, Mary Mulenga, Mary Wilombe, Oseke Ochumba, Hellen Mubanga, Comfort Selemani, Ireen Lungu, Xiomara Mapepa, Esther Banda and Vast Phiri.
Costa Rica starting XI: Daniela Solera, Maria Coto, Fabiola Villalobos, Mariana Benavides, Elizondo, Daphne Melissa Herrera, Granados, Katherine Alvarado, Sheika Scott, Raquel Rodriguez, Priscila Chinchilla.