It was a hard-fought match at the 2023 Turkish women’s cup where the Zambia women’s national team the Copper Queens fell to a 1-0 defeat at the hands of Slovenia’s Zver Mateja.
Despite their best efforts, the Copper Queens fell and were unable to find a way past a resolute Slovenian defense, with Zver Mateja’s 18th-minute long-range strike proving to be the difference between the two sides.
The match was played at the Miracle Sports Complex in Turkiye, and both teams put on a strong show in the ongoing friendly tournament. Zambia’s lineup included the likes of Barbara Banda, Evarine S. Katongo, and Grace Chanda, but they were unable to break down their opponents and were left to rue missed opportunities.
The starting lineup for the Zambia Women’s National Team in their match against Slovenia at the 2023 Turkish Women’s Cup was as follows:
16 – Hazel Nali (Goalkeeper)
08 – Margaret Belemu
13 – Martha Tembo
03 – Lushomo Mweemba
15 – Agness Musesa
14 – Ireen Lungu
12 – Evarine S. Katongo
17 – Rachael Kundananji
10 – Grace Chanda
11 – Barbara Banda (Captain)
19 – Xiomara Mapapa
Despite the defeat, the Zambia Women’s National Team can hold their heads up high, knowing that they gave it their all against a strong Slovenian side. They will now turn their attention to their next match, as they look to bounce back and finish the tournament on a high note.
