U20 SHEPOLOPOLO AIM AT GHANA

Zambia aim to finish the job this afternoon when they meet Ghana in the U20 FIFA Women’s World Cup Costa Rica 2022 third round, second leg qualifier match. Kick-off is set for 17:00hours CAT at the 40,000 capacity Cape Coast stadium and the match will be streamed live on Facebook. After playing out to a goalless draw in the first leg at Nkoloma stadium, any type of draw other than 0-0 will send Zambia to the next round against Uganda.

Coach Charles Haalubono is expected to field a squad strong enough to get some early goals to unsettle the Black Princesses. Xiomara Mapepa is expected to lead the front line supported by Police Doves striker Eneless Phiri with Namasiku Lungowe a strong contender. Qualification to the next round will keep the Young Copper Queens on course for their debut World Cup appearance while Ghana is chasing a record sixth appearance.

Having returned faith in most of the players that featured in the goalless first leg encounter, Haalubono has an avalanche of players at his disposal with first-choice goalkeeper Loveness Tonge expected to be retained in the starting XI. Martha Katila, Margrate Chisenga, and Esther Siamfuko are expected to be deployed at the back to thwart any threats from the hosts, with Sante Mutukwa, Pauline Zulu, Judith Soko, and Bertha Imponene also available for selection. The midfield has been spiced by the coming of red-hot U17 skipper Lubasi Pumulo, who is expected to combine with captain Evarine Katongo, Loveness Malunga, Tisilile Lungu, and Agness Phiri. Precious Phiri and Shelly Masumo also have something to offer.