Women's World Cup: Zambia coach Mwape gunning for confidence boosting win in opener

Head coach of the Zambian women’s national team, Bruce Mwape says victory in the opening match of the ongoing FIFA Women’s World Cup™ would set them off on the right track.

The Copper Queens are preparing to kick off their first ever FIFA Women’s World Cup™ appearance against Japan on Saturday, 22 July at 07h00 GMT and coach Mwape believes that a win would go a long way in boosting their confidence ahead of their other Group C encounters.

The Zambians are drawn in tough Group C consisting of Japan, Spain and Costa Rica who will all be a difficult hurdle to get over for the Southern Africans.

“I think tomorrow’s game is the game that will boost the morale of our team, especially if we come out with an important result. Not that these other games are not important, they are equally important but if we get the first game, we will know how to go about the remaining games”, said Mwape.

While this will be their maiden FIFA World Cup™ campaign, facing internationally competitive sides will not be an entirely new experience for the team that finished third at the recent TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, Morocco 2022.

The Copper Queens displayed impeccable tactical acumen in their 3-3 draw against Switzerland a few weeks ago before sending global shockwaves with a 3-2 victory over Germany a few days later in preparation for the tournament.

“What I can say about the game is that it will not be easy. All of us are fighting for the same goal. We want to qualify. Even our opponents want to advance but as far we are concerned, we are ready and prepared adequately”, concluded the coach.

Meanwhile, red-hot, Barbara Banda said she did not want to read too much into her brace against Germany, adding that the focus should be on the team and the team doing well as a whole.

“Yes, its quite right I scored the two goals against Germany, but it’s about the teamwork that we had. From the start of our preparations, we have been determined as a team and I think at the end, we want to achieve one goal, which is to do better at this World Cup”, said Banda.