FIFA Women’s World Cup debutants, Zambia are not intimidated at all ahead of the Copper Queens’ opening match against Japan. According to Florence Mwila, it is not about being debutants.
“Nothing really intimidates the Copper Queens but we know that they play a fast game,” Mwila said about Zambia’s first-ever opponents at a World Cup, Japan.
Mwila is satisfied with Zambia’s preparations for the global tournament which is being co-hosted by Australia and New Zealand.
“We’ve put in a lot. We thank the government and the Football Association of Zambia for the quality international friendlies that we’ve had. I think for the first time the team has had so many friendlies,” explained Mwila.
Zambia had trips to Columbia and Turkey, where the Copper Queens participated in a tournament. The team’s preparations also included a high-profile win over Germany.
“I think that Germany friendly gave a morale boost to the team to push hard and know that everything is possible but we cannot relax and say we beat Germany,” stressed the assistant national team coach.
After Japan, the Copper Queens will lock horns with Spain before ending the group stage against Costa Rica.
“I’m seeing us going all the way to the end of the tournament. It’s never about being debutants. It’s about what you put in and how much you believe in what you’re doing as a team,” said a confident Mwila.
ZAMBIA PROGRAM AT 2023 FIFA WOMENS WORLD CUP
22 July vs Japan
26 July vs Spain
31 July vs Costa Rica