Zambia women’s soccer team makes long-awaited return to Olympics

Zambia women makes long-awaited soccer return to Olympics

JOHANNESBURG, July 21 (ANA) – Zambia on Wednesday will mark its return to the Olympics in the women’s soccer event when they face the Netherlands in their Group F match at Miyagi stadium, in Tokyo.

The last Olympic qualification for any football team from Zambia was in 1988 when the team reached the quarterfinals.

Zambia had also previously qualified for the 1976 and 1980 Olympics, although the country boycotted the 1976 Montreal Games for political reasons.

The spotlight on Wednesday will be on the Barbara Banda-captained side that are the sole representatives for the African continent.

Zambia negotiated its way through a competitive qualification process that saw them sweep aside the Indomitable Lionesses of Cameroon in the final qualifying round in a two-legged tie.

The Netherlands will also be making their debut at the tournament.

Although Zambia defender Martha Tembo is suspended for the opener, coach Bruce Mwape named a 22-member squad which is expected to compete for places, with Israel-based goalkeeper Hazel Nali expected to start in goal ahead of Catherine Musonda and N’gambo Musole.

Lushomo Mweemba, Margaret Belemu and Anita Mulenga are all poised to start at the back that also has Fikile Khosa, Esther Siamfuko and Vast Phiri with midfielders Ireen ‘Xavi’ Lungu, Mary Wilombe, Hellen Chanda, Esther Namukwasa and Rachael Kundananji in contention to provide the cover in the middle of the park.

Grace Chanda is expected to lead the attack to partner Barbara Banda with Spain-based Hellen Mubanga, Ochumba Oseke Lubanji and Avell Chitundu also available. – African News Agency (ANA), Editing by Michael Sherman