By SANDRA MWILA –
THE Zambia Under-17 women’s team on Friday twice gave up the lead and allowed University of California to snatch a 3-2 win in an enthralling practice match in San Francisco.
In their second preparatory match for the FIFA Costa Rica 2015 Under-17 Women’s World Cup-bound squad in the United States of America, the Zambian lasses drew first blood on 40 minutes when the varsity’s goalkeeper, Maddie Julian failed to handle Ireen Lungu’s grass cutter.
Lungu’s goal came after Zambia had rattled the woodwork on half hour mark.
After restart, the varsity team, boasting of United States international Alex Morgan, made several tactical changes which included the introduction of Nigeria’s experienced duo of Ife Onumonu and Grace Leer, who used their physique to subdue the Zambian central defence.
According to Football Association of Zambia (FAZ), on 55 minutes, Onumonu deservedly restored parity with a sweetly struck low drive, giving goalkeeper, Hazel Nali no chance.
Zambia responded almost immediately with relentless attack but the woodwork denied Albert Kachinga’s lasses a second goal.
However, in the 80th minute Grace Chanda restored Zambia’s lead with a scorcher.
But with the game seemingly heading Zambia’s way, laxity in defence allowed an unmarked Leer to draw level when she tapped in at the far post.
A mix-up in stoppage time between Martha Tembo and substitute goalkeeper, Musole Ngambo gifted Onumonu with another goal to complete her brace and secure the varsity a win.
It was Zambia’s second loss in as many games.
Despite the loss, Kachinga expressed satisfaction with the overall performance of his charges especially that the team was able to replicate the resilience and tenacity that helped them subdue South Africa and qualify to the World Cup.
FAZ vice-president, Boniface Mwamelo, who is with the team, said the Zambian lasses would be heading to their Costa Rica base on Tuesday ahead of the team’s opening match on March 15.
And FAZ president, Kalusha Bwalya has acknowledged the contribution of Zambian women towards the development of sports especially football.
In his Women’s Day message, Kalusha said the contribution by women to Zambia’s development, in the field of sport, especially in football had been phenomenon.
Kalusha said the women in sport had brought honour and dignity to the nation, citing an example of the Under-17 women’s team that made history by qualifying to the World Cup for the first time.
“We are especially happy that the women team rose to the occasion and made sure that Zambia had a place on the world map,” he said.
Kalusha also paid tribute to the 2013 Woman referee of the year, Gladys Lengwe, who is one of the match officials at the Costa Rica Women’s Under-17 World Cup finals.
“The fact that Gladys has been given this mammoth task of officiating at such a huge tournament underscores the fact that Zambian women are attaining world recognition in their disciplines”
The 1988 Africa footballer of the year has also challenged corporate bodies to help sustain the momentum gained by the young ladies by partnering with the Football Association of Zambia in developing women soccer in the country.
Kalusha has wished all the women of Zambia great success in their endeavours.