. Bwale

By MOSES CHIMFWEMBE –
SHEPOLOPOLO coach Charles Bwale has said technical errors cost the Zambian lasses in their humiliating 6-0 defeat to six-time champions, Nigeria on Tuesday at the ongoing TN Mobile 2014 Africa Women Championship (AWC) in Namibia.
The embarrassing loss  at the Sam Nujoma Stadium in Windhoek saw the Shepolopolo become the first country to fall victim to early elimination, having lost 2-0 to fellow debutants Namibia in the opening match.
Bwale said in an interview from Windhoek yesterday that his side was intimidated by the Super Falcons’ record resulting in the players making unnecessary errors.
He said despite the Nigeria bashing being disappointing, his players had gained necessary exposure at the international stage.
“We made a lot of mistakes in defence and I think that was because of the intimidation that Nigeria posed but I think this being the first time we are participating at such a tournament, we will do better next time.
“The players put in their best but the Nigerians were just too strong for us and I like the character we showed despite suffering humiliation,” Bwale said.
Bwale said the team was now targeting a win against Ivory Coast in the final Group A match to be played at Independence Stadium tomorrow.
The Shepolopolo will be seeking their first victory at the competition after conceding eight times in two games.
“We are targeting a win against Ivory Coast because we cannot just get back home with no point or a goal, so even if we are out of the tournament, we have to take this game seriously,” he said.
Football Association of Zambia treasurer, Kelvin Mutafu, who is also delegation leader, urged the team to put up a brave face when they clash with Les Elephants tomorrow.
“The team has to put the defeat behind and forge ahead in the next game, we lost to a better team and I think the most important thing is the experience we have gained,” Mutafu said.