. Mupopo

By MOSES CHIMFWEMBE –
ZAMBIA will this afternoon be seeking to wrap up a disappointing TN Mobile 2014 Africa Women Championship (AWC) maiden appearance on a high note when they take on Les Elephants of Ivory Coast in their final Group A match at the Independence Stadium in Windhoek.
Having lost their last two games to the hosts Namibia via a 2-0 score and the 6-0 bashing to six-time champions and tournament favorites Nigeria to bow out of the competition, the Shepolopolo will be aiming for a face saver result.
The Shepolopolo must put up brave faces to down an impressive Les Elephants side that is still in contention of a semi-final spot together with Namibia, whom they silenced 3-1 on Tuesday.
Zambia have so far conceded eight goals and scored none in the last two games and Coach Charles Bwale will be looking for a better show from the lasses.
The Shepolopolo will be without Grace Zulu, who was red carded in the Nigeria defeat and Bwale is likely to beef up his midfield with Carol Howes, while skipper Kabange Mupopo and Helen Mubanga will lead the attack.
Anne Kabanji and Emelda Musonda must form a barricade at the back to halt Estelle Nahi, Ines Tia and Christelle N’Guessan, who caused to the Brave Gladiators defence.
“We are looking forward to picking up a good result in our final game. Having been eliminated already, we are targeting to finish the competition on a high note and salvage some pride for the country.
“It is unfortunate that we have not managed to score a single goal in the tournament and I think we cannot just get back home with nothing, so this game presents an opportunity for the players to play freely without any fears, otherwise the much needed exposure has been attained,” Bwale said.
For Ivory Coast, nothing short of the maximum points will see them through to the semi-finals with Namibia, who play Nigeria at the same time, also eyeing a win to cruise to the next stage.