HAMILTON, New Zealand
Zambia’s coach is under investigation for sexual assault, its star player got banned from a key African tournament and at 77th the team is lowest ranked of any at the Women’s World Cup.
And yet the Copper Queens are coming off a surprise win over Germany and know how to score. Heading into its opener Saturday against Japan, Zambia doesn’t see itself as a lost cause but as a team with more than a chance.
“As far as I’m concerned, we cannot consider ourselves as underdogs,” Zambia coach Bruce Mwape said. “Others will look at us as underdogs, not ourselves.
“We regard ourselves as a big team that can challenge any other team in the world.”
Scoring nine goals in their last four matches, the Copper Queens have drawn attention with their performances. And just ahead of its first World Cup appearance, Zambia won its final tune-up friendly against the second-ranked team in the world, Germany.
The team captain, 23-year-old Barbra Banda, sealed a 3-2 victory with a pair of goals that included a 102nd-minute winner against the two-time world champions.
The journey for most Zambian players, from their start in the sport to that victory and this Women’s World Cup, was long and difficult. Team photographer Chisanga Siame said many players representing Zambia grew up playing on pitches without grass and without basic equipment like cleats.
The players “are coming from very average and poor backgrounds,” Siame said. “People that have been literally playing for free for most of their career within the local league, and here they are, living their dream at the World Cup.”
Off the pitch, it’s also been a tough road to New Zealand.
Mwape has been at the center of an investigation for sexual misconduct in the Zambian soccer association.
