MWAPE PICKS POSITIVES

“We played well especially in the first half because we were able to contain them playing the host nation games become difficulty because you will be playing with 14 players including the referees.

“If you saw how the referee handled the game, she was trying to support the home team but otherwise the girls played well despite making a few mistakes especially on the right, there were too many negative passes both in the first and second half. If only we can improve on that one, I think we will do better,” Mwape said.

Mwape is happy that his players followed instructions especially in the first half where the defence proved to be solid and prevented Morocco from scoring.

“The positives, tactically when it comes to defending the players followed instructions except in the second half after some changes and going forward was a problem with our midfielders.

“The midfielders were a bit slow as they played flat instead of going into support, one was remaining and playing as if we had two holding midfielders yet our plan was to have one holding midfielder. Joining upfront was a problem but the positive is that we were reacting fast. I’m sure the solution will be found,” Mwape said.

Mwape said he was happy with the way some young stars accounted for themselves in the friendly match against Morocco.

He noted the need for the Copper Queens to play another friendly before June 28 to carry out a final assessment of the team before the AWCON kicks off.

Meanwhile, head of the Zambian mission in Morocco, Eliphas Chinyonga congratulated the Coper Queens for putting up a spirited fight against the Moroccans who are ranked eighth in Africa.

“We are looking forward to an exciting tournament. The Zambian team looks very disciplined and if they can keep their discipline we are looking forward to good results. From our part as a small group of Zambians in Morocco, we assure them of our support,” Chinyonga said. Chinyonga urged the Coppern Queens to remain disciplined to impress when the tournament kicks off on July 2 to July 23.

Zambia will compete in Group B for the 2022 AWCON alongside the continents giants Cameroon, North African side, Tunisia and Togo.