CHITUNDU LATE WINNER SINK TUNISIA

Zambia’s chances of qualifying to the quarter finals at the ongoing Women’s TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations received a major boost following the Copper Queens 1-0 victory over Tunisia.

The Copper Queens came into yesterday’s game gunning for maximum points after getting a crucial barren draw against Cameroon.

Unlike Zambia, Tunisia were aiming to snatch a point or maximum points in order to boost their chances of automatically qualifying to the quarterfinals after recording a resounding victory over Togo in their opening game.

Zambia dominated much of the proceedings and could have gone a goal up in the 29’ minute- winning a penalty after Siomala Mapepa was fouled in the goal area by Rania Aouina.

Ochumba Lubandji stepped up to take the ensuing kick, albeit she ballooned the ball over the crossbar.

The match went to halftime scoreless with both teams hoping to register some goals in the second half.

In the second half, Coach Bruce Mwape’s charges came back stronger-creating numerous scoring chances to no avail.

Seven minutes after the hour mark, Mapepa found the net after curling home a beautiful freekick, but the goal was disallowed for off offside.

With the game almost done and dusted, ZESCO Ndola Girls striker, Avell Chitundu was the heroine of the day after she blasted home a close range shot that condemned Tunisia to a 1-0 defeat.

Chitundu’s late winner catapulted the Copper Queens to the summit of Group B with four points from two games whilst Tunisia sit in second position with three points.

The Indomitable Lionesses sit in third position after failing to tame Togo with the latter holding on to a 1-all draw.

Author: Desmond Katongo