MATCH REPORT: Zambia 1-1 Botswana

Zambia Women and Botswana Women battled to a 1-1 draw in their Three Nations Series clash at the Lucas Moripe Stadium, a match that showcased Zambia’s attacking intent and Botswana’s defensive resilience.

Despite Zambia entering the match with a formidable lineup featuring Barbra Banda, Racheal Kundananji, Grace Chanda, and Rachel Nachula, the Copper Queens could not find a first-half breakthrough. The opening 45 minutes ended goalless, with Zambia dominating possession (61%) and registering the only shot on target in a tightly contested period.

After the break, the game came to life. Zambia relentlessly pushed forward, producing 19 total goal attempts compared to Botswana’s 8. Zambia’s persistence finally paid off in the 67th minute when Barbra Banda capitalized on a rebound from Evarine Katongo’s long-range shot to make it 1-0.

Zambia made several tactical changes, bringing on Mercy Chipasula, Fridah Mukoma, Margaret Belemu, and Martha Tembo to reinforce their dominance. One of the substitutes, Mukoma, nearly created a second when she sent in a beautiful cross to Kundananji, whose header went over the bar.

But Botswana, who had spent much of the half on the back foot, found an equalizer against the run of play in the 79th minute. A mishandled save by Zambian goalkeeper Catherine Musonda fell kindly to Gaonyadiwe Ontlametse, who tucked it home to level the match.

Zambia continued to press in the closing stages, with Chipasula’s free kick and a powerful late effort from Kundananji forcing crucial saves from Botswana keeper Lesego Moeng. Despite Zambia’s 58% possession, 8 shots on target, and 6 corners in the second half alone, they couldn’t find a winner.

Match Summary

Goals:

• Zambia: Barbra Banda (67’)
• Botswana: Gaonyadiwe Ontlametse (79’)

Substitutions:

• Zambia:
  • 59’ Mercy Chipasula ↔ Prisca Chilufya
  • 70’ Fridah Mukoma ↔ Grace Chanda
  • 70’ Margaret Belemu ↔ Rachel Nachula
  • 80’ Martha Tembo ↔ Xiomara Mapepa

Second-Half Statistics

• Goals Attempts: Zambia 19 – 8 Botswana
• Shots on Target: Zambia 8 – 4 Botswana
• Fouls: Zambia 7 – 9 Botswana
• Yellow Cards: Zambia 2 – 1 Botswana
• Red Cards: 0 – 0
• Offsides: 1 – 0
• Corners: Zambia 6 – 5 Botswana
• Possession: Zambia 58% – 42% Botswana

Key Performers:

• Zambia: Barbra Banda, Evarine Katongo, Racheal Kundananji
• Botswana: Lesego Moeng, Gaonyadiwe Ontlametse, Refilwe Tholakele

Under Swiss coach Nora Hauptle, this result adds to her mixed start in charge of the Copper Queens. In her first five games, Zambia has managed a 2-0 win and a 3-2 defeat against Malawi, a 3-2 loss to Thailand, a thrilling 4-3 victory over Uzbekistan, and now a 1-1 draw with Botswana.

The Copper Queens now set their sights on their next international friendly against South Africa, scheduled for Tuesday, June 3 at 15h00.