Copper Queens to Face New Zealand in Lyon as Part of Olympic Preparations
The Zambia Women National Team, affectionately known as the Copper Queens, will play an international friendly against New Zealand on July 13, 2024, in France. This match is part of their final preparations for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. The game will take place at Stade Louis Darragon in Vichy.
The Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) General Secretary, Reuben Kamanga, announced the fixture, emphasizing that the friendly aligns with the caliber of opponents in Group B, which includes the United States, Australia, and Germany.
“The Copper Queens will play their first international friendly during the camp against New Zealand in Lyon on July 13. This match is crucial as we aim to maintain the high standards of preparation we have set for our teams participating in international tournaments,” Kamanga said.
He noted that New Zealand, ranked 28th in the world, presents a formidable challenge, having recently co-hosted the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup. In contrast, the Copper Queens are currently ranked 65th.
Coach Bruce Mwape’s team will move to France for the final phase of their Olympic preparations. Some foreign-based players will join the camp directly in France as their leagues are still active.
Kamanga highlighted the Copper Queens’ growing prominence in women’s football, following their participation in the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, their bronze medal win at the Women Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), and their appearance at the 2023 FIFA World Cup.
The Copper Queens will commence their Olympic campaign on July 25 against the United States at the Stade de Nice, followed by a match against the Matildas three days later at the same venue. Their final Group B match will be against Germany on July 31 in St Etienne.
FAZ Communications Manager Sydney Mungala underscored the significance of these high-profile friendlies in building the team’s competitiveness and readiness for the Olympic challenge.
