. Banda
By MOSES CHIMFWEMBE –
Zambia 1 Ivory Coast 1
THE Shepolopolo yesterday wrapped up the TN Mobile 9th Africa Women Championship (AWC) with a draw against Les Elephants of Ivory Coast in the final Group A match played at the Independence Stadium in Windhoek.
Having been eliminated going into this particular encounter with 2-0 and 6-0 losses to Namibia and Nigeria respectively, Zambia were playing for pride as they put up an impressive performance to frustrate Ivory Coast, who needed a victory to seal a semi final spot.
Les Elephants started the game on high note, powering in an opener inside three minutes via Nahi Josee, who fired from close range with superb precision past goalkeeper Miriam Katamanda.
The Shepolopolo quickly re-organised and looked a more organised side in defence after conceding and early goal.
Mary Mwakapila would have equalised on 14 minutes but her header from a Kabange Mupopo corner go inches over the bar.
Susan Banda restored parity 13 minutes after restart when she finished off Mupopo’s square pass in the box.
It was Zambia’s first goal at the tournament and the Shepolopolo held on to bow out with a point after conceding nine goals in just three games.
