Shepolopolo captain and striker Barbra Banda has hailed the remarkable improvement Zambia has made in their second Group F match at the ongoing Tokyo Olympics in Japan.
The Zambian women drew 4-4 with China on Saturday to erase their 10-3 Olympic debut defeat at the hands of Holland on July 21 to put themselves in the hunt for a quarterfinal place.
In a post-match interview, Banda, who has scored two hat tricks at the games, told journalists that Zambian players showed character against China.
“I think there is a lot of improvement in the team – looking at the previous game we had. I think what we wanted most is to win,” Banda said.
“Most of the girls this is their first time having a big competition. I think they have gained the morale and are able to play. I like the team spirit we have,” she said.
Coach Bruce Mwape’s side must beat Brazil this Tuesday in Saitama to strengthen their hopes of clinching one of the two third best finisher quarterfinal berths in the three-group , twelve team Olympic Women’s Football competition.
“We still have hope and we have a strong feeling that we can do something again in the next match. I think in the next game we want the three points. That is our aim,” Banda said.
Zambia are three points behind second placed Brazil and leaders Holland who drew 3-3 to move to 4 points after Saturdays penultimate Group F games.
Nothing impressive. We only expect wins. A draw is a loss
For record sake it’s not shepolopolo . It’s CHIPOLOPOLO . Period !!!!
For such a young and developing women football, they deserve to be praised. The girls worked very hard but I think game management in the end cost them the much coveted win. Bruce needs some coaching clinics on game management. The girls stretched themselves too much instead of managing the energy to keep the score line at 4-3. Now facing Brazil is a tough one but I wish them the very best! Go girls go!
Not the right time to talk. Lets wait for Brazil and whack them. But our goalkeeper Yaba!
For the first time, I agree with KZ above. They basically came for a sight seeing tour.
No. 15 China had no such luck, giving away a 3-1 lead in a 4-4 draw with Zambia, the world’s 104th-ranked side. China finished the match with 10 players, but will feel like it needed 13 or 14 to harness Zambia’s Barbra Banda, the first Zambian player to play in Europe.
She is on track to be one of the tournament’s breakout stars after scoring six goals through two matches.
IF YOU COMPARE WITH THE DISMAL PERFORMANCE OF THE CHIPOLOPOLO MEN AT COSAFA THEN OUR WOMEN WERE ILLUSTRIOUS.
MIRACLES STILL HAPPEN: THE GIRLS COULD BEAT BRAZIL TO SHAME THE FOREVER CRITICS
@Eye for an eagle
Most Zambian local coaches need game management clinics