Shepolopolo Zambia will face 2011 champions Japan in Group C of the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.
According to the draws conducted in Auckland on Saturday, Zambia will face Japan in their opening match at the Women’s World Cup.
Spain and Costa Rica complete Group C.
The COSAFA Women’s Cup champions will be competing at the World Cup for the first time.
Coach Bruce Mwape has welcomed the World Cup draws.
“I always say for us to be champions we have to beat the best and I was looking forward to be drawn in any group and against any team,” Mwape said.
Zambia qualified for the World Cup after reaching the semifinals of the 2022 Africa Cup in Morocco.
South Africa is in Group G alongside Sweden,Italy and Argentina while Nigeria will face co- hosts Australia, Ireland and Canada in group B and Morocco will tackle Germany, Colombia and Korea in Group H.
Shepolopolo will reach the semi finals until they use a Referee to make them lose
Japan is a tough team but we will be behind you all the way girls!
Well done girls. Now, Australia and New Zealand share South African climate. So, the team should do what Brazil did in 1970. Camp in South Africa for 3 months before the tournament. Get physiotherapists and dietitians to get the girls in good physical shape and get a psychologist to get them mentally fit. At this level, you do not win because you play well, you win because you take advantage of chances.
Japan is a tough team and I urge FAZ to prepare the team adequately. They are fast, energetic, very fast, and aggressive. Spain either is no pushover. FAZ you have to prepare the team adequately. July 2023 is 9 months away so you have no excuse.