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Namibia were tough – Shepolopolo coach

MUKWIMA CHILALA writes

ZAMBIA women’s national soccer team coach Beauty Mwamba says playing against Namibia was always going to be tough but her players were ready because they prepared for it.

Speaking in an interview after the Copper Queens edged Namibia 3-2 on Saturday Mwamba said she had psyched her players to be mentally strong and prepare.

She said she had instructed her players not compare Namibia with Mauritius who they had earlier whitewashed 15-nil in the first game.

Mwamba said Namibia were different opponents because they had been playing competitive football.

There was therefore a need to have mental strength to withstand the pressure, which was expected.

”like in the first half which was not that easy and the players were a little disturbed because of those yellow cards flashed to them, but during the break I told them to relax. So that’s why you saw that in the second half things changed,” Mwamba said.

She said she had predicted a tough game against Namibia because they were a resilient side playing coordinated football with some experience.

The Shepolopolo’s last group game is on Tuesday (tomorrow) against second-placed Botswana who edged Mauritius 3-nil.

Coach Mwamba called on her players to remain focused and take the game seriously as they need more points to make it through to the next round.

She said it would not be an easy game, but that they would not be carried away by the six points they had collected from the two games played so far.

“Botswana is also a tough nut to crack. They have got players who can play. As we started we have been taking each game seriously and not underrating any opposition,” Mwamba said.

“Botswana were able to beat Namibia meaning they are also a strong team. So we will just have to remain focused and not just concentrate on the games we have won,” she said.

Hellen Mubanga scored a brace while Mary Mwakapila scored the other goal.

Namibia found the back of the net through their captain Zenatha Coleman and Annouscka Kordom.

Only one team from each group progresses to the next round of the 2019 COSAFA Championship with Zambia needing just a point in their next game to progress.

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