Zambia women’s national team coach Bruce Mwape is pleased with his side’s performance even as they were whopped 5-0 by Spain in Wednesday’s 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup Group C encounter which ultimately eliminated them from the tournament.
The Copper Queens were also handed a heavy 5-0 loss in their opener against Japan and were no match against La Roja as Teresa Abelleira, Alba Redondo (brace) and Jennifer Hermoso (brace) put the ball past Eunice Sakala who was standing in for Catherine Musonda after her red card against the Japanese.
Mwape stated that there was improvement in his team even as they have conceded the most goals so far in this Women’s World Cup.
“Our performance today, I can say, okay, it wasn’t all that bad, despite losing by a big margin,” he said after the match. “Because looking at the way we played the last game and the way we have played today, I think there was a bit of improvement.
“And we just made a few mistakes in the first half where we did not start well. We allowed two goals and in the second half, towards the end, that’s where we also made some mistakes.
“But otherwise, the game was better than the last game against Japan. Okay, they scored five goals. Like I said earlier on, we made a few mistakes here and there.
“On the 1v1 situation, I think they took advantage because they were able to eliminate our defenders. That was one of the strengths they had. Playing the best teams in the world is not all that easy.”
#FIFAWWC #fifawomensworldcup2023
La Roja hand Copper Queens second defeat at the #FIFAWWC. pic.twitter.com/NlE2pq45Ik
— FAZ (@FAZFootball) July 26, 2023
Mwape also says his team have learnt their lessons from the two games and will improve on them going forward.
“But we have learned a lot, especially with the two teams that we have played against,” he continued.
“Especially when it comes to offensive. I think we have seen how our friends are possessing the ball and some of the tactics they are using.
“Going forward, I think we will improve on those tactics that we have learned from the two teams. Outside, I can say the atmosphere is conducive. We haven’t experienced any difficulties.”
Zambia conclude their Women’s World Cup campaign against Costa Rica, who have also been eliminated, in Hamilton next Monday.
