Zambia clinched a ticket to the TotalEnergies Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, Morocco 2022, on away goals rule, following a 1-1 second leg, second round draw with Namibia at Dobsonville Stadium in Johannesburg on Tuesday.
Both COSAFA teams arrived in the South African city, the adopted home ground of the Namibians with an equal chances of qualifying on the back of a goalless first leg draw at Nkoloma Stadium in Lusaka five days ago.
The Brave Gladiators started the contest on the front foot as they gained an early lead courtesy of Emma Naris’ brilliant header just six minutes into the game.
In a search for quick response, the Copper Queens pushed for an instant equaliser but Namibia goalkeeper Melissa Matheus was at her best to stop efforts from Misozi Zulu and Grace Chanda and ensured the hosts’ retained their slim lead at half time.
On resuming the contest, Bruce Mwape brought on Siomala Mapepa as Maylan Mulenga’s replacement as the visitors continued their search for a leveler but Chanda failed to beat goalkeeper Matheus in the 54th minute.
In dire need of an equaliser, super-sub Mapepa justified her inclusion with a fine finish to cancel Naris’ early opener and leveled matters for the Zambians in the 70th minute.
The Zambians held on for a share the spoils with the Namibians and eventually went through on the away goals rule after a 1-1 tie on aggregate, having being held to a first leg 0-0 in Lusaka five days ago.
This means Zambia, who were Africa’s sole representatives at Tokyo 2020 Olympics will make a back-to-back WAFCON outing for the first time at the first competition to be held on a North African soil.
Zambia are the latest team to have booked a place in Morocco, where they will join Burundi, Uganda in a bid to earn their first ever FIFA Women’s World Cup ticket at this year’s showpiece.
What They Say:
Bruce Mwape (Zambia women’s coach)
We struggled a bit in the first half but we brought in Mapepa [Siomala] and we were very much in a hurry to get the goals. Namibia were a very formidable side but on our side, we worked hard to get a goal and in the end, we got what we wanted. We came with an intention to at least get a score draw – even if it’s 1-1 or 2-2 to qualify. I must commend the girls for making this possible.
Woody Jacobs (Namibia women’s coach)
It was something we’ve been yearning for in the manner that we are going out was harsh but we must accept our faith. It is hard luck and were hard done. It is a bitter pill to swallow but I must commend the girls for the performances overall. I believe strongly in this team and I think we must keep them together to succeed in upcoming competitions. The future is bright.
Source: Confédération Africaine de Football (CAF)