ZAMBIA’S World Cup dream has come to a crushing end after suffering another humiliating defeat, losing 5 – 0 to Spain in a Group C match at the Eden Park Stadium in Auckland, New Zealand.
Despite playing in a set of new boots acquired at a great cost of over K200,000 by the Government, the team failed to save the nation some embarrassment, recording the same defeat they suffered at the hands of Japan.
It is now difficult to tell what excuse the players will give, maybe they will blame it on the socks, saying they were too tight.
Anyway, back to serious business, Spain were in no compromising mood, getting ahead in the opening nine minutes after a thunderous shot from Teresa Abelleira which gave keeper Eunice Sakala no chance.
Before settling in their new boots, Zambia were two goals behind in the 13th minute after a free header from Jennifer Hermoso who connected an Alexia Putellas pass to set the pace for another difficult night for the Copper Queens.
Having kept it tight until the half time break, Zambia let it loose in the second half allowing three goals that spelt doom for Bruce Mwape and his girls while Spain progressed to the round of 16.
Spain scored their third goal of the day through Alba Redondo who had her goal initially thought to be offside but was overturned after video review in the 69th minute.
Spain got their fourth of the day when Hermoso completed her brace after beating defender Agness Musesa in the 70th minute.
The fifth and final goal of the game came in the 85th from Redondo.
The Copper Queens had moments of their own in this game but were not good enough to break the Spain backline.
Zambia will play their final game of the World Cup on July 31st against Costa Rica before heading home.
(Mwebantu, Wednesday, 26th July, 2023)