Copper queens midfielder, Mapepa, booted out of South Korea for bad behaviour

The Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) has booted out Copper Queens midfielder, Xiomara Mapepa, from participating in international friendly matches in South Korea.

This was due to disciplinary reasons, which forced the FAZ to remove Mapepa from the FIFA window international friendly matches in South Korea.

Mapepa was a second half substitute in Friday’s 5-2 loss to South Korea at the Suwon World Cup Stadium.

FAZ acting general secretary, Iva Lengwe, said Mapepa has since been released from national duty and would be heading home.

He said FAZ has in liaison with the team management and the host nation arrived at the decision that was made in line with the disciplinary code of conduct and also basic standards of conduct on foreign soil.

Lengwe also said the team was focused on Tuesday’s international friendly match against South Korea to conclude the international window action.

“We are happy that the team remains focused on preparing for the FIFA World Cup with a second match coming on Tuesday. While the team lost the first match, we are confident that the second match will be a better showing,” Lengwe said.

This is contained in a statement issued by FAZ communications manager Sydney Mungala Saturday.

He said South Korea provided a good test for Copper Queens as it was the level that was being expected at the World Cup.

Zambia is among 32 teams that have qualified for the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Australia/New Zealand. The Copper Queens are in Group C alongside Spain, Japan and Costa Rica.

Contributed by Julius Phirl

WARNING! All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express permission from ZAMBIA MONITOR.