Copper Queens to play friendly against Ireland in build up to FIFA W’Cup

Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) has said in the run-up to FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023, FAZ has clinched an international friendly match.

The move according to FAZ would see the Copper Queens play the Republic of Ireland on Thursday, June 22 at Tallaght Stadium in Dublin.

Both teams will be preparing for their Australia/New Zealand FIFA World Cup engagements.

FAZ communications manager Sydney Mungala said in a statement on Monday stated that the meeting of the two teams would act as the second opportunity for Ireland coach Vera Pauw’s squad to take on African opposition .

This is following last November’s 4-0 win over Morocco as they plan ahead for their Group B game against Nigeria in Brisbane.

Zambia coach Bruce Mwape will be looking to acquainting his squad with the European flair in the Irish side as the Copper Queens will play Spain in their Group C fixture in New Zealand.

Mungala said FAZ had mapped out an intensive preparatory programme for the Copper Queens that has seen them play Colombia as well as participating in the ongoing Turkish Cup in Alanya.

According to the Irish FA, the game, which will be part of the first ever WNT Season Ticket package, will come 14 days before Ireland take on France in Tallaght Stadium on July 6 in what will be their final game ahead of departing for the World Cup.

Ireland are currently in a training camp in Spain, which involves a behind-closed-doors game against Germany and an official game with China, while details of a camp in April will be revealed soon.

FAZ General Secretary Adrian Kashala also said no effort would be spared in preparing the Copper Queens for the World Cup with high level friendly matches organised for the team.

“FAZ has yet again lined up a top-level preparatory fixture for the Copper Queens against top opposition in the Republic of Ireland. We are grateful to the Republic of Ireland for accepting to play with us as part of preparations for both teams for the World Cup,” Kashala said.

Ireland is ranked 23rd in the world while Zambia is on 81st on the global standing.

Zambia finished third in the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, beating Nigeria 1-0 in their Third-Place game to secure a spot at this summer’s main tournament, where they will make their World Cup debut.

Broadcast and ticket details will be announced in due course,according to Mungala.

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