Copper Queens Edge Uzbekistan 4-3 in Thrilling Third-Place Playoff at Yongchuan Tournament

Introduction

The Copper Queens secured a dramatic 4-3 victory over Uzbekistan on Tuesday to finish third at the 2025 Yongchuan International Tournament in China. Despite missing several key players, including Barbra Banda, Racheal Kundananji, Prisca Chilufya, and Grace Chanda, Zambia’s women’s national team showcased resilience and attacking flair in a high-scoring encounter that kept fans on the edge of their seats.

First Half Dominance by Zambia

Coach Nora Hauptle’s squad entered the match looking to bounce back from a narrow 3-2 defeat to Thailand in their opening fixture. The Copper Queens started the game with determination, and their pressure paid off in the 24th minute when Ireen Lungu found the net from a well-delivered Mercy Chipasula corner.

Just two minutes later, Chipasula doubled Zambia’s lead with a sensational solo effort, weaving past defenders before slotting the ball past the goalkeeper for her first-ever goal for the Copper Queens. The quick-fire goals saw Zambia take a commanding 2-0 lead into halftime.

Second Half Action and Tactical Adjustments

Immediately after the break, Zambia extended their lead through Fridah Mukoma, who capitalized on fresh energy from halftime substitutions to make it 3-0 in the 46th minute. However, Uzbekistan responded quickly with Feruza Turdiboeva pulling one back in the 51st minute.

Hauptle continued to rotate her squad, introducing Esther Siamfuko, Martha Tembo, Maweta Chilenga, and Rhoda Chileshe to manage minutes and maintain intensity. The changes seemed to pay off once more when Kabange Mupopo pounced on a rebound in the 73rd minute to restore Zambia’s three-goal cushion at 4-1.

Late Drama as Uzbekistan Fight Back

Just when it seemed the game was under control, late drama unfolded. A foul by Lushomo Mweemba in the 90th minute gave Uzbekistan a lifeline, as Diyorakhon Khabibullaeva converted from the spot to make it 4-2. Shockingly, Khabibullaeva struck again a minute later, reducing the deficit to 4-3 and sending tension through the Zambian camp.

Uzbekistan threw everything forward in the dying moments, but Zambia’s defense managed to hold on, with Catherine Musonda making key interventions to protect the slim lead and ensure a hard-fought win.

Conclusion

Despite being without several star players, the Copper Queens demonstrated depth, determination, and tactical discipline to secure third place in China. Goals from Lungu, Chipasula, Mukoma, and Mupopo highlighted Zambia’s attacking strength, while late pressure from Uzbekistan tested their resolve. This victory serves as a confidence boost as the team continues to build for upcoming competitions under coach Nora Hauptle’s leadership.