Zambia secured the top spot in Group B of the 2022 TotalEnergies Women’s Africa Cup of Nations after hammering Togo 4-1 on Saturday.
Two goals by captain Grace Chanda at the Stade Prince Moulay EL Hassan in Rabat helped them to the emphatic victory to finish top of the group.
South Africa, who only finished third in qualifying, were handed what appears to be the easiest draw, having to contend with host Japan, Mexico (who have been mostly unconvincing in preparatory friendlies) and a France side wracked and ravaged by withdrawals at the last moment, and as such lacking any real cohesion.
Whether they have the wherewithal to take advantage of having their kernels already cracked for them is a whole other matter.
Winger Luther Singh is the star of the side, a quick, powerful winger with a decent shot and neat feet who will be hoping, as will most of the squad, to do as compatriot Keagan Dolly did in 2016 and earn greater recognition on the back of strong performances.
While reflecting on his side s impressive 2-1 comeback win in Chile, the tactician said he is pleased with the impressive form and mental focus displayed by his team. It is good getting back to camp in preparation for the Tokyo Olympics because the team needs to prepare well for the competition, Mwape told
Goal. Some of the positives we drew from the team s friendly win against Chile was the tactical discipline of the players and the individual efforts as well as the goalkeeping. It is part of our Tokyo Olympic preparations and it will also help the technical bench to assess the new players.