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Press Statement
(For Immediate Release)
Football Association of Zambia
Football House, Lusaka
20th February 2023
FAZ CLINCHES IRELAND FRIENDLY FOR COPPER QUEENS
In the run-up to FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023, FAZ has clinched an international friendly match which will 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.
The first ever meeting of the two teams will act as the second opportunity for Ireland coach Vera Pauw’s squad to take on African opposition – 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.
FAZ has mapped out an intensive preparatory program 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 PR, while details of a camp in April will be revealed soon.
FAZ General Secretary Adrian Kashala says no effort will 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 Republic of Ireland. We are grateful to the Republic of Ireland for accepting to play us as part of preparations for both teams for the World Cup,” Kashala says.
Ireland is ranked 23rd in the world while Zambia stands 81st on the global standings.
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.
For and on behalf of:
FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION OF ZAMBIA
Sydney Mungala
COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER
