Zambia: The Copper Queens have faced an injury blow ahead of the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) second round back to back matches against Angola.
Striker Sarah Jere and winger Enelesi Phiri have been ruled out following injuries sustained during their club matches over the weekend.
Jere sustained an injury in Zanaco Ladies’ 4-0 win over YASA Queens and Phiri injured herself in Nkwazi Queens’ 3-0 loss away to ZESCO Ndola Girls.
Copper Queens Assistant Coach Florence Mwila confirmed the development in an interview after Wednesday’s training session.
“We summoned 26 players and out of those, two players have been ruled out due to injuries, Sarah Jere and Enelesi Phiri. We currently have 15 players in camp because ZESCO Ndola Girls have a game today, and they will be joining later today after their match to take the number to 15, said the coach.
Furthermore, he asserted by saying, “Except for the three from Kazakhstan, Catherine Musonda, Ireen Lungu and Martha Tembo, who are in camp, the rest will join the team in Angola.”
Zambia will be away to Angola on November 29 before hosting them at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium on December 5.
Zambia will be seeking a fourth consecutive appearance at the WAFCON and build on their highest ever podium finish when they won bronze at the expense of Nigeria at the 2022 WAFCON held in Morocco.
Goalkeeper Hazel Nali arrived back home safely on Saturday from New Zealand where she successfully underwent knee surgery.
And now, Sarah Jere has been ruled out of the Copper Queens’ WAFCON qualifier against Angola due to injury together with Eneless Phiri.
The two will not be part of the squad that will face Angola away on November 29, 2023, before hosting them at Levy Mwanawansa Stadium on December 5, 2023.