There are matches that mark a lifetime and the WAFCON 2022 quarter final won by Zambia against Senegal, will surely leave an indelible mark on Lushomo Mweemba’s career.
In addition to qualifying Zambia for the tournament’s semi finals, this victory sends the Copper Queens to the FIFA Women’s World Cup for this southern African country’s very first time.
Zambia’s number three was elected “Woman of the Match” in a game in which she called all the shots for the Zambians and was instrumental in Avell Chitundu’s 70th minute equaliser against a gallant Senegal.
“The prospect of qualifying for the semi final motivated us. We were very diligent. It was not an easy match, but even when we went behind, we were able to react,” says Mweemba.
The lottery and agony of penalty shootouts can often be random, but the Zambians kept their kicks simple and kept their heads to prevail.
Still on her little cloud, the Green Buffaloes Women player takes a while to comprehend the magnitude of her and her teammates’ achievement as they became the first African nation to qualify for the next FIFA World Cup.
“I do not believe it, by the grace of God it is a dream that is coming true, I do not even imagine in what state our parents back home in our country must be, I still think that they are proud of us, as we are of ourselves” she concludes, leaving the press conference room with a smile, the trophy for the player of the match in hand and a ticket to the World Cup!.
Source: CAF