LUSAKA, July 27 (Xinhua) -- Zambian President Edgar Lungu on Tuesday hailed the country's women national football team for their resilience against Brazil at the Tokyo Olympics.

The Copper Queens bowed out of the tournament after losing 1-0 to Brazil. Zambia played 70 minutes of the game with only ten players after defender Lushomo Mweemba was sent off.

First-choice goalkeeper Hazel Nali also left the game after being injured.

Nevertheless, Lungu said the team's performance against Brazil was impressive.

"Despite bowing out of the tournament, there are many positives to pick from the young ladies. Despite the red card and a nasty injury to our goalkeeper, the girls remained resilient against a strong opponent," he said.

Lungu added that the team had represented the country and the African continent well.

The team was in Group F alongside China, Brazil and the Netherlands. After losing 10-3 to the Netherlands in the first game, the team managed a 4-4 draw against China before the Brazil defeat.

Skipper Barbra Banda made history by becoming the first female African player to score two hat-tricks at the tournament. Enditem

Related

Go to Forum >>0 Comment(s)