Windhoek
Defensive frailties led to the Brave Gladiators’ demise against Zambia over two legs in their 2016 CAF Women Africa Cup of Nations first round qualifiers that concluded with a 2-2 draw in Windhoek on Friday and an aggregate 5-3 defeat.
Brave Gladiators coach Jacqui Shipanga observed this after the match on Friday at the Sam Nujoma Stadium. She laments poor tactical discipline and explains that the early goal by Zambia steepened the hill for the home side.
“It was very unfortunate that we conceded as early as the third minute and from thereon we chased the game. Our players lost concentration at crucial times in defence, and decision-making too let us down. We knew Zambia will be tough but we also made things difficult for ourselves,” Shipanga said.
The coach explained her first half-time substitute of Lovisa Mulunga who started off as a striker. “We needed to sacrifice her with Juliana Skrywer to change the game and have more options going forward. It is all part of the game, it was needed,” said Shipanga.
The coach told journalists after the match that new blood can only be incorporated into the team if and when they are ready to fight and take their places in the side.
“Namibia have a development programme of women football second to none in Africa, and we can only bring in new players when they demonstrate the ability to play at this level. Today, we fielded the best players in local women football and there is no way that we can leave out players that are ready to play,” Shipanga answered on whether the current crop of players are too comfortable for places in the team.
Zambia took the lead on three minutes through Grace Chanda, and she scored the second goal only two minutes into the second half. A minute later Zenatha Coleman made it 2-1 and then 2-2 on 78 minutes via the penalty spot . Zambia won the first leg 3-1.