The Copper Queens return to action this evening at the Pantanal Arena where they face hosts Brazil in their second match of the ongoing FIFA Series tournament in Cuiabá. The match comes at a critical moment for the Zambian side after a heavy 4-0 defeat to Canada on match day one, while Brazil arrive full of confidence following a dominant 5-1 win over South Korea. The fixture offers Zambia a chance to reset and respond against one of the strongest teams in women’s football. It also presents a major test of resilience, squad depth, and tactical discipline for the Copper Queens. With both teams at different emotional stages of the tournament, the encounter carries high intensity and strong competitive stakes.
Zambia’s preparation for the match has been boosted by the arrival of foreign-based players who were unavailable or limited in the opening game. Head coach Charles Haalubono has benefited from a more complete squad, allowing him to reassess combinations and strengthen key areas of the pitch. The return of experienced skipper Barbra Banda provides a major attacking lift, with her expected to lead the frontline alongside Prisca Chilufya and young forward Mercy Chipasula. This attacking trio brings pace, direct running, and goal threat, giving Zambia a more balanced offensive structure compared to their first outing. The coaching staff will be hoping this renewed forward line can convert chances and relieve pressure on the defensive unit.
The squad depth also offers several tactical options in midfield, where rotation and energy management will be key. Players such as Susan Banda and Rhodah Chileshe are in contention to control the middle of the pitch, while Grace Chanda adds stability and experience in transitional play. The presence of emerging talents like Agness Phiri, Ngosa Chabwe, Natasha Nanyangwe, Maweta Chilenga, and Saliya Mwanza provides additional flexibility for in-game adjustments. These young players bring energy and ambition, which could prove vital against a technically strong Brazilian side. The balance between youth and experience will likely shape Zambia’s ability to compete over the full 90 minutes.
Defensively, Zambia also has increased competition for starting places, particularly with the availability of the Turkish-based duo Martha Tembo and Lushomo Mweemba. They join a group that includes Margaret Gondwe, Agness Musesa, Rachael Nachula, Memory Nthala, and Margaret Belemu, all competing for roles in the back line. This depth allows the coach to adjust defensive structure depending on Brazil’s attacking pressure. In goal, the battle between Hazel Nali, Catherine Musonda, and Chishala Mufunte adds another layer of selection uncertainty, but also strengthens overall team readiness. A solid defensive performance will be essential if Zambia hopes to contain Brazil’s high-tempo attacking style.
Brazil enter the match with strong momentum after their 5-1 victory over South Korea, showcasing their attacking strength and technical superiority. The host nation continues to rely on a blend of speed, creativity, and tactical control under coach Arthur Elias. One of their standout players is Kerolin Nicoli, who plays for Manchester City and scored in the opening match, adding further threat in the final third. Her movement, pace, and finishing ability make her a constant danger to opposing defenses. Brazil also feature quality players such as Dudinha Marilia, Ary Borges, and Tainá Maranhão, with Lauren Calhau expected to provide stability in goal.
The Brazilian squad will be highly motivated playing in front of home support in Cuiabá, where expectations remain high. Their confidence is further strengthened by their dominant head-to-head record against Zambia, including a 1-0 victory at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics where Marta da Silva played a decisive role. That history adds psychological weight to the encounter, but also gives Zambia motivation to close the gap and improve their competitive standing. For the Copper Queens, this match is about more than just the result, it is an opportunity to measure progress against one of the world’s elite teams.
Kickoff is scheduled for 21h00 local time at the Pantanal Arena, which corresponds to 03h00 AM Central Africa Time in Zambia on Wednesday morning. The match will be streamed live on the FIFA+ platform, allowing fans across Zambia and beyond to follow the action. For Zambia, this fixture represents a chance to rebuild confidence, test squad depth, and respond to early setbacks in the tournament. For Brazil, it is an opportunity to maintain dominance and continue their strong start. The outcome will offer valuable insight into both teams’ development and readiness on the international stage.