SHEPOLOPOLO FEELING WAFCON QUARTERFINAL VIBES AFTER CAMEROON DRAW

Shepolopolo Zambia coach Bruce Mwape is bullish of a debut knockout stage qualification feat at the Women’s AFCON following Sunday's draw against four-time runners-up Cameroon.

This is Zambia's third WAFCON tournament where they have previously made two group stage exits.

Shepolopolo held WAFCON contenders Cameroon 0-0 on July 3 in the two sides opening Group B match in Casablanca at the WAFCON that Morocco is hosting from July 2-23.
 
"Even the players have gained confidence that they can go far and even reach the semifinals," Mwape said.

Sunday’s clash was also Zambia and Cameroon’s first meeting since the Tokyo 2020 Olympics qualifiers.

Shepolopolo beat Cameroon 2-1 two years ago in a final stage, last leg fixture at home in Lusaka to qualify on away goals rule following a 4-4 on aggregate result.

Furthermore, Sunday's draw came in the midst of a difficult time for Zambia who are without their star striker Barbara Banda who is out of WAFCON due to medical reasons.

Shepolopolo now face Tunisia in their penultimate Group B match on June 6.

Tunisia leads Group B on 3 points after a 4-1 win over Togo in Sunday’s late kickoff.

"Despite that score line, we cannot fear them. I still feel that Cameroon is better than Tunisia and we will try and take our chances so that we carry the day," Mwape said.

Mwape is also boosted by the availability of strikers Ochumba Oseke and Xiomala Mapepa who missed the Cameroon clash due to suspensions.

 "With the inclusion of the two players who were suspended, they will give us more strength," Mwape said.