Copper Princesses lose to Venezuela on late goal
Zambia's U-17 Women's National Team conceded a dramatic winner in stoppage time, falling 2-1 to Venezuela in the FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup.
The Copper Princesses suffered a second consecutive defeat at the FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup in Morocco, losing 2-1 to Venezuela after a last-gasp goal. Andrea Suarez scored on the final kick of the game to secure the victory for a 10-player Venezuelan side in the Group D match. Zambia had taken an early lead through Precious Mwewa, who tapped in a cross from Grace Phiri following a pass from Taonga Mubanga.
Venezuela equalized when Orliany Duran blocked an attempted clearance and scored. The match took a dramatic turn in stoppage time when Venezuela's goalkeeper Valeria Rebanales was sent off, forcing a defender to take her place. Suarez then found the net in the dying moments to seal the win.
This loss places Zambia at the bottom of Group D with no points, having previously lost their opening match 5-0 to Japan. Japan currently leads the group with six points after defeating France. Zambia Coach Carol Kanyemba has not yet commented on the team's performance.
Why it mattersZambian football fans are affected by the national U-17 team's second consecutive loss in the World Cup, placing them at the bottom of their group.