Maina Soko Queens Fall To Jumbe Queens In Friendly Clash

In a spirited friendly encounter held at Lusaka on 12 January 2025, Maina Soko Queens Football Club faced off against Jumbe Queens FC, ultimately succumbing to a 3-1 defeat. The match kicked off at 12:00 pm, showcasing both teams' aspirations to fine-tune their squads ahead of the competitive season.

Maina Soko Queens adopted a 4-3-3 formation, which saw Charity Kunda stationed in goal, providing a solid last line of defence. The back four comprised Paulina Mubanga on the right, Agness Lombe and Chilunji Chikoti as central defenders, and Rosemary Mwanza on the left. In midfield, Marian Tonga operated on the right, Faides Zulu took up a central role, and Sambwa Chipumbu was positioned on the left. Up front, Chanda Ngosa played on the right wing, with Susan Chilufya leading the line as the striker, while Chalwe Kafwebu occupied the left forward position. This setup aimed to balance defensive solidity with attacking flair, allowing the team to press forward effectively.

The match began with both teams probing for weaknesses, but it was Agness Lombe who broke the deadlock just after the interval. In the 46th minute, Lombe struck a stunning direct free-kick from outside the box, curling the ball into the net with her right foot, giving Maina Soko a brief glimmer of hope.

However, Jumbe Queens quickly responded, equalising in the 68th minute with a fluke goal from close range, as their forward capitalised on a defensive lapse. The momentum shifted, and the visitors took control of the match.

In the 73rd minute, Jumbe Queens took the lead with a well-executed direct free-kick, again scored with the right foot from outside the box. This goal highlighted their growing confidence and ability to exploit set-piece situations.

As the match drew to a close, Jumbe Queens sealed their victory with a third goal in the 89th minute, emerging from a chaotic goalmouth scramble. The right-footed finish left Maina Soko Queens reeling, unable to respond in the dying moments of the game.

Despite the defeat, Maina Soko Queens will take valuable lessons from this encounter as they prepare for the challenges ahead. The performance of Agness Lombe, particularly her stunning free-kick, will be a highlight for the home side, while Jumbe Queens will celebrate a well-deserved victory.