Maina Soko Queens Triumph Over State House Queens In Friendly

In a thrilling friendly encounter held at Lusaka on 10 April 2025, Maina Soko Queens Football Club emerged victorious against State House Queens FC, clinching a 2-1 win. The match, which kicked off at 9:00 am, showcased a blend of tactical prowess and individual brilliance from both teams, but it was Maina Soko who ultimately celebrated the win.

Maina Soko adopted a 4-3-3 formation, which saw Zaliwe Banda in goal, providing a solid last line of defence. The back four consisted of Rosemary Mwanza and Paulina Mubanga as left and right defenders respectively, while Agness Lombe and Chilunji Chikoti anchored the central defence. In midfield, Thandiwe Phiri operated on the right, with Marian Tonga in the central role, and Sambwa Chipungu on the left. Up front, Ruth Phiri and Mercy Mushanga flanked striker Paxina Musoni, creating a dynamic attacking trio. This formation allowed for fluid transitions between defence and attack, with the midfield tasked to control possession and supply the forwards.

The substitutes for Maina Soko included Salome Chiwila, Charity Kunda, Anastasia Kapikila, Chalwe Kafwebu, Mulenga Chilufya, and Mervis Mutale, who were poised to make an impact as the match progressed.

As the first half unfolded, both teams struggled to find their rhythm, with neither side able to break the deadlock before the half-time whistle. However, tactical changes were made at the interval, with Salome Chiwila, Charity Kunda, and Anastasia Kapikila entering the fray, replacing Ruth Phiri, Paxina Musoni, and Rosemary Mwanza respectively.

The second half saw a shift in momentum, and it was Salome Chiwila who opened the scoring in the 61st minute. Following a long pass from Thandiwe Phiri, Chiwila found space in the box and expertly tapped in with her right foot, sending the Maina Soko supporters into raptures.

The lead was doubled in the 71st minute when Charity Kunda showcased her individual skill, netting a stunning solo goal that left the State House defence scrambling. With Maina Soko leading 2-0, the match appeared to be firmly in their control.

However, State House Queens FC refused to go down without a fight, and in the 80th minute, they pulled one back with a close-range effort from inside the box, scored with a right-footed shot. This goal injected new life into the match, setting up a tense final ten minutes.

In the closing stages, Maina Soko made further substitutions, bringing on Mulenga Chilufya and Mervis Mutale for goalkeeper Zaliwe Banda and midfielder Thandiwe Phiri, respectively, in a bid to maintain their slender lead.

Despite the late pressure from State House, Maina Soko held firm to secure a well-deserved victory. The match concluded after 95 minutes of play, plus added time, with the final score reading 2-1 in favour of Maina Soko Queens. The performance of Zaliwe Banda in goal was particularly commendable, earning her the accolade of Player of the Match for her crucial saves and commanding presence throughout the game.