FIFA Series: Zambia caused Canada problems despite defeat – Stoney

Canada women’s national team coach Casey Stoney says Zambia was competitive although the gulf in class was visible as her team saw off the Copper Queens with a 4-0 victory during their FIFA Series tournament fixture on Saturday.

Nichelle Prince scored twice late in the first half and Annabelle Chukwu scored twice late in the second half as Canada emerged winners in the opener.

DEFEAT IN THE OPENING GAME OF OF THE FIFA SERIES!#WeAreCopperQueens, #Fazfootball, #FIFASeries2026 pic.twitter.com/KQMb8uw3Vm

— FAZ (@FAZFootball) April 12, 2026

In a post-match press conference, Stoney said Zambia made her team’s life difficult in some moments.

Zambia played well in terms of possession

“I thought they did what we thought they would do. I thought they played well in terms of possession at times. They went direct, they caused us a few problems,” she said.

And I thought they had a decent game today because they made it difficult at times for us to break the down. It is a shame we didn’t have too many fans in. I am sure there will be later tonight (Brazil game).”

Barbra Banda was not at her lethal best

Stoney singled out Barbra Banda as one of the players they were looking out for but admitted she was not at her lethal best.

“I was pleased to be honest that she did not start. She is a world class forward but obviously the situation was a bit difficult,” she said.

Earlier, Copper Queens assistant coach Charles Haalubono attributed the heavt defeat to fatigue.

“First of all, we conceded the first two goals in the first half towards the end of the first half. That was a sign of, you know, fatigue coming in. Because we had players coming in, some this morning, others came in yesterday. So, they haven’t rested so much,” he said.

“But we are happy with the resilience and the We expect another tough match just like the way it was with Canada. We tried by all means to prepare well tactically, which we managed to do with Canada. I know it was fatigue which came in towards the end of the first half and the final whistle.”

Haalubono further said the high-level games were a good preparatory ground for the WAFCON which will be played in July. The WAFCON will also serve as a qualification tournament for the 2027 FIFA World Cup to be hosted by Brazil.

Zambia will face Brazil on Tuesday in their second match at the Arena Pantanal.