The highly anticipated international friendly between Scorchers and Zambia’s Copper Queens was yesterday abandoned in the 21st minute with the host leading 1-0 after a heavy downpour left the Reiz Arena pitch waterlogged.
What promised to be an explosive tie between the two rivals never lived to its billing due to the unplayable pitch conditions.
Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) in a statement said the match will resume this morning at the same venue.
The statement read in part: “The Copper Queens’ clash against Malawi has been called off due to heavy rains after 21 minutes of play.
“The match will now be played tomorrow, Sunday at 10h00 at Reiz Arena. Details on match entry will be communicated in due course.”
The 21 minutes of play still left an impression on the crowd that braved the rains to watch the match.
After a slow start, the game exploded into life at the quarter-hour mark as both sides pressed for a breakthrough.
The hosts proved clinical as they took the lead through Avell Chilundu who slotted home a Barbra Banda set piece in the 20th minute.
But the match was immediately stopped for 15 minutes as the downpour persisted, leading to the referee to call for an assessment of the pitch.
The match was eventually abandoned as the bad weather persisted.
Coach Lovemore Fazili deployed his best arsenal led by captain France-based Tabitha Chawinga and her sister, US-based Temwa Chawinga as well as former TP Mazembe forward Sabina Thom, forming a quartet upfront.
The back four had Maureen Kenneth, Rose Alufandika, Chimwemwe Madise and Ireen Khumalo with Mercy Sikelo in goals while Faith Chimzimu, Leticia Chinyamula and Rose Kabzere played in the midfield.
Zambia coach Nora Häuptle also featured her best side led by US-based duo of Banda and Rachael Kundananji.
Catherine Musonda, Margaret Belemu, Lushomo Mweemba, Memory Nthala, Judith Soko, Evarine Katongo, Chitundu, Irene Lungu and Rachael Nachula also started the match.
The two sides also clash again Monday.
