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Women's football has never been taken seriously in Africa. Fans regard it as more of a curiosity than anything else and, considered no more than a side show, it can be compared to the little comedy clip that is shown as a prelude to the main movie on airlines during long distance flights. Two weeks ago I headed for the FNB Stadium in Johannesburg to watch the friendly match between South Africa and Egypt, keen to get a glimpse of Zambia's African Cup of Nations group opponents, Egypt who Zambia will be soon pitted against in Mali.
The match turned out to be a drab affair that South Africa won 1-0. The only bright moment of the afternoon being the introduction of South Africa's Italian-based striker, Siyabonga Nomvete, who provided moments of brilliance when he replaced the overrated Benni McCarthy. At the end, the majority of fans trooped out of the stadium but as the Zambia women's team was due to play against South Africa in a World Cup qualifier I stayed on. Zambia had two weeks earlier lost the first leg 1-0 at home and fielding an under-19 team against a South African side that had reached the final of last years African Nations Cup against Nigeria, the chances looked slim. The girls proudly sprinted onto the field dressed in the oversized tracksuits and much-used kit of their male counterparts. A minute from kick off they were a goal down, caught off guard by a swift attack by their more experienced opponents. I watched sceptically, anticipating a rout but with time the girls settled down and began to find their feet. After a neat passing move Zambia levelled the score with a well taken shot for the equaliser. We were now in for a match. South Africa upped the pace in response to Zambia's goal as their fans urged them on but the Zambian girls responded with attacks of their own, taking the game to their older opponents. The crowd was constantly on its feet and after the sterility of the South Africa - Egypt encounter, found this match rekindling memories of the days when football was played to entertain before big money led to negativity and a fear for losing that has stifled the game today. A lapse of concentration occurred in the Zambian defence and South Africa were ahead again, 2-1, but like before, the Zambian team raised their heads and stormed back. Midway through the second half, Zambia were level and again, a lovely goal headed in from a corner. Towards the end though, South Africa were awarded a penalty when one of the Zambian girls who thought play had been stopped for an injury to the goalkeeper picked up the ball. That unfortunate mistake turned out to be the deciding factor and the match ended 3-2 in South Africa's favour. Zambia's World Cup dream was over. I made my way to the dressing room with FAZ President Evaristo Kasunga and Treasurer Collins Shamutete and found the girls in tears. It was the first time they had travelled abroad and their first match outside the country. Yet they had performed with pride and given their best in the national cause. I felt a lump in my throat. The last time I had seen a team in Zambian colours play with such determination and drive was at the 1994 African Cup of Nations in the aftermath of the Gabon air crash when Zambia lost 2-1 to Nigeria. The thought brought back a host of memories flooding back. All my prejudices about women's football are now history, and given the lacklustre performances of the men's teams in recent times, surely the girls deserve a chance to show what they can do on the bigger stage. Some sponsorship money and support is definitely needed.
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