In a gripping encounter at Lusaka on 7th March 2025, Maina Soko Queens Football Club faced off against Chilenje Shining Soccer Academy in a league home match that ended in a 1-1 stalemate. The match kicked off at 3:00pm, with both teams eager to secure vital points in the league standings.
Maina Soko Queens lined up in a 4-3-3 formation, designed to balance defensive solidity with attacking flair. Zaliwe Banda took her position as the goalkeeper, shielded by a back four comprising Rosemary Mwanza and Paulina Mubanga as the right and left defenders, respectively, while Agness Lombe and Chilunji Chikoti anchored the central defence. The midfield trio featured Marian Tonga on the right, Hellen Chigule centrally, and Mercy Mushanga on the left, providing both creativity and support to the forward line. Up front, Tokozile Banda and Chalwe Kafwebu operated as right and left forwards, flanking the central striker, Doris Phiri, who was tasked with leading the line and converting chances.
The substitutes for Maina Soko Queens included Mulenga Chilufya, Chanda Ngosa, Salome Chiwila, Anastasia Kapikila, Eness Kosamu, Sambwa Chipumbu, Mervis Mutale, Paxina Musoni, Charity Kunda, and Martha Mpepo, providing depth and options for tactical changes throughout the match.
The opening exchanges saw both teams probing for weaknesses, but it was Chilenje Shining who struck first in the 17th minute. A well-executed direct free-kick found its way into the back of the net, courtesy of a precise right-footed strike, putting Maina Soko Queens on the back foot early in the contest.
As the first half progressed, Maina Soko Queens struggled to find their rhythm, trailing 1-0 at the interval. The referee signalled half-time at the 45-minute mark, leaving the home side with much to ponder during the break.
The second half saw a flurry of substitutions for Maina Soko Queens, all occurring within the first five minutes. Zaliwe Banda was replaced by Mulenga Chilufya, while Rosemary Mwanza made way for Chanda Ngosa. Paulina Mubanga was substituted for Salome Chiwila, and Agness Lombe was replaced by Anastasia Kapikila. Hellen Chigule also exited the pitch, making room for Eness Kosamu.
Further changes followed as Tokozile Banda was substituted for Sambwa Chipumbu, Marian Tonga for Mervis Mutale, and Mercy Mushanga for Paxina Musoni. The final substitution saw Doris Phiri leave the field for Charity Kunda, while Chalwe Kafwebu was replaced by Martha Mpepo. These tactical adjustments aimed to inject fresh energy and creativity into the side.
The substitutions paid dividends in the 61st minute when Paxina Musoni, newly introduced, found the equaliser for Maina Soko Queens. With a deft touch inside the box, she unleashed a powerful right-footed shot that beat the Chilenje Shining goalkeeper, igniting celebrations among the home fans and restoring parity at 1-1.
As the match drew to a close, both teams pushed for a winner, but neither could find the decisive goal. The referee brought the contest to an end, confirming a hard-fought draw that left both sides with a point to reflect upon.
Paxina Musoni's performance, particularly her equalising goal, earned her the accolade of Player of the Match, highlighting her impact in a game that showcased the competitive spirit of both teams.
