Zambian boxer, Margret Tembo, has been eliminated from the 2024 Paris Olympic Games after losing by unanimous points in the women’s 51 kg category.

Tembo’s debut Olympic dream ended in the round of 32 against Finland’s Pihla Kaivo-Oja.

Following her loss, Tembo expressed her determination to return stronger, calling her participation a valuable experience.

“Being the first Zambian female boxer to participate at the games was a big achievement, and I vow to come back stronger,” she said.

Read More: Zulu disqualified in Judo, becomes first Zambian athlete to be eliminated from Paris 2024 Olympics

National team coach, Wisdom Mudenda. attributed Tembo’s defeat to her lack of high-level exposure compared to her experienced opponent.

“The boxer, unlike other competitors, never took part in major competitions, which was a drawback in her preparations,” Mudenda stated.

With Tembo’s exit, Zambia may now look to boxer Patrick Chinyemba to keep the country’s medal hopes alive.

Chinyemba is set to face India’s Amit Amit in the Men’s 51 kg round of 16 on Tuesday at the North Paris Arena.

WARNING! All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express permission from ZAMBIA MONITOR.

The post Zambian boxer, Tembo, exits 2024 Paris Olympics first appeared on Zambia Monitor.

FIFA has suspended its funding to the Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) after FAZ lost a legal battle against former coach, Aljosa Asanovic, at the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).

The court ruled in favor of Asanovic, who was owed US$41,000 for his tenure as the Chipolopolo’s head coach from January, 2022.

FAZ General-Secretary, Reuben Kamanga, confirmed on Sunday that CAS upheld the decision of the single judge, who had awarded Asanovic compensation for unlawful dismissal.

Kamanga stated that the reason for dismissing FAZ’s appeal had not yet been disclosed but would be provided in due course, which would guide FAZ’s next steps.

Read More: Copper Queens fall 3-0 to USA in Paris Olympics opener

In response to the ruling, FIFA would restrict the development funds allocated to FAZ until the payment was fully made.

Kamanga warned that if FAZ failed to settle the debt on time, FIFA may impose further sanctions, including a potential ban from international tournaments.

Asanovic, who was appointed on January 18, 2022, terminated his contract unilaterally on September 22, 2022.

His departure came after Zambia’s 1-0 loss to Mozambique, which led to their elimination from the African Nations Championship.

WARNING! All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express permission from ZAMBIA MONITOR.

The post FIFA freezes funding to FAZ following loss of legal battle to former coach Asanovic first appeared on Zambia Monitor.

Tunisia’s Fares Ferjani narrowly missed becoming Africa’s first gold medallist at the Paris 2024 Olympics, settling for silver in the men’s individual sabre after a 15-11 defeat by South Korea’s Oh Sanguk at the Grand Palais.

The 27-year-old, seeded 13th, defeated world number one Ziad Elsissy in the semi-finals but couldn’t overcome Oh in the final.

Born in Tunis and now based in New York, Ferjani had previously finished 22nd at Tokyo 2020 and 25th at the Rio 2016 Olympics.

His best senior world stage result was an 8th-place finish at the 2018 World Championships in Wuxi, China.

Ferjani’s silver marks Tunisia’s 16th Olympic medal, adding to its tally of five golds, four silvers and seven bronzes since first competing as an independent nation in Rome in 1960.

Read More: Zulu disqualified in Judo, becomes first Zambian athlete to be eliminated from Paris 2024 Olympics

Tunisia sent its smallest Olympic delegation in two decades to Paris, with 26 athletes compared to 63 in Tokyo.

In the bronze medal match, top seed Elsissy was defeated 15-12 by Italy’s Luigi Samele.

The 29-year-old Egyptian would have another chance to medal in the team sabre event starting Wednesday.

WARNING! All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express permission from ZAMBIA MONITOR.

The post Tunisia’s Ferjani claims silver in men’s Sabre at Paris 2024 Olympics first appeared on Zambia Monitor.

Copper Queens skipper, Barbra Banda’s record-breaking third Olympic hat-trick was overshadowed by a disappointing 6-5 defeat to Australia.

Banda became the first player to score three hat-tricks at the Olympic Games, having previously scored two at Tokyo 2020 against the Netherlands and China.

Despite a brace from Racheal Kundananji, Zambia couldn’t prevent a dramatic collapse in a match where they once led 5-2.

Read more: Copper Queens fall 3-0 to USA in Paris Olympics opener

Australia made a remarkable comeback to beat Zambia 6-5 with a 90th-minute goal in a hotly contested Group B match at the Paris 2024 Olympics on Sunday.

Steph Catley, who also scored a brace, and goals from Alanna Kennedy, Hayley Raso, Michelle Heyman, and an own goal from Zambia’s goalie Ngambo Musole (58’) secured the victory for the Matildas.

Zambia drew first blood in the opening minute with a long-range effort by Banda.

The Matildas almost equalized two minutes later through Emily van Egmond, but the leveller came in the seventh minute with Alanna Kennedy scoring off a Stephanie Catley assist.

The end-to-end entertainment continued as both sides created chances.

Zambia restored their lead in the 21st minute with Racheal Kundananji beating goalkeeper Mackenzie Arnold.

Banda struck her second goal, but the deficit was cut back down to one after Hayley Raso scored just two minutes later.

Banda completed her hat-trick just before half-time, making it 4-2 in favor of Zambia at the break.

She then turned provider with an assist for Kundananji, who doubled her tally just nine minutes after the break as Zambia led 5-2.

The Matildas started their comeback after Zambian goalie Ngambo Musole made a howler by scoring an own goal just two minutes later.

Two more goals from Catley—a free kick in the 65th and a penalty in the 78th—evened the score and set up a nervy finale.

Just when the match seemed to be heading for a 5-all draw, Australia completed the comeback after Michelle Heyman scored at the stroke of 90 minutes.

Both teams had chances in the eight minutes of additional time, but the contest at Nice Stadium ended in a 6-5 victory for Australia.

Zambia now sits bottom of Group B after back-to-back defeats.

The Copper Queens would now switch their attention to the final preliminary round match against Germany on Wednesday.

WARNING! All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express permission from ZAMBIA MONITOR.

The post Banda’s historic hat-trick overshadowed by Zambia’s 6-5 defeat to Australia first appeared on Zambia Monitor.

Team Zambia Judo athlete, Simon Zulu, became the first Zambian to be eliminated from the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.

Zulu was disqualified in his contest against Jin-Won Kim of South Korea.

According to the National Olympic Committee of Zambia (NOCZ) Facebook page, Judo Coach Humphrey Nyirenda described the match as tough but noted that the rules were clear.

“He was disqualified for using his head in attack or defense, which is grounds for immediate disqualification to protect the athlete.”

Read More: Copper Queens fall 3-0 to USA in Paris Olympics opener

Reflecting on the way forward, Nyirenda said they will return to the drawing board, focusing on upcoming international tournaments and preparing for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.

“We get back on the tatami with a focus on the next competitions and the next Olympic cycle.”

WARNING! All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express permission from ZAMBIA MONITOR.

The post Zulu disqualified in Judo, becomes first Zambian athlete to be eliminated from Paris 2024 Olympics first appeared on Zambia Monitor.

The Copper Queens on Thursday night succumbed to a 3-0 defeat to Team USA in their Group B opening fixture at the Paris Olympics.

Trinity Rodman gave the USA a 17th-minute lead with a close-range effort.

Mallory Swanson’s rapid brace within one minute made it even more difficult for Zambia.

The task became impossible when defender Pauline Zulu received a straight red card before the half-hour mark, leaving Zambia with ten players.

Read more: Copper Queens skipper, Banda, among BBC’s elite footballers to watch at Paris Olympics

Initially yellow-carded, a VAR review upgraded Zulu’s penalty, leaving her in tears as teammates consoled her.

Coach Bruce Mwape made a double substitution in the 38th minute, bringing on Esther Muchinga for Grace Chanda and Aveil Chitundu for Prisca Chilufya.

In the second half, skipper Barbra Banda showed promise with her runs but couldn’t break through the American defense.

Despite Zambia’s increased intent, players like Racheal Kundananji struggled to penetrate Team USA’s defense.

Zambia hopes to bounce back when they face Australia on Sunday, July 28.

WARNING! All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express permission from ZAMBIA MONITOR.

The post Copper Queens fall 3-0 to USA in Paris Olympics opener first appeared on Zambia Monitor.

The BBC has named Copper Queens skipper Barbra Banda among a group of ten elite footballers to watch ahead of the Paris Olympics, which kicks off this Wednesday.

Banda’s exploits in the America’s National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) have been impressive as she is currently the top scorer in the division, earning her a spot on the list.

The world’s second most expensive woman footballer would be looking to impress when Zambia squares off against the United States this Thursday at the Olympics in Paris.

The list, which included names from both women’s and men’s football categories, also features Banda’s Orlando Pride teammate, Brazilian legend Marta.

Read More: Red arrows aim for $30,000 prize, bounce back from disgrace to face APR in CECAFA Invitational

Others include Morocco’s Achraf Hakimi, former Liverpool midfielder Naby Keita who will captain Guinea, Spain’s Fermin Lopez, Argentina’s Julian Alvarez and France’s Alexandre Lacazette under the men’s category.

Colombia’s Linda Caicedo, French star Wendie Renard, and Aitana Bonmati of Spain round off the list.

Men’s Olympic squads are made up of under-23 players, with up to three overage players allowed, while women’s squads have no age restrictions.

WARNING! All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express permission from ZAMBIA MONITOR.

The post Copper Queens skipper, Banda, among BBC’s elite footballers to watch at Paris Olympics first appeared on Zambia Monitor.

David Mwale, the African Boxing Union (ABU) Bantamweight Champion, is gearing up to defend his title against Kenyan boxer Kouassi Klaklevi, with the aim of qualifying for the World Boxing Council (WBC).

Oriental Quarries Boxing Promotion Manager, Christopher Malunga, announced during a press briefing in Lusaka on Monday that Mwale would be given the opportunity to compete for the WBC if he successfully defends his ABU title in August.

“Once he defends this and wins, we have already granted him a chance to go for the WBC,” Malunga stated.

Read More: Africa bantam weight boxing champion, Mwale, to defend title against Kenyan, April 6 (Video)

Malunga also encouraged Mwale to maintain his discipline and not be swayed by the increasing media attention.

“You will go for WBC, don’t get overexcited,” he advised.

WARNING! All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express permission from ZAMBIA MONITOR.

The post Mwale set to defend title against Kenyan for World boxing council qualification first appeared on Zambia Monitor.

Red Arrows have made history by winning the CECAFA Invitational Cup, defeating three-time champions APR FC of Rwanda 10-9 on penalties after a 1-1 draw at full time at KMC Stadium in Dar Es Salaam.

The teams were deadlocked at 1-1 after 90 minutes, with Ricky Banda scoring for the Zambian champions in the 62nd minute and Sy Mamadou equalizing for APR deep into stoppage time.

Read more: Red arrows aim for $30,000 prize, bounce back from disgrace to face APR in CECAFA Invitational

Extra time failed to produce a winner, leading to a tense penalty shootout.

Ciel Ebengo scored the decisive spot kick after APR missed their penalty.

Other successful penalty takers for Red Arrows included Brian Chilimina, Peter Kalota, Michee Malonga Gesimo, Cedric Onyumba, skipper Paul Katema, Thomas Zulu, Ackim Mumba, veteran James Chamanga, and Saddam Yusuf Phiri.

The triumph marks the Airmen’s third trophy in 2024, adding to their MTN Super League and Absa Cup victories.

They also walk away with a $30,000 prize.

WARNING! All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express permission from ZAMBIA MONITOR.

The post Red Arrows win CECAFA Cup in historical penalty shootout, grab $30,000 prize first appeared on Zambia Monitor.

Chelsea midfielder, Enzo Fernandez, faces a potential driving ban after being found guilty of failing to identify the driver of a Porsche allegedly running a red light in Carmarthenshire.

The 23-year-old Argentine, who transferred to Chelsea for a British record £106.8 million from Benfica in 2022, was convicted in absentia by Llanelli Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday.

Sky Sports reports that Fernandez was charged with failing to provide information to Dyfed-Powys Police on December 27, 2023, regarding the driver’s identity.

Read More: Coach Mwape barred from private contact with Zambia’s women’s football team at Olympics

Two additional charges, driving without third-party insurance and failing to stop at a red light in Llanelli, were withdrawn according to the report.

Court documents revealed that Fernandez, whose address was listed as the Chelsea training ground in Surrey, is scheduled to attend a sentencing hearing on September 11, 2024, in Llanelli to determine if there were mitigating circumstances, including exceptional hardship, that could prevent his disqualification from driving.

Fernandez, who won the World Cup with Argentina in December 2022, joined Chelsea a month later in a record-breaking transfer deal.

WARNING! All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express permission from ZAMBIA MONITOR.

The post Chelsea midfielder, Fernandez, faces possible driving ban for motoring offence first appeared on Zambia Monitor.