The Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) regretfully announces that Hazel Nali, the first-choice goalkeeper of the Zambia Women's National Team, has been ruled out of the upcoming FIFA World Cup due to a severe knee injury.
Hazel Nali sustained the left knee injury during the preparatory phase leading up to the international friendly match against Germany on July 7 in Furth. Following medical evaluations in Germany and New Zealand, it has been determined that her condition makes her unable to participate in the tournament.
Reuben Kamanga, the General Secretary of FAZ, provided an update on Nali's injury, stating, "After a preliminary examination in Germany, which resulted in her missing the friendly match, an MRI conducted in New Zealand confirmed that Hazel Nali suffered laxity in the Medial Collateral Ligament and a complete tear of the Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL)." He further added, "Based on recommendations from our medical team in collaboration with the FIFA Medical Committee, the recovery and rehabilitation process is estimated to take a minimum of six months before she can gradually return to training, depending on her healing progress."
The Football Association of Zambia expresses its solidarity with Hazel Nali and wishes her a swift and successful recovery. Nali will be returning home for treatment and rehabilitation, under the care of the Zambian medical team.
Meanwhile, the technical bench has begun the process of identifying a suitable replacement for the goalkeeping position in the squad.
Zambia's next matches in the FIFA World Cup are scheduled against Japan on July 22 at the Waikato Stadium in Hamilton, followed by a match against Spain on July 26 at Eden Park Stadium in Auckland. The final group stage game will be against Costa Rica on July 31, also at the Waikato Stadium.
The Zambia Women's National Team, who achieved a commendable bronze medal in the 2022 WAFCON, has settled in Hamilton, which serves as their tournament base for the FIFA World Cup.
