Japan are looking to return to the forefront of the women’s game after years in the wilderness. They were champions in 2011 and beaten finalists in 2015. There are signs that the glory years may be returning with their young side competing with the world’s best in the last 12 months. They face Zambia in their opening match.
Zambia vs Japan Predictions & Betting Tips
- Zambia Handicap +2 (Home +2) @ 1/1 Bet9ja
- GG – Goal/Goal (both teams to score) @ 8/15 Bet9ja
- Over 2.5 goals in the second half @ 6/4 Bet9ja
A spirited Zambia performance
The first of my Women’s World Cup tips for Zambia vs Japan is Zambia to lose by no more than one goal.
Japan are the clear favourites for this clash after some solid showings leading up to the tournament. They were narrowly beaten by the United States in the SheBelieves Cup earlier this year. However, it would be foolish to think they will have it all their own way.
Zambia beat Germany in their final match before the tournament. The Germans are ranked 2nd in the world by FIFA and were near the top of the betting in the outright markets for this World Cup. They are likely to come out second best on Saturday but they won’t roll over.
The opening day of the tournament saw New Zealand cause a huge upset by beating Norway. Australia were also the favourite for their match but were unable to win by more than one goal. Ireland also had two gals disallowed.
Zambia will be full of confidence and will hope to put in a similarly spirited display.
Zambia vs Japan Predictions – Bet 1: Zambia Handicap +2 (Home +2) @ 1/1 Bet9ja
Both teams to create chances
Japan have improved in the last year and have aspirations of making it to the knockout stages. They are 10th in the outright betting with most bookmakers but they won’t have it all their own way against Zambia.
The Zambians showcased their attacking prowess in the Olympics in 2021. Barbra Banda scored two hat-tricks in the group stages in that competition. The striker also comes into this match in red hot form.
Banda plays her football for Shanghai and has 13 goals in her last 11 matches. Zambia also have nine goals in their last three matches and have only failed to score in one of their eight matches this year.
Those eight Zambia matches have seen an average of 4.25 goals per game so I’m backing them to find the net despite being the underdogs here.
Zambia vs Japan Bet 2: GG – Goal/Goal (both teams to score) @ 8/15 Bet9ja
Set for second half action
Our final prediction for this encounter is over 2.5 goals in the 2nd half of the match.
All five of the goals in Zambia’s last match against Germany came after the break. This bet also landed in Japan’s most recent match against Panama.
Tentative starts in major tournaments are not unusual so we are hoping things open up with the teams chasing the game in the latter stages.
We have already spoken about Banda but Racheal Kundananji also brings a lot to the table for Zambia. She scored 25 league goals in Spain last season for Madrid CF and is a threat for her national team. Expect the Zambians to bare their teeth if they fall behind.
Japan are a possession based side with some great midfielders at their disposal. It may take a goal for the game to open up we should see more action in the later stages.
Zambia vs Japan Bet 3: Over 2.5 goals in the second half @ 6/4 Bet9ja
Zambia vs Japan Odds
Odds correct at time of publishing and are subject to change.
- Zambia to win 7/1 Bet9ja
- Draw @ 5/1 Bet9ja
- Japan to win @ 2/7 Bet9ja
