The Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) has announced that Hazel Nali, the first-choice goalkeeper for the Zambia Women's National Team, will be unable to participate in the upcoming FIFA World Cup due to an injury. Nali sustained a left knee injury prior to the international friendly match against Germany on July 7 in Furth. Reuben Kamanga, the General Secretary of FAZ, revealed that Nali underwent medical examinations in Germany and New Zealand, which confirmed her unavailability for the tournament. The initial examination in Germany was followed by an MRI in New Zealand, which determined that Nali had experienced laxity in the Medial Collateral Ligament and a complete tear of the Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL). "The ACL is crucial for knee support, and the medical team has advised that it will take a minimum of six months to repair. Nali will gradually return to training based on her healing progress," explained Kamanga. As a result of her injury, Nali will be returning home for treatment and rehabilitation. The technical staff has been consulted regarding a replacement in the goalkeeping department. Zambia is set to face Japan on July 22 at Waikato Stadium in Hamilton, followed by a match against Spain at Eden Park Stadium in Auckland four days later. Their final group stage match will be against Costa Rica on July 31 at Waikato Stadium. The team, who achieved the bronze medal in the 2022 WAFCON, has already settled in Hamilton, which serves as their tournament base. Sydney Mungala, the Communications Manager of the Football Association of Zambia, conveyed this information on behalf of FAZ.