Zambia head coach Bruce Mwappe says his side can still fight and qualify for the knockout stages despite their poor start in the ongoing FIFA Women's world cup in Australia and New Zealand.

The Copper Queens were given a baptism of fire by giants Japan as they were humiliated 5-0 by the 2011 champions at the FMG Stadium Waikato on Saturday.

Zambia face European powerhouse Spain in their next Group C game in Auckland on Wednesday, July 26, and Mwappe insists everything is possible as he looks to get his big guns up and firing again.

ALSO READ: Japan off to a flier with 5-0 win over debutants Zambia

"If we correct the negatives it will help us going into the next game. Some say we might lose hope but we still want to fight and we want to leave a mark on the tournament,” he stated after the game.

"We are sure we can come back and fight for a place and qualify for the next round,” he added.

The Zambian gaffer admitted that his charges were very naive against Japan and made so many errors which culminated in their 5-0 mauling.

"We made a lot of mistakes but it is not the end of the world, we still have a chance,”

"You can say that inexperience cost us but we have played against teams of Japan’s quality before. We don't make excuses but we just did not play well this evening. It was very disappointing."

"There was a lot of panic in possession, instead of keeping the ball some of the players just tried to kick it forward, giving possession back to the opponent.

"The tactical discipline wasn’t there, especially on the flanks. That’s where Japan got their goals from,”Mwappe added

Zambia is making their first appearance at the women's world cup and their target is to at least make it to the round of 16.