Copper Queens claw their way to Olympics, led by Banda’s double blitz

THE Copper Queens have booked their ticket to the 2024 Paris Olympics in dramatic fashion, leaving the Atlas Lionesses of Morocco roaring in despair after facing a 2 nill defeat at their backyard.

Captain Barbara Banda, Zambia’s potent striker, emerged as the heroine, bagging a magnificent brace to secure a 3-2 aggregate victory.

Coming from a first leg loss at home anxiety creeped in but Banda was optimistic about qualifying to the games in France slated for July 25, 2024 to August 10, 2024.

“As they (Morocco) have won at our home, we shall also win them at theirs, don’t despair,” Banda told the team in Nyanja, following the defeat at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola on Friday.

And true to her words Rabat’s Prince Moulay El Hassan stadium witnessed Banda aka Captain Fantastic weave her magic. 

However, she was not the only heroine in the game as Lushomo Mweemba, and goal keeper Ngambo Musole were among the players that won Zambian fans’ hearts.

In the 39th minute, Prisca Chilufya served up a sumptuous assist, laying the groundwork for Banda to break the deadlock. 

Banda’s second goal arrived in the first half of extra time from the penalty spot, a well-orchestrated strike that sealed Zambia’s historic qualification as Coach Bruce Mwape led his team to back to back Olympics.

The road to Paris wasn’t paved with roses. Zambia’s midfield initially struggled to control the game but Musole’s fire wall was just unpenetrable by the ‘virus shots’ at her. 

The goal keeper kept the team afloat with a clean sheet like Zambia’s debt restructuring depended on her. 

Despite the midfield challenges, the Copper Queens clawed their way back, their determination evident in every tackle and surge forward.

This victory gives Zambia a chance to rewrite the narrative of their previous Olympic heartbreak, a 10-3 thrashing by Netherlands in 2020. 

The Copper Queens join 12 other teams including fellow Africans, Nigeria at the Paris 2024 Olympics and will be in Group B with USA, Germany and Australia.

Now, they stand poised to battle it out with the world’s best on one the world’s the grandest stage. Buckle up, football fans – the Copper Queens are ready to shoot for the sky in Paris! 

By Elesani Phiri

Kalemba April 10, 2024