THE Copper Queens are ready to let their boots do the talking in tonight’s Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAfCON) 2024 quarterfinal clash against Nigeria, according to team captain Barbra Banda.
Speaking ahead of the highly anticipated match, Banda stated that the Zambian squad is so hungry for a victory and is fully prepared for the challenge posed by the Super Falcons.
“We are not scared, but we respect them because we know the game is 90-plus, so we are going to speak on the pitch,” Banda said. “We want to hunt it.”
The Copper Queens enter the quarterfinal with confidence, having gone unbeaten in the group stage facing another unbeaten team in the tournament this far.
Banda, said the team is mentally sharp and united.
Meanwhile, the Orlando Pride star added that her nomination for the CAF Women’s African Footballer of the Year has only fueled her desire to work harder, not to feel pressured.
Banda emphasised that representing her country remains her greatest motivation and called on her teammates to stay focused on their principles.
The match, with a spot in the WAfCON semifinals on the line, is scheduled to kick off at 18:00 CAT at Larbi Zaouli Stadium.
By George Musonda
Kalemba July 18, 2025
