COPPER QUEENS captain Barbra Banda says Zambia’s unbeaten run in the group stage is a sign of cohesion in the squad as the team prepares for Friday’s TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAfCON) quarterfinal against Nigeria.
Zambia, who finished the group stage with seven points, will now face the Super Falcons of Nigeria in a rematch of the 2022 WAFCON bronze medal match, a game the Copper Queens won 1-0.
“The game against DR Congo was good. I think we had a lot of possession and we stuck to our values and principles, which the coach wanted,” Banda said, reflecting on Zambia’s 1-0 win that sealed second spot in Group A.
“I think we played so well as a team and we are heading in the right direction. It’s a good record coming out of the first round without a loss, and now we are looking forward to the quarterfinals. Whatever team comes, we are up and ready for it,” she said.
With four goals conceded in the opening two games, Banda said the team’s ability to bounce back with a clean sheet against DR Congo shows improvement.
“This is what we were working on. We played two games that we conceded, and went back to our drawing board to correct our mistakes. Everyone saw that the team was very organised, and we had so much possession starting from the build-up to the front,” she said.
Banda also praised the contribution of young players like Mercy Chipasula and Fridah Mukoma, who have been integrated into the senior team with confidence and growing impact.
“It’s good looking at how the young stars are coming up and how they are coordinating with the team. We have to keep encouraging them because they are our future Zambian stars. I am happy with their performance because they are adding something to the team,” Banda said.
“To the fans, keep on supporting and watch out for the Copper Queens in the quarterfinals. Zambia ku chalo.”
Credit: FAZ
