JUST a day to go before the Copper Queens take to the pitch for their opening match at the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAfCON), star striker Racheal Kundananji says the team is ready to fight for the nation and make Zambia proud.
The Copper Queens, who are currently camping in Rabat, are putting final touches to their preparations ahead of their Group A opener against hosts Morocco this Saturday, at the Olympic Stadium in Rabat.
Coach Nora Häuptle’s side have been sweating it out at the Lanoria Sports Complex in Mohammedia for the past 10 days and are now counting down to their first game in the 15th edition of Africa’s biggest women’s football tournament.
Speaking ahead of the much-anticipated opener, Kundananji, who will be making her second WAfCON appearance, said the squad was bubbling with confidence and determined to make the country proud.
“We are ready to represent you guys and to be there for Zambia,” Kundananji said.
The Copper Queens will later face Senegal on July 9 and then DR Congo on 12 in their remaining Group A matches, both to be played at El Bachir Stadium in Mohammedia.
Meanwhile, Malawi Women’s National Team captain Tabitha Chawinga who is also in Morocco but for a different assignment, said she was happy to be in Morocco to celebrate African women’s football and throw her support behind Southern African teams, especially Zambia and South Africa.
The prolific striker is attending WAFCON as a special guest of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) and took part in the official unveiling of the tournament’s new trophy.
“I came here to support our sisters, Zambia and South Africa. I believe this trophy will come to Southern African region,” she said.
With the mood heating up in Morocco, the Copper Queens are now looking to soar high and bring glory back home.
By George Musonda
Kalemba July 4, 2025
