The Copper Queens have intensified preparations ahead of Friday’s TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) quarterfinal showdown against nine time Champions, Nigeria.
The Copper Queens held a lively training session on Tuesday evening as they continued their preparations under the watchful eye of coach Nora Elizabeth Häuptle and her technical bench.
According to the FAZ Media team the players went through tactical routines and match-specific drills, with strong communication and a positive team atmosphere on display from start to finish.
Zambia booked their spot in the quarterfinals after finishing second in Group A with seven points and an unbeaten record.
The Copper Queens played to a 2-2 draw with Morocco before beating Senegal and DR Congo 3-2 and 1-0 respectively.
Friday’s match in Casablanca will be a repeat of the 2022 bronze medal fixture, which the Copper Queens won 1–0, their first-ever win over the Super Falcons.
Grace Chanda is back and available for selection after missing the DR Congo showdown due to suspension after accumulating two yellow cards.
Martha Tembo who limped out on the 3-2 win over Senegal came on to play the last few minutes against DR Congo and is expected to be available for Friday’s showdown.
The Super Falcons are the most successful nation in WAFCON history, with titles in 1998, 2000, 2002, 2004, 2006, 2010, 2014, 2016, and 2018.
They have reached the semi-finals in all 12 of their previous appearances. In addition to their nine titles, they finished third in 2008 and fourth in both 2012 and 2022.
So for Zambia to progress they have to do what has never been done, eliminate Nigeria at the quarter final stage.
Kickoff at the Larbi Zaouli Stadium in Casablanca will be at 18h00CAT.
📸: FAZ Media
