Zambia’s Women’s National Team, the Copper Queens, is gearing up for the upcoming Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco.
Midfielder Natasha Nanyangwe, who plays for Green Buffaloes Women’s Football Club, spoke to us about the team’s preparations and expectations for the tournament.
The team’s recent training session was “great,” with everyone putting in effort and training hard. “The morale is high, everyone is happy and eager for the tournament to start and the first game,” Nanyangwe told the ZamFoot Crew.
Nanyangwe, who was part of the 2022 WAFCON squad but didn’t play a game, is looking forward to playing more minutes in the upcoming tournament. “I am eager to play and help my team to progress to the next round,” she expressed.
The Copper Queens finished third in the 2022 edition, and Nanyangwe believes that the team has what it takes to go all the way this time around. “Finishing third at the last tournament was a great feeling, so now our target is to win the tournament and go back home with the gold medals,” she said.
Zambia is in Group A alongside Morocco, Senegal, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Nanyangwe acknowledged that the group is tough, with no underdogs. “We will take each and every game as it comes because every game is important,” she emphasized.
Nanyangwe urged the fans to continue supporting the team, saying that their support is crucial to the team’s success. “I will urge our fans to continue supporting us because without their support we can’t do anything. They are the ones pushing us, so I pray that you continue supporting us,” she appealed.
The Copper Queens will face Morocco on July 5, Senegal on July 9, and DR Congo on July 12. With their recent form and high morale, the team is confident of making a strong impression in the tournament. As reigning COSAFA champions, they will be looking to build on their success and make a deep run in the competition.
