Zambia Women’s national team have set their sight on winning bronze medals when they take on Nigeria tomorrow in a third and fourth play off at the 2022 Morocco Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.
Head Coach Bruce Mwape says the team has come a long way and will be looking to finish the tournament on a good note with a 3rd place finish.
Mwape has also confirmed that goalkeeper Catherine Musonda will miss tomorrow’s match after she suffered trauma to her lower abdomen.
“Being the last game we want to finish on a good note. We have come a long way, we should go back home with at least a medal , we ready for this game , We have prepared adequately and we want to come out as winners,” he said.
“To me there is nothing wrong with the tournament so far, we have not encountered any problem just maybe the last game that’s where people are questioning especially the penalty.”
“The goalkeeper is off she will not play but the rest are okay,” he added.
Mwape feels the team have showed that they are among the top teams on the continent through their performances so far.
“With Barbra Banda or no Barbra the team is always there. Everyone is willing to play and have confidence to play. It is all about team work,” he said.
“I think the games we have played can speak for themselves. Out of five games we have won four woman of the match awards which simply means we are maybe better some of these big teams. It shows there is a lot of improvement in our team and we hope to continue with the same spirit. With that said there is a lot of room to improve.”
First choice goalkeeper Hazel Nali has called on match officials to be fair when officiating Zambia games.
Nali feels everyone in the squad knows what is at stake tomorrow against the nine time Champions, The Super Falcons.
“Everyone in the team knows what is at stake . I feel the game is just as important as the final so everyone is focused on tomorrow’s game,” she said.
“You all watched the game and saw it. I feel we were scammed in that game honestly but the girls are over it. We just need to forge ahead. The teams is ready and everyone knows what’s needed because we can not cry over spilled milk. I feel the referee tomorrow should be fair because we will not take that any more.”
The Copper Queens will face the Super Falcons on Friday in a third and fourth play off at Casablanca’s Mohammed V Stadium.
