The Copper Queens of Zambia secured their qualification for the 2024 Women Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) with a spectacular 6-0 victory over Angola, sealing a 12-0 aggregate on Tuesday evening.
The Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) promptly issued a press statement extending their congratulations to the victorious team, marking another chapter in Zambia’s football history.
In the press statement, FAZ President Andrew Kamanga said that he was proud of the Copper Queens’ achievements. He commends the stellar performance that earned them a consecutive qualification for WAFCON.
Kamanga highlighted the team’s significance on the international stage, asserting that they not only make the nation proud but also establish themselves as regular contenders in global tournaments.
Kamanga’s official statement read, “On behalf of my executive committee and myself, I wish to congratulate the Copper Queens and the technical bench for sealing qualification to next year’s WAFCON. The Copper Queens brand has continued to grow and establish itself as a regular at international tournaments.”
Highlighting the team’s consistent improvement in each tournament, Kamanga believes there is a need for thorough preparations for the upcoming WAFCON. He assured a comprehensive preparatory program in collaboration with the technical bench to ensure the Copper Queens are well-prepared for the prestigious event.
“Like we have done for any single team that has qualified for major tournaments, we will liaise with the technical bench over an intensive preparatory program,” Kamanga said, outlining the FAZ’s commitment to supporting the team’s success.
Lastly, Kamanga expressed gratitude to the passionate fans who filled the Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola and created an electrifying atmosphere during the Copper Queens’ historic debut at the 44,000-capacity stadium. He urged the fans to maintain their enthusiastic support for the team and acknowledged the hard work of the FAZ secretariat staff in making the qualification a reality.
“Thanks to the fans that thronged Levy Mwanawasa Stadium that lit the atmosphere and gave our girls an extra push. We urge the fans to continue with the same spirit,” he said.
Joining the festive mood is president Hakainde Hichilema, who has been watching the matches closely. “Qualifying to the WAFCON with a bang. Great work girls!!”
The president says that there will be more work to start ahead of the tournament. He bids the team goodluck in setting their eyes on the WAFCON trophy, and possibly another qualification to the World Cup.
“Great to note that both the Chipolopolo boys and Copper Queens have simultaneously qualified for the continent’s biggest competitions,” the president concluded.
Messages from players
Midfielder Ireen Lungu took to her Facebook account to express, “Job done. Amazing team work to seal our qualification for the WAFCON next year. Thank you all for turning up in numbers to give us an extra push, imwe muli bakuleka fye. See you in Morocco.”
Copper Queen captain Barbra Banda, who is among the three final nominees for the CAF Women’s Player of the Year Award, added, “Qualification to the WAFCON sealed. Great effort from the whole team and thank you ba Ndola for the support. Twatotela.”
Striker Racheal Kundananji expressed her enthusiasm in Chichewa, “Chapwa twaya ku WAFCON!”
Defender Martha Tembo also expressed her gratitude, saying, “Happy with the results we produced this week, am so happy that we are back at the Women’s Africa Cup. Thanks to all of you for supporting me and the Copper Queens, God bless.”
WAFCON will take place in Morocco in 2024; however, CAF is yet to confirm the exact dates for the tournaments.
Enthusiasm is rising as the competition approaches, with many observing the qualifying teams closely. Most are already looking into football bookmaker site to bet on their favourite team.
Apart from Zambia, hosts Morocco and defending champions South Africa, other countries that have qualified for the WAFCON are Algeria, Ghana, Botswana, DR Congo, Tunisia, Senegal, Tanzania, Mali and Nigeria.
