Zambia Women’s coach Nora Häuptle has praised midfielder Grace Chanda’s contribution in her side first two matches at the ongoing WAFCON 2024 in Morocco.
Chanda is suspended for Saturday’s final group tie against DR Congo.
The Orlando Pride midfielder performance has caught the eye not only of her coach but many.
“Grace Chanda has conceded the second yellow card so she’s suspended,” Häuptle said as she confirmed the suspension.
“She’s a fantastic footballer. She had a long history of medical reasons that kept her out of the game for more than a year.
Chanda missed the Women’s World Cup in New Zealand and Australia due to medical reasons.
“So my heart is always opening when I see her on the pitch. She’s a fantastic footballer.
“And then the move between the lines. She did not have a lot of play time in the Club. So now she gets a lot of minutes, you know.
With Chanda suspended Evarine Katongo is expected to feature alongside Mary Wilombe and Ireen Lungu in midfield.
“Of course, we take every minute that we can. Yeah, to give her play time, that’s her role. Now she’s out.
“It’s maybe also good to recover a bit for her. She played now more minutes than she made the whole year at the club. So also this, we take a positive step, you know.
“I am just ensuring that she is recovering. We have a strong plan for how it is.
