Zambia Women’s National Team striker Natasha Nanyangwe says the win over Morocco in the first of a two series friendly match is now water under the bridge.
Nanyangwe says the team has now shifted their focus on the second game billed for Moulay Hassan Stadium in Rabat on 26 September 2023.
The Copper Queens beat the Atlas Lionesses 2-0 at Pere Jego stadium in Casablanca on Friday thanks to a second half brace from captain of the side Barbra Banda. The two teams will square off again on Tuesday in Rabat.
“Training here is going well. Everyone here is pushing ahead of Tuesday’s game. The game we won on Friday was a good result but that is now water under the bridge, our main focus now is the second game,” Nanyangwe said.
“The second game against Morocco is very important, it will help us gauge ourselves in terms of our play, coordination and prepare for the qualifiers (WAFCON and Olympics) ahead of us.”
The Green Buffaloes Women’s Football Club forward missed the FIFA Women’s World Cup due to injuries and she believes it’s important for her to express herself with the chances and opportunities she is getting with the team.
“Yeah I missed the World Cup due to injuries but now that I am back with the team, it’s important that I contribute to the team knowing that I am getting chances and opportunities in the team. They are encouraging me, so it’s important that I express myself,” she said.
“It will be important for all new players who will be part of the COSAFA squad to showcase their talent and play for the nation by doing their best and prove that local based players can also do it.”
Coach Bruce Mwape is using the Morocco friendlies to prepare for the Paris 2024 Olympic qualifiers, 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers and 2023 COSAFA Women’s Championship that will run from 4 October – 15 October in South Africa.
The Copper Queens are in Group B alongside Angola, Mozambique and Comoros at the regional competition where they will be going as defending champions.
By FAZ Media
