Rachel Kundananji has called on Zambian supporters to keep faith in the Copper Queens after their hopes of reaching the knockout stages of the 2026 TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations suffered a setback with a 1-0 defeat to Nigeria.
The Copper Queens were beaten by the record 10-time African champions at Al Madina Stadium on Saturday, with Asisat Oshoala’s eighth-minute strike proving the difference in a fiercely contested Group C encounter.
Zambia entered the match full of confidence after an emphatic 6-0 victory over Egypt in their opening fixture. Nigeria, meanwhile, were under pressure following a surprise 3-2 defeat to Malawi, knowing another loss would leave their tournament hopes hanging by a thread.
That urgency was evident from the opening whistle as the Super Falcons defended resolutely after taking an early lead, frustrating Zambia despite sustained spells of pressure.
Reflecting on the defeat, Kundananji admitted the team must learn from the mistakes that proved costly.
“You know, we just need to train hard, we just need to do our best and go back on the drawing board to work on the small mistakes which we made,” she said.
The Bay FC forward praised Nigeria’s determination, acknowledging the magnitude of the occasion for their opponents.
“It wasn’t difficult, you know, fighting against the team. They knew if they lose this, to them it was like game over. So they came with everything. But at least we gave them a tough time to grab those three points.”
Kundananji also addressed questions over her physical condition but stopped short of confirming whether she would be available for Zambia’s decisive final group match.
“Right now I can’t say much, because still not yet figured out what’s going on. Just wait and see. Maybe you might see me in the next game.”
Attention now turns to a decisive clash against Malawi, who have stunned many by winning both of their opening Group C matches to move to the brink of a quarter-final place.
For Zambia, the equation is straightforward: victory over the Scorchers is essential to keep their WAFCON campaign alive and secure a place in the last eight.
Despite the setback against Nigeria, Kundananji remains confident the Copper Queens can respond and has urged supporters to continue backing the team.
“They shouldn’t give up on us so easily. We still have another game, another chapter, and we are going to do our best.”
She ended with a familiar rallying cry that has become synonymous with the national team.
“It’s Zambia always, Zambia Kuchalo.”
