Tragedy 😭; Copper Queen Norin Betani dies ahead of Ghana showdown 

Copper Queens and Indeni Roses striker Norin Betani has passed on following a short illness. 

Both the Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) and her club side, Indeni Roses confirmed the sad development. 

“The Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) is saddened by the death of Copper Queens and Indeni Roses striker Norin Betani.”

Betani died on Wednesday morning at the University Teaching Hospital after being diagnosed with suspected malaria.

FAZ General Secretary Reuben Kamanga says the player reported to camp whilst unwell and was taken to the hospital for thorough examination on recommendation by team medics.

“We regret to announce the death of one of our female players Norin Betani who was in the provisional squad for the Ghana match. Betani was taken to the nearest hospital to the team camp which is Kanyama Level One hospital and FAZ engaged the family at every stage,” Kamanga told FAZ Media

“The patient was referred to the University Teaching Hospital (UTH) on Monday and was under medical care until her demise. FAZ secretariat staff, family members and her club (Indeni Roses) worked closely during the player’s hospitalisation.”

Kamanga says details of the funeral will be shared in due course.

“For now we urge everyone in the football family to mourn the deceased with dignity and respect the full privacy that medical situations sometimes demand,” he says.

The funeral is being held in Garden House (Lusaka) at her parents’ house.

Betani was part of the Copper Queens 30 member provisional squad for the Olympics third round qualifiers against Ghana. 

Ghana will host Zambia, in the 1st leg at the Accra Sports Stadium on Friday, February 23rd. 

The Copper Queens will host Ghana on Wednesday, 28th February in the second leg at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium with the kick off set at 18h00. 

The winner between Zambia and Ghana will face either Tunisia or Morocco in the last round of qualification.