Copper Queens striker Barbra Banda says the team is ready for the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup following the conclusion of their European camp.
The Copper Queens Skipper was speaking after the team’s historical 3-2 win over two time World Champions, Germany in an international friendly match on Friday.
Banda said the whole team is working towards one goal of doing well at their maiden appearance at the World stage.
“First, we started with a loss; then, we switched to a tie, and we fixed our mistakes from the last two games we played. I believe that the team is prepared for the World Cup, and everyone is pushing, we are determined and want to achieve one goal,” the Shanghai Shengli forward said.
“Beating Germany is a dream come true. They are not a pushover team, and despite giving up the two goals, we fought to the end.”
Meanwhile Spain based forward Rachel Kundananji said the win over Germany shows just how far the team could go at the World Cup.
“It’s a greatest achievement, starting with a loss, a draw then a win so this determines how far we will go at the upcoming World Cup in Australia and New Zealand. We will fight hard until the end,” she said.
Lea Schuller and Alexandra Popp pulled Germany level in the dying minutes after a brilliant Barbra Banda opener and calm Kundananji goal had put Zambia two nil up.
The skipper however produced a magnificent finish off an even more brilliant pass from Ireen Lungu at the death to seal a 3-2 win, providing one of the biggest upsets in World Football.
The team is currently in transit heading to New Zealand for the start of the tournament.
Placed in Group C, alongside Spain, Japan, and Costa Rica, Zambia will step onto the global stage on July 22, 2023, against the formidable team from Japan. Four days later, they will face Spain, followed by a clash with Costa Rica on July 31, 2023.
That’s it boss. Its a game and a career. Good luck!!