Copper Queens defender Lushomo Mweemba is confident the team can go all the way to win the tournament because of the team spirit they have exhibited in the tournament so far.
Mweemba was speaking after the team qualified to the semifinals after beating Senegal 4-2 on post-match penalties after a 1-1 draw in regulation time.
The Copper Queens’ centre back was named as the player of the match.
“Yes, we can go all the way to the final and win because of the team spirit we have shown,” she said.
“I do not believe it, by the grace of God it is a dream that is coming true, I do not even imagine in what state our parents back home in our country must be, I still think that they are proud of us, as we are of ourselves. It means a lot to me, it’s my first time qualifying for a World Cup,” she added.
The Green Buffaloes defender revealed that a prospect of a semifinal place and subsequent qualification to World Cup pushed the team.
“The prospect of qualifying for the semi final motivated us. We were very diligent. It was not an easy match, but even when we went behind, we were able to react,” she said.
“It means a lot to me, it was not easy. I thank my teammates because it was a team effort.”
“I am happy that we have qualified for the World Cup. It was not easy but in the end, it happened,” she added.
Goalkeeper Hazel Nali scored the winning penalty after saving one to send the Copper Queens to the 2023 World Cup to be co-hosted by New Zealand and Australia.
The Copper Queens edged past Senegal thanks to a 4-2 penalty shootout. The match ended 1-1 after an entertaining 120 minutes.
