The Zambia Women’s national team made history on Wednesday night as they sealed a place in the semifinals of the ongoing 2022 Morocco Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.
With that feat came an even bigger reward a place at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup to be cohosted by Australia and New Zealand.
Prior to the tournament the headlines revolved around the unfortunate unavailability of their skipper Barbra Banda who despite being in Morocco is not taking part in the tournament.
After sealing their maiden appearance at the World Cup, the players erupted into celebration and the who seemed to have extra motivation in every game, actually did.
Yes, one could say the dream of playing at the World Cup, and the nice allowances put in place by FAZ and Government but they were also playing for their friends.
In a Video circulated on Social Media by FAZ Media, heroin Hazel Nali could be heard clearly saying this was for Barbra Banda.
Midfielder Irene ‘Xavi’ Lungu, ‘The female Computer’ also echoed the same message saying this was for you Barbra [Banda] we want you back.
Every game the team played they put in a 110% and its not surprising that wanting their skipper, Rachel Kundananji among others to get a chance to play at the World Cup was the push they needed to dig deep in games.
Banda is eager to get back to the pitch and can’t wait to play at the World Cup.
The China based star forward and Olympic Football history maker was quick to congratulate her teammates for their hard work to qualify the last four of the Morocco 2022 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.
“I just want to congratulate the girls for the job well done. Australia here we come, am ready and fit, I can’t wait to go to the World Cup,” Banda said.
“It means a lot to me and the team, we have been to the Olympics, and now we going t experience another stage which I can say the last stage of football, I don’t have much to say, just watch me at the World Cup.”
“Just the same words I have been telling them, you have to be determined, courageous, confident and disciplined,” 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.
Zambia will face the winner between South Africa’s Banyana Banyana and Tunisia in the semifinals.
