Zambia Women’s WAFCON Team captain Barbra Banda says the team has set its sight on winning the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) title.
The China-based skipper however says the immediate task is to secure qualification to the biggest women’s football extravaganza by beating Angola in the final round away on Wednesday and in front of home supporters on 5 December, 2023.
“This time around our aim as a team is to win the WAFCON because last time we didn’t win but came out on a good position but this time around our aim is to go and grab the trophy,” Banda said.
“It’s very important that we play the first leg away, we need to win the game so that when we are back home, we need to finalize the game and play to our level best.”
The Shanghai Shengli based striker expressed happiness in the mix of local and foreign based players that were summoned for the back-to-back qualifier matches.
“I am really proud of the team that went to COSAFA, I was so pressured to see how they were playing because it gave me the mind of how I would fit in the team, it’s not easy coming back but as foreign based players, we need to work hard because everyone is pushing to be in the team,” Banda said.
She added that all senior players are determined to provide leadership to the team and inspire the young players in the squad.
“We are happy for them and we can only encourage them to work hard, we shall give them good leadership and lead by example.
The Copper Queens striker who has also made the 10-member shortlist for the 2023 CAF Women’s Player of the Year Award said she was elated to be among the top contenders for the prestigious award.
[FAZ]
