Barbra Banda: Brazil women’s coach gives verdict

Brazil senior women’s national team coach Arthur Elias has delivered his verdict on the class of Zambian striker Barbra Banda.

The Orlando Pride FC forward was the only bright light in an otherwise gloomy outing for the Copper Queens in South America during the FIFA Series 2026.

Banda scored the consolation goal for Zambia in their 6-1 to loss the Seleção in Brazil at the Arena Pantanal in Cuiabá on Tuesday.

Barbra Banda saves face of Zambia

In a post-match interview monitored on Confederação Brasileira de Futebol Facebook page, Elias described the 2024 BBC Women’s Footballer of the Year as one of the world’s best strikers.

“Zambia has an outstanding player,” said the coach “Barbra Banda, for me, is one of the best players in the world.”

The Brazilian explained what makes the America’s 2024 National Women’s Soccer League MVP tricky for defenders to handle.

“Her power to offset the balance is very hard,” added Elias.

The Zambia women’s national team captain was named in the 2025 FIFPRO Women’s World 11 for a second consecutive season.

Banda has also led the Copper Queens to major tournaments such as the WAFCON finals and Olympic Games.

Zambia were in Brazil for WAFCON preps

The Brazilian coach also acknowledged the improvement of other Copper Queens players especially midfielders and strikers.

“There are other players who have stood out, especially the midfielders and strikers,” he said. “African and South American football has talent. Their relationship with the ball is very outstanding.

Both men’s and women’s football in Africa and South America needs more backing, better infrastructure support and more financial backing.”

During the match, Yasmim, Tainá Maranhão, Angelina, Raíssa Bahia, Kerolin and Vitória Calhau scored for Brazil, with Banda providing the only consolation for the African opponents.

Zambia went into the match with questions on their preparedness. Skipper Banda called for proper preparations of such high-profile matches amid chaos resulting from the absence of coach Nora Hauptle over a contractual dispute. Charles Haalubono stood in for the Swiss coach.

The Coppers Queens were in Brazil to prepare for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations finals scheduled for Morocco from 25 July to 16 August. Zambia started their tour of Brazil with a 4-0 loss to Canada on Saturday.