Kundananji admits Zambia were poor against Nigeria in WAFCON defeat

Zambia women’s national team forward Racheal Kundananji has openly criticised the team’s performance against Nigeria saying they put up a disappointing shift to exit the 2025 CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Casablanca on Friday.

In the last eight fixture at Stade Larbi Zaouli, Nigeria delivered a dominant performance to demolish Zambia 5-0 and secure a place in the semifinals.

The 25-year-old, who plays for National Women’s Soccer League club Bay FC, has called on her teammates to take full responsibility for not living up to expectations.

Below is the full statement from Kundananji;

With profound gratitude, I want to thank everyone who has been supporting us throughout the journey at the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, from the very first day, up until the last day of the show.

Surely, last night we put up a disappointing shift despite positive results and convincing performances at the group stage and we take full responsibility for not living up to our expectations and yours too.

We might have been knocked out of the competition but not all hope is lost. We shall come back stronger and much more competitive next year. We will not back down. It is now time to go back and review our strengths and flaws.

As the Copper Queens, we are forever grateful for your unwavering support.

Thank you so much!

Zambia, who had hoped to build on their 2022 bronze finish, went out of the tournament having been outclassed by a side still to concede a single goal.