WAFCON 2024: Senegal’s Mama Diop vows to outshine Zambia’s Barbra Banda

Senegalese striker Mama Diop has promised to do everything and come on top when she comes face to face with Zambia captain Barbra Banda in their vital Group A CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) clash at the Stade Olympique in Rabat, on Wednesday.

While Diop scored a brace when Senegal hammered DR Congo 4-0 in the opener at Stade El Bachir, Mohammédia, Banda notched the opener for the Copper Queens as they went ahead to draw 2-2 against hosts Morocco.

Diop now says coming up against the 2024 CAF and BBC Women’s Player of the Year Banda will be a big motivation as Senegal eyes a place in the knockout stage of the competition in Morocco.

“When I start a competition, it is to go all the way. Team or individual trophies are what keep me going,” the 30-year-old striker said as quoted by Bola News. “I have a lot of respect for Banda but I will take this match as a personal challenge. If I want to be the best, this is the kind of match I have to dominate.”

A win for Senegal will increase their points tally to six, while Zambia, who won the bronze medal at the previous WAFCON tournament, will remain with only one. In the other fixture, Morocco will host DR Congo at Olympic Stadium in Rabat.