WAFCON 2024: Zambia mentally and physically ready for Senegal – Kundananji

Zambia women’s national team forward Racheal Kundananji says the team is fully focused and ready to face Senegal in Wednesday’s vital CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) clash at the Stade Olympique in Rabat.

The Copper Queens will head into their second Group A fixture having secured a 2-2 draw against hosts Morocco in their opener while Senegal registered a resounding 4-0 victory against DR Congo.

“I think mentally we are prepared well and physically because we have already forgotten about the game because we don’t want to come back again,” said Kundananji as quoted by FAZ Media.

“We already lost some chances. So we are focusing on tomorrow’s game, which we are giving all our best and trying to make sure that we use all the chances that we are going to get tomorrow (Wednesday).”

Kundananji explained why the Senegal fixture carries even more weight: “All the games in the tournament mean a lot because once you lose one, you still give yourself pressure. But now, this game is more important and this is the second step in the tournament.

“We have already passed one step, which is Morocco, so we need to give it all in this one to just grab all three points for us to lift the pressure on our heads and make sure that we give more motivation to ourselves too.”

On working with coach Nora Häuptle at the WAFCON, Kundananji, who plays for National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) club Bay FC, said: “You know, I have been excited working with Coach Nora. I feel like I have been free to play on her team. I have always been myself around her and all the coaches. I think she has brought so much value to our team.

“Right now, we have a few times to be with the team. Now, look at what has happened in the team. There are so many changes. All of you have been watching the screens and seeing the style of the game we are playing. I feel like she has brought so much to our team. She is going to help us become who we are supposed to be.”

The match is set for Wednesday at the El Bachir Stadium in Mohammedia, and later in the same day, Morocco will face DR Congo at the Stade Olympique in Rabat.