WAFCON: Zambia will speak on the pitch against Nigeria – Barbra Banda

Zambia women’s national team captain Barbra Banda has said they are ready to show their mighty on the pitch when they take on Nigeria in the quarterfinals of the TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) at the Larbi Zaouli Stadium in Morocco on Friday.

Both nations will head into the knockout stage unbeaten, having each collected seven points from two wins and a draw in their respective groups.

Speaking ahead of the clash, Banda, who plays for National Women’s Soccer League club Orlando Pride, shared that the squad has recovered well from the group stage and is entering the match with strong morale and determination.

“On my side and on behalf of the team, we had a very good recovery from the group stage. Coming into the quarterfinals, we had some days to rest and we had a good recovery which means we are good as a team. We are back with good morale and looking forward to tomorrow’s game,” Banda said as quoted by FAZ Media.

“We are not scared, but we respect them because we know the game is 90-plus, so we are going to speak on the pitch…We want to hunt it. Like the coaches say, we are so hungry for the game. You will be there to witness. The game is so open for everybody, and it’s a good game to watch.”

She added: “I am here with the team, encouraging my team to do what we love doing mostly, and what we love doing best, which is to unite ourselves and be honest with our principles and values. And going to every game as seriously, we are taking every game very seriously. That’s my message to my team.

“As (reigning) CAF Women’s African Footballer of the Year, I am not having any pressure on me and it’s just the motivation that I have to work extra hard and more titles will come on the pitch.”

Reflecting on the pride of representing her country on the continental stage, Banda said: “This year, being here at WAFCON is very important to me and putting on this badge means a lot to me. What I would say is to say thank you first for this opportunity to call up for the national team, because everyone’s dream to play for the national team.

“So, for me to be here is a great opportunity and a great chance for me, and I have to show it off, like I need to show why I am here.”

Zambia will go into the last eight match with 20 players, with Grace Chanda returning from suspension, but Xiomara Mapepa has been excused from the squad on medical grounds.