Zambia FA boss Mweemba hails Copper Queens for sealing first target at WAFCON

The Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) has congratulated the women’s national team Copper Queens after sealing their quarterfinals spot at the TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nation (WAFCON) following a 1-0 win against DR Congo at Stade El Bachir, Mohammédia on Saturday.

Racheal Kundananji’s early strike proved decisive for the Copper Queens, who finished second in Group A behind hosts Morocco, and will meet the winners of Group B in the quarterfinals.

The Copper Queens took the lead in the ninth minute when Kundananji stepped up and curled a low free kick beyond the outstretched arms of goalkeeper Ruth Khonde. The win has elated FAZ President Keith Mweemba, who said it was a giant step towards the team’s historic title ambitions on the continent.

“Congratulations to the team for qualifying to the quarterfinals of the ongoing Women Africa Cup of Nations,” said Mweemba as quoted by FAZ Media.

“We have achieved our first target at the tournament which was getting out of the group and have to move to the next step on this journey. Everyone knows what our ultimate target is at this tournament but we have to move step by step.”

Mweemba urged Zambia to stay focused by saying: “While our ultimate target is winning the trophy, we are conscious that the team needs to take it a step at a time. We urge the Copper Queens to remain focused and ensure they sustain the momentum set at the tournament.”

Zambia finished Group A with seven points, the same as Morocco, who defeated Senegal 1-0 in their final fixture.