Zambia need to improve but WAFCON draw shows ‘we can fight’ – Barbra Banda

Barbra Banda - Photo Credit: Football Association of Zambia (FAZ)

Zambia national team captain Barbra Banda has admitted that the Copper Queens have to improve in some areas ahead of their remaining matches following Saturday's 2-2 draw against Morocco in an entertaining start to the 2024 CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).

The Copper Queens struck first during the contest in Rabat when Banda capitalised on space just outside the box to unleash a powerful low shot into the bottom left corner.

However, the North Africans levelled matters in the 12th minute after Najat Badri was brought down by Grace Chanda in the penalty area. After a VAR review, Ibtissam Jraïdi stepped up to score with a composed strike into the top left corner.

Zambia restored their lead in the 27th minute when Banda turned the provider laid a pass to Racheal Kundananji, who made no mistake, finishing coolly past goalkeeper Khadija Er-Rmichi. The Copper Queens went into the half-time break enjoying a 2-1 advantage.

Despite Zambia looking to snatch all the points, a determined Morocco once again drew level with only three minutes left to the clock when Chebbak picked up the ball outside the box and unleashed a brilliant strike into the top corner.

“We still have a lot to improve but this match shows that we are ready to fight until the end,” she said at the post-match press conference, holding the Woman of the Match trophy.

The Copper Queens’ next game will be on Wednesday against Senegal while Morocco will face DR Congo.