Zambia’s Grace Chanda predicts tough Morocco game in WAFCON opener

Grace Chanda- Photo Credit: Football Association of Zambia (FAZ).

Zambia women’s national team midfielder Grace Chanda has admitted that facing hosts Morocco in their TotalEnergies Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) opener will be a daunting challenge.

The Copper Queens have been drawn in Group A alongside Morocco, Senegal and DR Congo, and will kick off their campaign against tournament hosts Morocco on July 5.

“Morocco is not an easy game for the opener. It’s a tough one, and we have to be mentally prepared. They are preparing just like us, but we want those three points because the first game is important,” said Chanda, as quoted by FAZ Media.

Chanda, who made her WAFCON debut in 2018 and starred again in the 2022 edition as Zambia finished third, will be appearing in her third consecutive tournament, a record she shares with Margaret Belemu, Martha Tembo, Lushomo Mweemba and Ireen Lungu.

“I am so excited because it’s not easy to play in three tournaments. It’s not easy. So, I am so happy, I am so excited to come back again,” added Chanda.

The Orlando Pride attacker, who previously played for Madrid CFF in Spain, missed several matches over the last year due to injury but says she never lost focus.

“It’s been a tough year for me, but I always encourage myself to work extra hard. Even when I am not playing, I keep pushing. My family and friends also gave me strength,” added Chanda.

Chanda led the Copper Queens to a bronze medal in the 2022 edition in Morocco, Zambia’s first-ever podium finish at the biggest women’s football competition in Africa. Her goal this time around is to go even further.

“We have to finish better now because we are a full squad. The target of this tournament is to continue from where we left off.”

Chanda concluded: “I am ready to do more than I did last time. I am coming in with everything I have. To the fans: keep supporting us. We are ready, we will deliver the points and we will deliver the happiness.”

Following the opener on July 5 against tournament hosts Morocco at the newly-constructed Olympic Stadium in Rabat, the Copper Queens will face Senegal on July 9 and DR Congo on July 12, both at El Bachir Stadium in Mohammédia.