Barbra Banda Eyes Winning Start as Zambia Prepares for Tough WAFCON Opener Against Hosts Morocco

Copper Queens captain Barbra Banda has emphasized the importance of starting strong at the TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) Morocco 2024, as Zambia prepares to face tournament hosts Morocco in the opening match of Group A on July 5 in Rabat.

Speaking during WAFCON Stars, Banda acknowledged the magnitude of the task ahead, especially playing against a strong Moroccan side buoyed by home support.

“I think the preparations are going on so well, and playing Morocco is not an easy game,” Banda said. “We are playing them at home, they’ve got all the support and the 12th player on the pitch. We know that, but we’re trying by all means to make sure we are ready.”

Zambia is drawn in Group A alongside Morocco, Senegal, and the Democratic Republic of Congo, in what is expected to be a fiercely competitive group.

Banda stressed the team’s focus on the first game, describing it as vital to building momentum for the rest of the tournament.

“The first game is always important in a tournament. We’re looking forward to that game, and we’re taking it very seriously,” she added. “Our aim is to go through first in the group, and that starts with getting a good result on July 5. We are aiming for a win on that day.”

The Copper Queens, currently completing their final phase of preparations, have welcomed all foreign-based players into camp and are being put through intense tactical and physical drills by head coach Nora Häuptle and her technical team.

Zambia’s next Group A matches will be against Senegal on July 9 and DR Congo on July 12, with both games set for El Bachir Stadium in Mohammedia.

With Banda leading from the front, the Copper Queens will be hoping to replicate and even surpass their 2022 third-place finish, as they chase continental glory.