“I Feel Good and Proud of The Team,” – Barbra Banda After 2-2 Draw With Hosts Morocco

Copper Queens captain and reigning African Women’s Player of the Year Barbra Banda has praised her team’s resilience after Zambia played to a thrilling 2-2 draw against tournament hosts Morocco in their opening match of the 2024 TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).

Banda, who led from the front as always, scored the opener just 58 seconds from kickoff and later provided an assist for Racheal Kundanaji. She expressed both pride and disappointment following the result, particularly after Zambia conceded a late equalizer.

“I feel good and proud of the team,” Banda said in a post-match interview. “We tried to contend despite giving them a goal in the last minute. As a team, we need to stay focused, especially toward the end of the match when everyone is tired and we’re under pressure.”

Zambia twice took the lead in the game, showcasing their attacking prowess and control in possession. Banda acknowledged the team’s performance but stressed the importance of maintaining concentration until the final whistle.

“We were keeping possession, we were controlling the ball,” she added. “We just need to improve on those small things and stay connected until the end. I believe in my team. This game is now in the past, the next one is a different challenge and we have to be ready.”

The match saw tactical changes from both sides, with Morocco and Zambia making several substitutions in the second half. Banda said she had full confidence in her teammates, both starters and substitutes.

“They made their substitutes but we were still in the game,” she said. “I believe in everyone on our team, when they come in, they bring something different. We trust and believe in each other.”

The Copper Queens now shift their focus to their next Group A encounter with Senegal on July 9, as they aim to secure qualification to the knockout stages.