Zambian forward Barbra Banda has urged the Copper Queens to remain focused on their Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) ambitions despite suffering a 1-0 defeat to Algeria in their final preparatory match.
The Copper Queens concluded their 10-day training camp in Algiers on Thursday after playing two friendly matches against the hosts. Zambia drew the opening encounter 1-1 before losing the second match 1-0 on Wednesday.
The Nora Häuptle-coached side will now focus on the WAFCON finals, where they will play defending champions Nigeria, Malawi, and Egypt in Group C.
Banda said the defeat will not affect the team’s morale or preparations, insisting that the Copper Queens remain determined to progress beyond the group stage and ultimately challenge for the title.
“It’s high time we put our heads up because we are looking forward to the tournament. I can assure you, the morale is still high, and we are ready. We are not disturbed about this friendly game; we are focusing on the tournament,” Banda said.
Banda Eyes First Wafcon Title
The captain said the team would concentrate on the aspects within its control while continuing to work hard ahead of the tournament.
“There are things that we can’t control, but our mind as a team and our focus is to go there and work extra hard and go through the group stages,” she said.
The forward said Zambia’s ambitions extend beyond simply participating at the tournament, with the team targeting qualification for the next stage and ultimately the FIFA Women’s World Cup.
“We are going there to the WAFCON and going through to the World Cup and probably winning the WAFCON,” Banda said.
“Every team has improved, and no team is going there just to participate. Everybody is going there to compete. So it’s a tough group, but all in all, as a team, we are going there with full force, and we will go through to the next round of the WAFCON.”
