The Zambia Women’s National Team departed for Morocco on Monday afternoon ahead of two international friendlies against the Atlas Lionesses in Rabat on September 22nd and 26th, 2023.
Coach Bruce has selected a mix of foreign and local players for the friendlies.
Both teams recently competed in the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, which was held in Australia and New Zealand, with Zambia exiting in the group stage and Morocco reaching the round of 16.
Copper Queens captain Babra Banda told the FAZ media before leaving for Rabat that the friendlies are crucial as they prepare for the Olympic qualifiers and the COSAFA Cup.
“The team is ready, and everyone has been up to the task since the day we entered the camp. The friendly game will help us get in shape ahead of the Olympic qualifiers and the Cosafa tournament.”
Banda added, “We have to be focused and determined and remain mentally and physically fit. Looking at Morocco, it’s not an easy team. Every time we meet big teams, we always know how the team is shaping up.”
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The China-based striker went on to say that the team has gained enough experience and will use it to qualify for the 2024 Paris Olympic Games.
“Coming from the World Cup, most of us players have gained experience. It won’t be easy to qualify for the Olympics, but we just have to do our best.”
The Copper Queens are preparing for the 2023 Cosafa Women’s Championship, which will run from October 4–15, 2023.
Following the COSAFA, they will turn their attention to the second round of the Paris 2024 Olympic qualifiers.
They will play Mali in a two-leg matchup in November.
