Copper Queens striker Prisca Chilufya is delighted with her recent call-up to the national team during the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) final round of qualifiers.

The Mexican-based forward started the first leg against Angola in Luanda, as the Bruce Mwape-drilled side thrashed their hosts 6-0.

However, Chilufya was not on the substitute’s bench for the return leg at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola. The match also ended 6-0 to seal qualification for the Copper Queens with a 12-0 aggregate score.

Chilufya acknowledged that it is becoming more competitive to get a spot in the Copper Queens squad.

“The team has grown very much; we have seen talented players in the team. When there is competition in the team, it is very good for everyone…… Because we are competing for the common goal of the national team,” she said in an interview on Money FM.

Chilufya on the training at her club and with the Copper Queen

The 24-year-old FC Juarez striker returned to the Copper Queens squad for the first time since the 2023 pre-FIFA Women’s World Cup camp after her impressive run in the Mexican Women’s League, where she has so far scored five goals.

She has also revealed that her training at the club is different from that of the national team.

“Whenever I’m given a chance or called up, my mind changes towards getting ready to represent my country. In doing so, my training schedule also changes because the way I train for the club and the national team is different.

“So when I’m called, I change the routine with the help of the coach because the conditioning of players is different for the club and the national team. So I just have to be in proper condition to add value to the squad when called upon.

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“I’m looking forward to the next assignment. Before we broke camp, the coach [Bruce Mwape] emphasised hard work.

“For now, we are not only preparing for Ghana in February but also for the games that will follow in the year. I’m really geared for the assignments at ahead.”