Zambian striker Patson Daka and goalkeeper Hazel Nali have joined the rest of the country in applauding Copper Queens goalminder Ngambo Musole for her performance against Morocco on Wednesday in Rabat.
The Green Buffaloes Women’s FC shot-stopper kept a clean sheet and made four crucial saves as Zambia recorded a 2-0 victory over the Atlas Lionesses to qualify for the Paris 2024 Olympics on a 3-2 aggregate thanks to a Barbra Banda brace.
With Nali recuperating from a knee injury and Catherine Musonda picking up an injury of her own, Musole was introduced to the starting lineup ahead of Eunice Sakala, who underwhelmed during Zambia’s 1-2 first-leg defeat to Morocco in Ndola.
The 25-year-old was given the mantle of protecting the Copper Queens’ goal against a high-flying Morocco with qualification for the Olympics on the line.
She successfully repaid Bruce Mwape’s decision by denying the Atlas Lionesses a goal on home soil.
Musole was exceptional between the sticks, particularly in the 65th minute, when her goalkeeping reflexes were on full display.
With the aggregate score even, Morocco nearly went ahead in the tie when Ibtissam Jraïdi nodded the ball towards the Copper Queens’ goal. However, Musole denied the attacker from point-blank range with a stunning save.
Sakina Ouzraoui looked certain to score from the rebound, but Musole came to Zambia’s rescue with another astonishing save with her feet.
Musole has earned massive applause from fans and colleagues back in Zambia after many doubted her abilities.
Daka joins netizens in applauding Musole
Reacting to her masterclass against Morocco, Patson Daka wrote, “Never write anyone off 
“
A netizen, Stainless K – The Consultant, also commented, “She knew what was needed of her at the stage and delivered. Her confidence and belief were enough to prove a point. That’s what life is all about, an opportunity presents itself, you grab it, and that’s what she did. Good team performance as well 
”
“Keep this one safe, she has all it takes to be an all-time first-choice goalkeeper,” Wesley Hamakowa added.
Nali, who spearheaded Zambia to their first-ever FIFA World Cup qualification, congratulated her colleague for the magnificent outing in Rabat.
She dropped a love emoji “
” under the Football Association of Zambia’s Facebook post about Musole.
Nali also took to her own Facebook page to celebrate the Copper Queen’s qualification to the Paris 2024 Olympics, writing, “A TEAM that Fights
. All Glory to God. Congratulations team
. Paris is the next stop.
“
Zambia will face Germany, the United States, and Australia in Group B at the Paris 2024 Olympics tournament.
The Olympic Women’s football tournament is set to kick off on July 24 in France.
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