Copper Queens forward Grace Chanda has been named in Bruce Mwape’s 34-member provisional squad for the 2024 Paris Olympic Games qualifiers against Morocco next month after recovering from an illness that ruled her out of the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup in June.
Chanda has not played football in the last eight months and was seen seeking divine intervention from various preachers before being named to the squad.
The 26-year-old Madrid CFF attacker last appeared for her club in May, in a 2-1 Liga F victory over Barcelona last season, in which her compatriot, Racheal Kundananji, who is now a Bay FC player in the United States, scored twice.
The attacker, whose illness was not disclosed for privacy reasons, was given time by her club to fully recover.
Chanda scored three goals in 11 starts out of 26 games for Madrid CFF last season. It was her first season at the club after joining them on a two-year deal in 2022 from BIIK Kazgurt.
Grace Chanda return a huge boost
The former Red Arrows forward last appeared for Zambia in a 3-3 draw with Switzerland in June. She scored the opening goal of the game before being replaced in the second half.
The playmaker, who was voted the runner-up for the 2022 CAF Women’s Footballer of the Year Award, which Asisat Oshoala of Nigeria won, will be looking to bounce back to her usual best.
Meanwhile, Mwape has also summoned Zambia Women’s Super League top scorer and Zesco Ndola Girls striker Charity Mubanga, who has 23 goals this season.
Others include in-form Mexican-based midfielder Prisca Chilufya, who missed two consecutive matches against Ghana last month.
Israel-based goalkeeper Catherine Musonda and Hakkarigucu Spur midfielder Hellen Chanda have been left out due to injuries, according to a statement by FAZ.
The Copper Queens will host Morocco on Friday, April 5, 2024, at the Levy Mwanawansa stadium before the second leg away in the North African country on April 9.
The winner of the two legs will qualify for the 2024 Paris Olympics.
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