Kundananji excites Copper Queens coach Bruce Mwape ahead of Olympic qualifier

Racheal Kundananji announced her arrival in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) with a goal on her debut for Bay FC, who lost 2-3 to Houston Dash on Sunday morning.

Her debut came after being delayed due to an injury she sustained last month against Ghana in the Olympic Games qualifiers at the Levy Mwanawansa stadium.

The 23-year-old came on as a substitute in the 62nd minute and scored in the 93rd minute. Her goal meant she became the first Zambian to score in the NWSL.

After the game, Kundananji, who joined Bay FC from Madrid CFF for $785,000, said, “It was mixed emotions. I wanted to celebrate my signature celebration; again, I wanted to cry. I just had mixed emotions and was so happy that I scored in my first game with the team.”

Kundananji celebrating her first goal for Bay FC. (Photo via/@wearebayfc)

While misty-eyed, the former Indeni Roses striker rushed for the Zambian flag, which she proudly displayed in front of a sold-out 18,000-PayPal stadium to celebrate her goal.

Bruce Mwape on Kundananji’s goal for BAY FC

Kundananji who is now anticipated to join the Copper Queens in Ndola for the back-to-back 2024 Paris Olympic Qualifiers against Morocco starting this Friday, has excited his national team coach, Bruce Mwape.

“We are happy that being a first game for her, she scored a goal, which is good for herself and the national team, especially since we are now approaching the game against Morocco,” Mwape was quoted as saying by the Zambia Daily Mail.

Mwape also challenged all the Copper Queens to emulate Kundananji and step up at their respective clubs.

“It shows that she [Kundananji] is serious where she is……. And that is what we expect from all the players that are playing outside to actually emulate, especially the strikers because they are there to score. They are not there to just play 90 minutes and end up without scoring.”

Racheal Kundananji. (Photo via FAZ media) — Racheal Kundananji celebrating her goal for Zambia against Ghana in February 2024. (Photo via FAZ media)

The Copper Queens will host the Atlas Lionesses in the first leg on April 5 at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium. The second leg will be held on April 9 at Prince Moulay El Hassan Stadium in Rabat.

The winner of the two-legged matchup will be placed in Group B with the United States, Germany, and Australia.

The Paris Olympics are scheduled to take place from July 26 to August 11. Only two teams from Africa will qualify for the Women’s Football Tournament.

Nigeria and South Africa are the other two teams vying for Africa’s second Olympic slot.