Zambia’s Copper Queens and Morocco’s Atlas Lionesses last met in Rabat in two back-to-back friendly matches in September. The hosts lost 2-0 and 6-2, with Racheal Kundananji and Barbra Banda scoring a hat-trick each in the second game.
The two sides will battle again tomorrow, but this time with qualification for the 2024 Paris Olympics at stake.
Jorge Vilda, a 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup winner with Spain, is confident the Atlas Lionesses are prepared for the Copper Queens, as they aim to make history by qualifying for the Olympics for the first time.
“The feeling is that the team is prepared, we come in good condition, and we have a training session this afternoon at the stadium to get to know them and adapt,” Vilda told a press conference in Ndola at the Levy Mwanawansa Stadium on Thursday.
He continued: “The team is very motivated and very excited because achieving qualification for the Olympic Games would be a historic milestone for Morocco and I believe and firmly believe that the team is motivated and prepared.”
Jorge is aware of Zambia’s attacking prowess
In response to Morocco’s recent back-to-back losses to Zambia, Jorge believes his team has improved and is aware that Zambia has two of Africa’s fastest strikers, Kundananji and Banda.
“There were two friendlies in Morocco that serve as good references for us. Although the results were bulky in those games, things were done well and mistakes were also made that we are going to try to solve,” he stated.
“It is true that right now, the players have evolved, and improved. They are in better shape. We are also better as a team and we want to show it on the field. There has been improvement since we took over the team in October. And we know that Zambia has two very decisive, extremely fast players but we have the tools.”
Both Zambia and Morocco are unbeaten in their last four games heading into tomorrow’s game.
Bruce not scared of Vilda
Meanwhile, Zambia’s coach Bruce Mwape is not moved that he will be facing a coach who beat him 5-0 at the World Cup with Spain.
“He is not coaching Spain….. And he has not brought Spain to Morocco,” Mwape responded after being asked about Jorge.
“So I am sure even he has some problems here and there but we have looked at his tactics. We have seen how Spain played, especially during the World Cup. I am sure he will try to apply the same tactics he was using with Spain…… But we have seen most of his tactics and we will face them accordingly,” concluded Mwape.
The winner of the tie between Zambia and Morocco, which begins tomorrow and concludes on April 9, 2024, will join Nigeria or South Africa as the continent’s Olympic representatives.
READ MORE: Kundananji excites Copper Queens coach Bruce Mwape ahead of Olympic qualifier
