Zambia head into the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) with their sights set on a maiden continental title. After a historic bronze medal finish in 2022, the Copper Queens are aiming to go even further this time.
Led by lethal forwards Barbra Banda and Racheal Kundananji, and guided by Swiss coach Nora Häuptle, Zambia boast a fearsome attack capable of troubling any defence. However, questions remain over the team’s defensive solidity.
Drawn into Group A alongside hosts Morocco, Senegal, and the Democratic Republic of Congo, Zambia will face some of the tournament’s top talent. BolaNews highlights five of the most dangerous opposition players the Copper Queens will face in the group stage:
Ghizlane Chebbak (Morocco)
A standout at WAFCON 2022, Chebbak was joint top scorer with three goals and named Player of the Tournament. The 34-year-old captain led Morocco to their first final, narrowly losing 2-1 to South Africa. With this year’s final again on home soil, Chebbak is determined to lift the trophy—but Zambia will be her first hurdle.
Merveille Kanjinga (D.R. Congo)
DR Congo may be Group A underdogs, but Paris Saint-Germain forward Kanjinga brings serious firepower. She helped DR Congo qualify for their first WAFCON in 13 years with a goal against Equatorial Guinea and has contributed six goals in nine appearances for PSG. Fresh off winning the 2024 CAF Women’s Champions League with TP Mazembe, she’ll be eager to make her mark.
Ibtissam Jraidi (Morocco)
Morocco’s most prolific scorer since 2023, Jraidi netted 16 goals in the buildup to this year’s tournament. She recently starred in the Saudi Women’s Premier League, scoring 24 goals and registering 11 assists in just 16 matches for Al Ahli. Her goal-scoring instincts make her a major threat to Zambia’s backline.
Hapsatou Malado Diallo (Senegal)
At just 20 years old, Diallo has emerged as one of WAFCON’s form players, scoring six goals in as many matches for Senegal since April. The Teranga Lionesses are capable of causing upsets, and Diallo’s pace and finishing make her a player Zambia cannot afford to ignore.
Fatima Tagnaout (Morocco)
Winner of the 2023 CAF Women’s Interclub Player of the Year, Tagnaout is known for her creativity, technical finesse, and ability to control the midfield. With Zambia still adjusting to Häuptle’s possession-based system, Tagnaout could exploit any gaps and dictate the game’s tempo.
READ MORE: Morocco Coach Vilda Admits Zambia Test Will Be Tough in WAFCON Opener
