Senegalese striker Mama Diop anticipates a tough game against Zambia tomorrow despite the Copper Queen’s drawing start to life at the 2024 Women Africa Cup of Nations (WAfCON) in Morocco.
Zambia were held to a frustrating draw against Morocco, twice giving up a lead to share the spoils that saw the team settle for a third place on the opening day.
In contrast, Zambia’s next opponent, Senegal were in class of their own, beating the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) 4 – 0 to have a strong command of Group A.
A win for Senegal on Wednesday will see them book a place to the next stage while Zambia would be left gasping for air.
Boasting of talents like reigning African footballer of the year Barbra Banda and Rachael Kundananji, Zambia remain tournament favourites and Diop is under no illusion that it will be an easy match but her target is clear.
“When I start a competition, it is to go all the way. Team or individual trophies are what keep me going,” the 30-year-old striker said.
Diop who scored a brace against the DRC told reporters that coming up against the 2024 CAF and BBC Women’s Player of the Year Banda will be a big motivation.
“I have a lot of respect for Banda but I will take this match as a personal challenge,” she said. “If I want to be the best, this is the kind of match I have to dominate.”
This will be the second time the teams will be meeting. Their first encounter was at the 2022 WAfCON where Zambia managed a penalty shootout win after they tied 1 – all in regulation time.
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