Copper Queens captain Barbra Banda has set her sights on making history by leading Zambia to their first Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) title, with the 2024 edition set for Morocco this July.

Zambia has been drawn in Group A, where they will face hosts Morocco, Senegal, and DR Congo—one of the tournament’s toughest groups.

Under the leadership of head coach Nora Hauptle, the Copper Queens are stepping up preparations by participating in a three-nation tournament in South Africa, alongside the hosts and Botswana.

Banda, currently in outstanding form in the 2025 National Women’s Super League (NWSL) where she tops the scorers chart with seven goals, acknowledged the strength of Zambia’s WAFCON group and the progress of African women’s football.

She stressed that her team would approach each opponent with respect and remain focused on their ultimate goal.

“It’s a strong group, with many challenges. But that’s what we want—challenges. We don’t underestimate anyone,” she told CAF Media.

“African women’s football has come a long way. We’re focusing on ourselves, on our game. We’re aiming for the title. Last time, we finished third. This time, we want to go all the way. We want to make history.”

Banda on Hauptle and Bruce Mwape

Banda also praised former head coach Bruce Mwape for his contributions to the team’s growth, while commending Hauptle’s quick adaptation to Zambian football.

“We have great respect for our former coach, Bruce Mwape. He took us far, into many major tournaments. He’s part of our history. Coach Nora is settling in very well—she’s adapting to our culture. We’ve already played two friendly matches, including one against Malawi. We’re building a strong team. She shares our passion for the country. She’s doing a great job, and we’re responding well to her expectations. There’s good chemistry.”

Meanwhile, ahead of the three-nation tournament kicking off this afternoon, BAY FC striker Racheal Kundananji emphasized the importance of teamwork as the Copper Queens face Botswana and South Africa during the FIFA international window.

“We all know South Africa is a good team and also Botswana; you know they’re not like teams to underestimate and everything. We just need to focus and work together as a team and know the reason why we are playing these games is preparation for the Africa Cup of Nations, which is coming in the next two months. So we just need to focus and do our level best and always be on the top,” Kundananji said.

Zambia will open their campaign in the tournament on Saturday against Botswana, before facing South Africa on Tuesday.

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