The 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) kicks off tomorrow with a highly anticipated clash between hosts Morocco and the sharp-shooting Copper Queens of Zambia at the Olympic Stadium in Rabat.
Morocco, the runners-up in the last edition and now coached by 2023 FIFA World Cup winner with Spain, Jorge Vilda, head into the match in strong form, with four wins from their last five games. The Atlas Lionesses will also be seeking revenge against Zambia, who denied them qualification for the 2024 Paris Olympics last year.
Zambia, who claimed third place in the previous tournament, have struggled in the buildup to WAFCON, managing just one win in their last five outings. However, the Copper Queens boast a superior head-to-head record against Morocco and feature Africa’s top player, Barbra Banda, who is set to make her debut at the tournament.
Despite their past dominance over Morocco, Copper Queens head coach Nora Hauptle—only five months into the role—remains grounded.
Speaking at a pre-match press conference at the Olympic Stadium, she said: “Tomorrow’s game starts at 0-0. For me, it’s always a pleasure to start the opening game in a packed stadium.”
Having helped Ghana qualify for this edition of the tournament after missing out in 2022, Hauptle is eager to make her WAFCON debut with Zambia—a team she inherited after they had already qualified.
“I am very excited. We have come here to hunt,” she told the press in Rabat. “We are all very hungry, the players and me, to hunt for the title. Let’s see tomorrow how our starting performance will be.”
For the team’s captain, Banda, who enters the competition as the reigning CAF African Footballer of the Year, there is no added pressure.
“The team has been together for a lot of time and experience is there in the team,” Banda said when asked whether her teammates had prepared her for the WAFCON atmosphere.
The 25-year-old striker, who holds the record for the most hat-tricks in Olympic women’s football, netted 16 goals last season for Orlando Pride and already has 8 goals in 13 games this year. She hopes to carry that form into the tournament.
“When you talk about the club, I have to bring that experience from my club and implement [it in] the national team, which we’re working together as a team. So I think we’re moving at a good pace as a team, I am so excited to play in this tournament.”
Since making her senior debut in 2018, Banda has scored 58 goals in 65 appearances for the Copper Queens and will be aiming to add a major title to her name as Zambia’s all-time top scorer.
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