The Copper Queens have taken a step forward towards securing qualification to the Paris 2024 Olympics following the withdrawal of their Second-Round opponents.
It comes after Mali, who the Copper Queens were supposed to play on October 23 in Bamako, withdrew from the qualifiers. The return leg was to take place at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium at the end of October.
In a letter to the FA, FIFA’s Head of Qualifiers and International Matches Gordon Savic reportedly provided official confirmation of the development.
“We would like to inform you that Mali has formally notified us of its withdrawal from the Women’s Olympic Qualifiers. Obviously, the first direct consequence is the cancellation of both legs between Mali and Zambia, which were initially due at the end of this month,” Savic’s letter to FAZ reads in part.
With Mali’s withdrawal, Zambia will now face the winner between Benin and Ghana next year.
“In addition, please note that Zambia is therefore automatically qualified for the 3rd round that is due in February 2024. Your team will host the second leg match vs. the winner of Benin/Ghana, as per the draw of 30 May 2023. We will be in touch in due course to coordinate the two matches of the 3rd qualifying,” he stated.
Copper Queens aiming for return to Olympics.
Mali crushed the Central African Republic 10-1 overall at the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations Qualifiers before they withdrew.
Additionally, the West Africans ahead of their 2024 Olympic qualifying against Zambia, beat Burkina Faso 3-2 in a two-legged first round tie while the Copper Queens were on bye due to superior FIFA/CAF ranking.
The Copper Queens will attempt to return to the international sporting event after being Africa’s sole representation at the last edition in Tokyo, with the fourth round serving as the final round of qualifiers.
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The number of competing teams has increased, and Africa will now send two women to Paris in the Women’s division.
