Zambia captain Barbra Banda says her side is full of belief and ready to take on the Super Falcons in Friday’s Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) quarterfinal in Casablanca, Bold Sports reports.
The Copper Queens are aiming to reach back-to-back semifinals after their third-place finish at the 2022 edition, where they famously beat Nigeria 1-0 in the bronze medal match. While the Super Falcons remain favourites, Barbra insists Zambia will not be intimidated.
“We are not scared, but we respect them because we know the game is 90-plus, so we are going to speak on the pitch. We want to hunt it. Like the coaches say, we are so hungry for the game. You will be there to witness. The game is so open for everybody, and it’s a good game to watch.”
The reigning CAF Women’s Player of the Year spoke with confidence during her pre-match press conference, praising her team’s preparation and mental readiness following a demanding group stage campaign.
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“On my side and on behalf of the team, we had a very good recovery from the group stage. Coming into the quarterfinals, we had some days to rest and we had a good recovery which means we are good as a team. We are back with good morale and looking forward to tomorrow’s game.”
Banda, who remains one of the most dangerous forwards in African football, said her individual accolades serve as motivation rather than pressure, and she’s focused on leading her country with pride.
“As (reigning) CAF Women’s African Footballer of the Year, I am not having any pressure on me and it’s just the motivation that I have to work extra hard and more titles will come on the pitch.”
“This year, being here at WAFCON is very important to me and putting on this badge means a lot to me. What I would say is to say thank you first for this opportunity to call up for the national team, because everyone’s dream is to play for the national team.”
“So, for me to be here is a great opportunity and a great chance for me, and I have to show it off, like I need to show why I am here.”
Banda also highlighted the values that drive the Copper Queens, pointing to unity, self-belief, and discipline as the foundation of their performance.
“I am here with the team, encouraging my team to do what we love doing mostly, and what we love doing best, which is to unite ourselves and be honest with our principles and values. And going to every game as seriously, we are taking every game very seriously. That’s my message to my team.”
Zambia face Nigeria on Friday evening at the Larbi Zaouli Stadium in Casablanca, with both sides chasing a semifinal ticket and a step closer to WAFCON glory.
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