Zambia forward Racheal Kundananji has confidently declared that the Copper Queens are ready to take on any opponent in the quarter-finals of the 2024 CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) — including continental giants Nigeria.
Following a hard-fought 1-0 win over DR Congo in their final Group A fixture, Zambia secured a spot in the knockout stage, finishing second in the group on seven points, tied with hosts Morocco but edged into second place due to inferior goal difference.
Quarter-Final Clash with Super Falcons Confirmed
The result sets up a mouth-watering quarter-final clash between Zambia and Group B winners Nigeria, to be played on Friday, July 18 at the Stade Larbi Zaouli in Casablanca. The Super Falcons, unbeaten in the group stage and yet to concede a goal, will pose Zambia’s biggest test of the tournament.
“We wanted to top the group, but unfortunately, we didn’t score enough goals,” Kundananji told FAZ Media.
“That said, we’re not bothered by our position. We’re focused on the bigger goal — and we’re ready for whoever we face, including Nigeria.”
Kundananji Making History
The Bay FC striker has been in exceptional form, scoring in all three of Zambia’s group-stage matches — against Morocco, Tanzania, and DR Congo — to become the first Zambian player in history to score in three consecutive WAFCON matches.
Her performances have been instrumental in Zambia’s campaign, and she is expected to be a key figure when they take on the nine-time champions Nigeria, who are chasing a record-extending 10th WAFCON title.
Zambia Eye Redemption After 2022 Heartbreak
The Copper Queens will be eager to go one step further than their historic 2022 campaign, when they finished third after a dramatic semi-final penalty shootout loss to South Africa. With a more experienced and confident squad this time around — featuring stars like Kundananji, Barbra Banda, and Grace Chanda — Zambia are being widely tipped as potential title contenders.
What’s at Stake?
The stakes are high, as semi-final qualification will not only bring teams closer to continental glory but also significantly impact rankings and qualification paths for future international competitions. For Zambia, it’s another opportunity to prove they belong among Africa’s elite.
“We respect Nigeria, but we’re not afraid of them. We know what we’re capable of,” Kundananji added.
“We’ve worked hard for this moment, and we’ll give everything on the pitch.”