The Copper Queens, Zambia’s women’s national football team, have expressed their unwavering determination for the 2024 TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON). With the tournament rapidly approaching, Head Coach Nora Häuptle declared, “We are ready to hunt!” This rallying cry came from Morocco, where the squad had fully assembled following initial travel delays. Häuptle noted the team's excellent mood and their balanced approach of maintaining high spirits while working diligently.

Zambia's campaign kicked off with a highly anticipated match against hosts Morocco in what is expected to be a competitive Group A, also featuring Senegal and Uganda. Acknowledging Morocco's technically gifted players, Häuptle emphasized a tactical and purposeful approach: “We are ready to hunt against Morocco. We intend to challenge them, find the right strategy, and go at them with purpose.” Beyond physical preparation, the team engaged in vital team-building sessions to solidify their values, identity, and desired on-pitch culture. Häuptle, credited for instilling discipline and confidence, urged Zambian fans to provide their full support, whether in person or from home, stating, “We need the entire nation behind us as we navigate this group stage.”

The Copper Queens opened their WAFCON 2024 journey with a pulsating and hard-fought 2-2 draw against hosts Morocco. The match, played before a packed stadium, saw Zambia make a dream start when captain and talisman Barbra Banda fired the visitors ahead just two minutes after kickoff, silencing the home crowd and reaffirming her status as one of Africa's most formidable forwards. However, the hosts quickly responded. In the 11th minute, Moroccan forward Najat Badri was brought down in the box, leading referee Shamirah Nabadda to consult VAR before awarding a penalty. Ibtissam Jraidi calmly converted from the spot in the 12th minute, leveling the score.

Undeterred, the Copper Queens maintained their attacking intent. Around the 27th or 28th minute, a brilliant link-up between Banda and Racheal Kundananji saw Zambia restore their lead. Banda delivered a smooth assist to Kundananji, who displayed trademark composure to slot past Moroccan keeper Khadija Er-Rmichi, sending the visitors into the break with a 2-1 advantage. Tensions flared just before halftime when Zambia’s Grace Chanda was shown a yellow card for a foul on Mrabet.

The second half was an evenly contested affair, with both sides battling intensely for control. Barbra Banda nearly extended Zambia’s lead in the 56th minute, but her powerful effort was well saved by Er-Rmichi. Midway through the half, Zambia’s Prisca Chilufya was shown a yellow card for a foul on Fatima Tagnaout. As the clock ticked down, Morocco intensified their search for an equalizer, and their persistence paid off in the 88th minute when captain Ghizlane Chebbak struck with a long-range effort to make it 2-2, denying Zambia a famous away victory. Four minutes of added time could not separate the two sides.

Despite the late equalizer, the Copper Queens delivered an encouraging performance. Barbra Banda’s dynamic display, including a goal and an assist, earned her the well-deserved Player of the Match accolade. The draw leaves Group A wide open, with Zambia now setting their sights on their next fixture against Senegal in Mohammedia as they continue their quest for continental glory.

In a historical context, veteran sports analyst Mircha Chilemena, a former FAZ Committee member, expressed confidence in the Shepolopolo's chances against the Lady Warriors of Zimbabwe in the Ghana 2018 CAF Africa Women Championship. Despite past difficulties against Zimbabwe, Chilemena highlighted the Zambian team's month-long training camp and their readiness to compete. Addressing concerns about the lack of an organized national women's league in Zambia, Chilemena acknowledged that while it limits the talent pool, the current squad comprised experienced players who have advanced through various national team levels (U17, U20, U23) and are deeply committed to representing Zambia. Shepolopolo head coach Bruce Mwape also declared his team ready for the two-legged clash against Zimbabwe in 2018, despite a few injury scares, notably involving captain Misozi.