Copper Queens and Black Queens Set for Epic Showdown in Accra

Copper Queens and Black Queens Set for Epic Showdown in Accra

Today, the Zambia Women’s National Team will face Ghana in the first leg of their third-round 2024 Paris Olympics Qualifiers.

This marks Zambia’s debut in the Paris race, having received a first-round exemption and a second-round walkover due to Mali’s withdrawal.

The upcoming match promises to be an intense and competitive encounter. The last meeting between these teams was a 2018 friendly where Zambia rallied from two goals down to clinch a 3-2 victory, with Rachel Kundananji netting a hat-trick in captain Barbra Banda’s absence.

Ghana enters the match after dominating Guinea 7-0 on aggregate and Benin 5-0 on aggregate. The Black Queens have lost just once in their last eleven games, scoring 34 goals and conceding only two.

Boosting morale, each Ghanaian player received a $7500 bonus before their final training session. Coach Nora Hauptle will look to key players such as Doris Boaduwaa, Evelyn Badu, Freda Ayisi, and Portia Boakye for a strong performance against Zambia.

The Copper Queens boast eight wins, two losses, and a draw in their last eleven matches. Coach Bruce Mwape will rely on skipper Barbra Banda and record-breaking Rachel Kundananji to lead the team.

Catherine Musonda is expected to start in goal, with Lushomo Mweemba, Pauline Zulu, Martha Tembo, and Esther Banda forming the back four. Midfielders Evarine Susan Katongo and Ireen Lungu will likely be joined by Avell Chitundu, Hellen Chanda, or Marjory Mulenga. Upfront, Rachel Nachula, Kabange Mupopo, Comfort Selemani, and Friday Kabwe will compete for a place alongside Kundananji and Banda.

Kick-off at the Accra Sports Stadium is set for 17:00 GMT (19:00 CAT), with the return leg scheduled for Wednesday, 28 February, at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium.

The winner will advance to the fourth and final round to face the winner between Morocco and Tunisia.