Copper Queens Goalkeeper Hazel Nali Returns Home Safely After Successful Knee Surgery

Copper Queens Goalkeeper Hazel Nali Returns Home Safely After Successful Knee Surgery

Copper Queens’ goalkeeper, Hazel Nali, has returned home safely from New Zealand after undergoing a successful knee surgery. Nali, who is the first-choice goalkeeper for the women’s national team, arrived at Kenneth Kaunda International Airport on Saturday.

Speaking to ZNBC Sports, Nali mentioned that her doctors have advised her to continue physiotherapy sessions in Zambia. The goalkeeper had suffered an Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) injury just a week before Zambia’s debut at the 2023 World Cup in New Zealand and Australia.

Nali’s return is significant for the Copper Queens as they aim for qualification in the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations and the 2024 Olympics. Her successful operation, supported by the Zambian government, is a positive development for the team.

Zambia’s High Commissioner to Australia and New Zealand, Elias Munshya, revealed that the government covered the cost of Nali’s surgery and some physiotherapy sessions. He expressed hope for Nali’s swift and complete recovery, looking forward to her rejoining the squad and contributing to Zambia’s football success.