Kundananji Praises Copper Queens’ Fight Despite WAFCON Heartbreak
Copper Queens striker Racheal Kundananji has praised the team’s resilience and determination following Zambia’s heartbreaking exit from the 2026 TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) despite winning their final Group C match.
Zambia’s campaign came to an end after a dramatic conclusion to Group C, where the Copper Queens, Nigeria and Malawi all finished level on points. Under the tournament regulations, the head-to-head results among the tied teams determined the final standings before overall goal difference, leaving Zambia narrowly outside the quarter-final places.
Despite the disappointment, Kundananji commended her teammates for their commitment and fighting spirit throughout the competition. She acknowledged the effort the squad put into every match, saying the players gave everything they had while proudly representing the nation on the continental stage.
The Copper Queens produced several memorable performances during the tournament, including an impressive opening victory, and remained in contention for qualification until the final round of group matches. However, the fine margins of the competition ultimately worked against Zambia.
Although the early exit was difficult to accept, Kundananji encouraged the team to remain united and use the experience as motivation for future competitions. The forward believes the Copper Queens have shown they can compete with Africa’s best and expressed confidence that the squad will return stronger in the tournaments ahead.
While the WAFCON dream has ended for this campaign, the Copper Queens leave the competition with valuable lessons and renewed determination to continue building on their progress.
