Woman of the Match Barbra Banda Salutes Teammates
Copper Queens captain Barbra Banda has praised her teammates for their resilience and commitment after Zambia’s campaign at the 2026 TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) came to a heartbreaking end despite a winning performance in their final Group C fixture.
Banda, who was named Woman of the Match, acknowledged the tremendous effort shown by the squad throughout the tournament, saying every player gave their all in pursuit of a place in the quarter-finals. Despite the disappointment of elimination, the skipper urged her teammates to remain proud of their performances and the fighting spirit they displayed on the continental stage.
Zambia’s exit came after a dramatic conclusion to Group C, where the Copper Queens, Nigeria and Malawi all finished level on points. Tournament regulations required the head-to-head results among the tied teams to determine the final standings before overall goal difference was considered.
Nigeria claimed top spot after their victory over Zambia earlier in the competition, while Malawi secured the second qualifying place. Although the Copper Queens ended their group campaign with an important victory, the head-to-head tiebreakers denied them a place in the last eight.
The elimination was a painful outcome for a Zambian side that remained competitive throughout the tournament and battled until the very end. Even in defeat, Banda’s leadership and message of unity reflected the determination that has become synonymous with the Copper Queens.
As Zambia turns its attention to future international assignments, the Copper Queens leave the tournament with valuable experience and the belief that they can continue competing among Africa’s elite.
