The Cooper Queens of Zambia are gearing up for a crucial clash against the Black Queens of Ghana this Friday in the first leg of the third qualifying round for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.
Despite facing the tragic loss of teammate Norin Betani just days before the match, the Zambian team remains focused on their goal of securing victory.
The team, led by captain Barbara Banda, arrived in Accra amidst mourning but with determination.
"We know the reason we are here and the task. We have to concentrate and win the match," Banda said.
Banda emphasized the difficulty of the upcoming match but expressed confidence in her team's ability to rise to the occasion.
"We know what is at stake. And so it will be a difficult match. But we are trying by all means to get together, and I hope that we will not be affected in the game," she said.
Despite the respect for their opponents, Banda and her teammates are not intimidated. With a mix of experienced players and promising young talent, the Cooper Queens believe they have what it takes to overcome the challenges posed by the Black Queens.
"Honestly, we are not intimidated by Ghanaian women. We played a lot of games. We have experienced players and young players," affirmed the captain