With Banyana Banyana yet to lose a match in the Women’s Africa Cup of Nation (WAFCON), Zambia have declared war, insisting they will inflict their first defeat when the two Southern African nations lock horns in a potentially explosive semi-final on Monday.
‘SHEpolopolo’ will be looking to cause an upset and eliminate them as they eye a place in the WAFCON final pencilled in for 23 July in Morocco.
Zambia senior women’s national team coach Bruce Mwape is aware of the threat posed by Desiree Ellis’ side and stresses his team is ready to face any team in the competition.
“The team is ready to meet any team in the competition, and we’ve actually come very far. From the beginning of the tournament up to this stage [semi-finals], we’ve seen that our team is improving after every game. I’m sure even in the semifinals, with the same determination, we’ll be able to do our best,” said the ‘Copper Queens’ mentor.
The South African women’s team has been in impressive form at the ongoing WAFCON. They started their campaign with a morale-boosting win over defending champions Nigeria before brushing aside Burundi and Botswana. The Super Falcons are playing in the other semi-final against hosts Morocco.
In the quarterfinal on Thursday night, Banyana edged Tunisia 1-0 to book a place in the semifinal, thanks to a solitary goal by Jermaine Seoposenwe. The win saw them book a place in the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
“Knowing South Africa, I think it will not be an easy game because we’ve played them several times. The only thing I like about us meeting South Africa is that they are not a team that plays a physical type of football.
“I’m sure when we play them, it will be a tight contest because they know us, and we know them,” added the confident coach. “The last game we played, we outplayed them, so if we can play like we played last time, it won’t be easy for them.”
“But I’m sure the girls are focused on this game and will play without any pressure,” Zambia will face Banyana Banyana in the Semifinals on Monday, with both teams looking to move a step closer to lifting the WAFCON trophy. Kick-off is at 19:00.
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