FLIGHT PARIS 2024: Triumphant Copper Queens Back Home

11.04.2024 | Football in my DNA

The Zambia Women’s National Team has returned home after clinching qualification for the Women’s Football Tournament at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.

The Copper Queens flew back from Rabat after reversing a 2-1 deficit in the first leg to defeat Morocco 2-0 in the return fixture played at the Prince Heritier Moulay El Hassan stadium in Rabat on Tuesday.

A group of officials and supporters welcomed the team outside Kenneth Kaunda International Airport in Lusaka upon their arrival at 20:29 via a chartered plane.

Except for captain Barbra Banda, who will fly to her new club in the United States from Lusaka after completing her transfer, foreign-based players headed directly to their respective bases from Rabat.

FAZ President Andrew Kamanga, general secretary Reuben Kamanga, and other stakeholders were present to receive the Queens.

“Without this support, we couldn’t have been here celebrating our qualification to the Olympics. I would also like to give credit to the players for the job well done; it wasn’t easy,” coach Bruce Mwape said.

“I would like to thank the fans for their support. This is a national team, not just for Bruce Mwape, the technical bench, and the players alone. Fans should continue supporting the team because that is one way of encouraging the players.”

FAZ President Andrew Kamanga commended the Copper Queens for their performance.

“I can assure you that today people were celebrating. We salute you for a commendable performance last night which will go a long way,” Kamanga said.

“Qualifying is one thing; competing is another. Where we are competing, we always provide the best that we can. We are going to give you the best preparation that you need for the tournament. We are going to organize an international camp, and two big teams taking part in the Olympics have already confirmed for friendlies.”

Kamanga also thanked the government for ensuring the smooth passage of the Copper Queens to Morocco.

“Just having a charter (for the team) made a huge difference in what we wanted to achieve. We can only repay you with good results.”

“To the ministry, FAZ, and fans, thank you for the support. We won’t relax; the preparations have to start now. To the girls, thank you for the fighting spirit in Morocco; we made it,” captain Barbra Banda said in a vote of thanks.

Credit: FAZ