GRACE CHANDA EYES HISTORIC WAFCON RETURN WITH RENEWED PURPOSE

26.06.2025 | Football DNA

Copper Queens midfielder Grace Chanda says she’s back and more determined than ever as Zambia prepares for another historic run at the TotalEnergies Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) 2024, to be played in 2025.

Chanda, who first featured in WAFCON 2018 and played a starring role in the 2022 edition where Zambia clinched a bronze medal, is set to make her third consecutive WAFCON appearance. She joins an elite group of Copper Queens players with three straight tournament appearances—Margaret Belemu, Martha Tembo, Lushomo Mweemba, and Ireen Lungu.

“I am so excited because it’s not easy to play in three tournaments. It’s not easy. So, I am so happy, I am so excited to come back again,” said Chanda.

Now with Orlando Pride in the United States, the former Madrid CFF forward missed several key fixtures in the past year due to injury but never lost sight of her goal.

“It’s been a tough year for me, but I always encourage myself to work extra hard. Even when I am not playing, I keep pushing. My family and friends also gave me strength.”

Chanda was instrumental in Zambia’s historic third-place finish at WAFCON 2022 in Morocco—a moment that inspired a new generation of Zambian women footballers. This year, she believes the team is poised to do even better.

“We have to finish better now because we are a full squad. The target of this tournament is to continue from where we left off.”

Drawn into Group A alongside hosts Morocco, Senegal, and DR Congo, the Copper Queens will open their campaign on July 5 with a tricky clash against Morocco.

“Morocco is not an easy game for the opener. It’s a tough one, and we have to be mentally prepared. They are preparing just like us, but we want those three points because the first game is important.”

Now back in camp and training with the squad in Mohammédia, Chanda says her passion and purpose have never been stronger.

“I am ready to do more than I did last time. I am coming in with everything I have. To the fans, keep supporting us. We are ready—we will deliver the points, and we will deliver the happiness.”

As the countdown to WAFCON continues, one thing is clear—Grace Chanda has unfinished business on the continental stage.