With the countdown to the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) almost over, Zambia captain Barbra Banda has made it clear that the Copper Queens are travelling to Morocco with one immediate objective—qualify for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
Banda, who has now linked up with the Zambian squad following the team’s final training camp in Algeria, believes securing one of Africa’s World Cup qualification places is the first milestone before turning attention to winning a maiden continental title.
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The Orlando Pride striker is expected to spearhead Zambia’s challenge in Morocco, where the Copper Queens have been drawn in one of the tournament’s toughest groups alongside defending champions Nigeria, Egypt and Malawi.
Speaking ahead of the tournament, Banda insisted that Zambia’s ambition is bigger than simply progressing from the group stage.
“Our first objective is to qualify for the World Cup. Once we achieve that, we can then focus on competing for the WAFCON title,” Banda said.
The reigning African Women’s Player of the Year expressed confidence in the squad assembled by head coach Nora Häuptle, insisting the Copper Queens have developed into a team capable of competing against any opponent on the continent.
“We have quality players, and we believe we can beat any team in this competition. We have prepared well and we’re ready for the challenge,” she added.
Zambia arrive in Morocco on the back of an intensive pre-tournament programme in Algeria, where they fine-tuned preparations before heading to the continental showpiece. The Copper Queens will begin their campaign against Egypt on July 28, before one of the tournament’s most anticipated group-stage fixtures against Nigeria on August 1.
Having reached the knockout stages in the previous edition, Zambia are determined to go even further this time, with Banda leading a squad that also boasts world-class talents such as Racheal Kundananji, Grace Chanda and Prisca Chilufya.
For the Super Falcons, Banda’s warning is another reminder that Zambia are no longer outsiders in African women’s football. The Copper Queens have emerged as one of the continent’s fastest-rising forces and are widely tipped as genuine contenders for both a World Cup ticket and the WAFCON crown.
With Morocco ready to host Africa’s biggest women’s football tournament from July 26 to August 16, Banda has thrown down the gauntlet: Zambia are not just coming to compete, they are coming to qualify for the World Cup and challenge for history.
