As indicated by the event’s theme, Zambia women’s national football team, the Copper Queens, kick off the nation’s pursuit for glory at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games under the banner ‘Games Wide Open.’
Returning to the global sporting stage after four years, the Copper Queens come back with increased prestige and experience.
Boasting a World Cup appearance, a continental bronze medal, a record-breaking captain, and the two most expensive players in Barbara Banda and Rachael Kundananji, these are just a few highlights of the accomplishments achieved by the Zambian team since their debut at Tokyo 2020.
The Copper Queens are now equipped to face off against the four-time gold medalists, the USA, in their opening Group B match at the Paris 2024 women’s football tournament.
For the first time, the Copper Queens and the Stars and Stripes of the USA will meet on the global stage.
With renowned players like Alex Morgan omitted from the roster, the USA, under new coach Emma Hayes, look to rejuvenate the team following a disappointing World Cup performance in 2023. The USA squad, with an average age of 28.8 years, is the youngest since 2008.
Hayes has opted for a selection of young talents such as Sophia Smith and Naomi Girma, who will carry high expectations.
Despite the formidable competition, the Copper Queens, led by captain Barbara Banda, who is the second highest scorer in the US women’s league and the first woman to score consecutive hat-tricks at the Olympics, have the courage to challenge the mighty USA.
Banda, alongside the skilled Rachael Kundananji, who is also a standout player in the USA with Bay FC, captured the world’s attention in Tokyo four years ago with remarkable performances.
Bruce Mwape may introduce unexpected talents from his squad, including players like Grace Chanda, Kabange Mupopo, and Avell Chitundu, at the tournament.
The Group B clash between the Copper Queens and the USA will take place at the Nice Stadium in the southeastern French city, with kick-off scheduled for 21:00 hours CAT today.
