By Ollus Ndomu
Zambia’s national women’s football team, the Copper Queens, clinched their ticket to the 2024 Paris Olympics after a stunning victory over the Atlas Lionesses of Morocco early this orgasmic morning.
Led by their fearless captain, Barbara Banda, the team delivered a masterclass performance that left their opponents reeling in despair.
Facing a 2-1 deficit from the first leg, anxiety loomed over the Copper Queens as they took to the field for the decisive match in Rabat; but Captain Banda’s inspired her teammates, as she reassured them of victory, declaring, “As they have won at our home, we shall also win them at theirs.”
True to her words, Banda, also known as Captain Fantastic, rose to the occasion, delivering a magnificent brace that propelled Zambia to a historic 3-2 aggregate victory. With her lethal finishing and exceptional leadership, she showcased why she is one of Africa’s most formidable strikers.
But Banda was not the sole hero of the match as Lushomo Mweemba and goalkeeper Ngambo Musole also played pivotal roles, winning the hearts of Zambian fans with their stellar performances.
Musole, in particular, stood firm as a rock in goal, thwarting the Moroccan attacks with her impenetrable defense.
The Copper Queens’ journey to Paris was fraught with challenges, but their resilience and determination shone through. Despite initial struggles in midfield, the team rallied together, with Musole’s heroics keeping them afloat.
Their victory not only secured Olympic glory but also offered redemption for their previous heartbreak at the hands of the Netherlands in 2020.
Now, Zambia’s footballing heroines stand poised to make their mark on the world stage, ready to take on the best teams in the world at the grandest sporting event of all.
