The Super Falcons of Nigeria and Zambia’s Copper Queens will contest for a place in the semi-finals of the 2025 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations on Friday.
Nigeria, being a nine-time champion are favorite to progress into the last four of the competition. However, Zambia, given their performance in the last edition and the ongoing tournament, present themselves as a tough opponent for Justin Madugu’s side.
The Copper Queens beat the Super Falcons in the third-place match of the 2021 edition of the tournament with a narrow 1-0 win courtesy of Chiamaka Nnadozie’s own goal.
Even though the Super Falcons boast of superior quality with players like Asisat Oshoala, Rasheedat Ajibade, Rinsola Babajide, among others, the Copper Queens are a formidable side with a couple of players who can hurt Nigeria.
This post examines Zambia’s trio capable of ending the Super Falcons’ dream of winning a record tenth title.
3 Zambian players that can destroy Super Falcons
1. Barbra Banda
Banda is unarguably the best and the most dangerous player in the Zambian squad. The 25-year-old striker is strong, fast, and prolific in front of the goal. Barbra Banda scored the tournament’s first goal in the two-all draw against host Morocco. Banda is the reigning Women’s African Footballer of the Year and will look to deliver a strong performance against the Super Falcons. Banda currently has three goals and an assist in the tournament so far.
2. Racheal Kundananji
The 25-year-old forward is just as quick as her strike partner Barbra Banda. Rachael Kundananji plays from the flanks and sometimes behind Banda in the 4-4-2 setup and has strong finishing skills as well. Kundananji’s positioning in the goal area is impeccable, which has helped her record three goals and an assist so far in the tournament. Racheal Kundananji has scored in each of Zambia’s group stage matches and will hope to continue the trend on Friday at the Larbi Zaouli Stadium in Casablanca.
3. Lushomo Mweemba
Mweemba is also an important player in the Copper Queens squad. She is a defender and has been quite solid in defense for her side. Lushomo Mweemba played the entire duration of Zambia’s group stage matches, helping them keep a clean sheet against DR Congo. Lushomo Mweemba will be tasked with the responsibility of keeping whoever starts in attack for the Super Falcons, Asisat Oshola or Chiwendu Ihezuo, at bay.
