Banda, Chanda and more: Four Zambian players Super Falcons must silence in Wafcon clash

Nigeria’s Super Falcons will lock horns with Zambia’s Copper Queens in a highly anticipated quarter-final clash at the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) at Stade Larbi Zaouli in Casablanca. 

The Super Falcons, nine-time champions, topped Group B with an impeccable defensive record, including a 3-0 win over Tunisia and a 1-0 victory against Botswana. 

Zambia, finishing second in Group A with seven points, pose a formidable threat, having secured a thrilling 3-2 victory over Senegal and a 2-2 draw against hosts Morocco. 

Here are four Zambian players Nigeria must keep under close watch.

Barbra Banda: The Orlando Pride striker, recently named the 2024 African Women’s Footballer of the Year, is Zambia’s talisman. 

Banda, who missed the 2022 WAFCON, announced her return with a blistering goal just 58 seconds into Zambia’s opener against Morocco, the second-fastest in WAFCON history. 

Her brace against Senegal showcased her pace, power, and clinical finishing, with three goals in the group stage. Nigeria’s defense must neutralize her rapid transitions and goal-scoring prowess to avoid an upset.

Racheal Kundananji: Complementing Banda, Kundananji forms part of Zambia’s feared attacking duo. 

The 25-year-old forward, one of Africa’s most expensive female footballers, scored her second goal of the tournament against DR Congo, highlighting her ability to exploit defensive gaps. 

Her synergy with Banda, evident in their 2-2 draw against Morocco, makes Zambia’s counterattacks lethal. 

The Super Falcons’ midfielders must cut off supply lines to limit her impact.

Grace Chanda: The midfielder’s versatility and vision are critical to Zambia’s game plan. 

Chanda’s ability to dictate play and provide key passes was evident in the 3-2 win over Senegal, where she set up crucial plays. 

Her work rate and technical skill in transitions will test Nigeria’s defensive midfielders, who need to track her runs to disrupt Zambia’s rhythm.

Ngambo Musole: Zambia’s goalkeeper, despite being labeled a potential weak link by some analysts, made vital saves to preserve the win against Senegal. 

Her performance under pressure will be crucial, especially against Nigeria’s clinical forwards like Asisat Oshoala. 

The Super Falcons must exploit any vulnerabilities with precise finishing.

With Zambia’s attacking flair and Nigeria’s defensive solidity, this match promises to be a tactical battle. 

The Super Falcons must stay vigilant to advance past the Copper Queens, who previously defeated them 1-0 in the 2022 third-place playoff.

Wale Adejumo

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