With two world tournaments under their belts, Zambia’s Copper Queens will return to the Olympics in a group that presents a new challenge, having never faced Australia or the United States before. The only fixture Zambia has played against Germany was in the summer of 2023, where Zambia pulled off a 3-2 upset heading into the Women’s World Cup.
Unfortunately, Zambia’s federation has been involved in investigations by FIFA due to actions regarding games on the men’s side. Additionally, Head Coach Bruce Mwape was reported to have been originally denied a visa to enter France due to open investigations regarding credible allegations of sexual assault and misconduct, including incidents that occurred during last summer’s Women’s World Cup tournament. Mwape is reportedly only allowed to have individual meetings with players in open spaces, not in private, but questions surrounding the situation and player safety remain.
Recent Form…
Following their Women’s World Cup debut in 2023, where Zambia won their first-ever match in a global tournament, Zambia has played a number of regional qualifying tournaments and a few friendlies, achieving a 9W-3D-2L record since September 2023.
They were the last to qualify for the Olympic tournament in April, coming back from a 2-1 loss at home against Morocco to win 2-0 after extra time away in Rabat, a 3-2 aggregate score placing Zambia into Group B with the United States, Germany, and Australia.
Most recently tying New Zealand 1-1 in a final preparatory friendly match, the Football Ferns are the only opponent Zambia has faced outside of CAF teams since the Women’s World Cup.
Previous Olympic Appearances
Zambia made their Olympic debut at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, where they had a 0W-1D-2L record.
The team’s opening match was lost to the Netherlands 10-3, with goals at 19’, 82’, and 83’ earning Barbra Banda her first Olympic hat trick. Zambia would then tie China 4-4, with an early goal from Racheal Kundananji and another Banda hat trick, earning Zambia their lone point from group play. The Copper Queens would close out their Olympic debut with a 1-0 loss to Brazil, having made a resounding statement, despite their -8 Goal Difference, that they had arrived and were ready to compete.
Prior to the Tokyo games, Zambia’s FIFA Ranking was 104, and immediately following the tournament jumped to 94th overall. Currently, Zambia sit at their best-ever ranking heading into the Paris Olympics at 64th as of June 14, 2024.
Squad
Goalkeepers (2): Catherine Musonda, Ngambo Musole
Defenders (6): Diana Banda, Esther Muchinga, Lushomo Mweemba, Esther Siamfuko, Martha Tembo, Pauline Zulu
Midfielders (6): Grace Chanda, Hellen Chanda, Rhoda Chileshe, Prisca Chilufya, Avell Chitundu, Misozi Zulu
Forwards (4): Barbra Banda (c), Racheal Kundananji, Kabange Mupopo, Ochumba Oseke Lubanji
Alternates: Racheal Nachula, Vast Phiri, Mary Wilombe, Eunice Sakala (GK)
Coach: Bruce Mwape
Players to Watch
In a squad with only two players born before 1997, and only one above the age of 30, it’s difficult to differentiate between Players to Watch and Young Players to Watch.
We’d be remiss not to mention the skill and dominance of Barbra Banda, who made history in Tokyo as the first player to score two hat tricks in an Olympic tournament. Her six goals were the most by any woman in the Olympic tournament since 1996, the first time women’s football was included in the Olympic program.
Fresh off her 24th birthday, Banda joined the Orlando Pride of the National Women’s Soccer League in April of 2024 and currently is tied for first in the NWSL Golden Boot race. She has shown an ability to adapt and create chances for her teammates, reflective of Zambia’s prowess in transition.