Copper Queens captain Barbra Banda is expecting a very ‘good battle ‘ when the team takes to the field for the last time at the ongoing FIFA Women’s World Cup.
The COSAFA Champions face Costa Rica in their final group game to conclude what has been a disappointing tournament.
Banda believes it won’t be an easy game and it will go down to who wants it most on the day.
The team has received support from Zambians based in New Zealand and Banda is thankful for them and says the team will try their best to fight for a win to back the fans back for their faith and support.
“Like the coach has said it won’t be an easy game but it will be a battle of who wants it most because their team and our team has not won any game so at this point both of us want to carry the day so it will be a very good battle,” Banda said.
“We really appreciate as a team for the support we have had, we just go into the game with a positive mindset of wanting to win the game and carry maximum points as a payback to our supporters.”
“I think I have learned a lot, especially the games we have played against bigger teams. I have gained experience that I did not have so it has been good because the World Cup is every player’s dream so I am happy and humbled. This should not be the end and I still want to participate in more World Cups that are coming,” Banda added.
Zambia and Costa Rica faced off at the U17 World Cup back in 2014 with Zambia recording a famous 2-1 win.
Banda however believes this is a different level and that win won’t play a role in this encounter.
“I think this is a different level, that was U17, football has improved so much, we don’t know what will come up, we just have to be ready and equipped for them,” She said.
“We have inspired a lot of young girls and boys back home so at least we need to get a win in our last game so that they can continue to get inspiration from us,” she added.
The Copper Queens and Costa Rica will go head to head in their final 2023 FIFA Womens World Cup Group C match this morning.
Kick-off at the Waikato stadium will be 09h00CAT, live on SuperSport and TopStar.
