By Bola Yapa Zed Sports Desk | 6th December 2025
Kundananji Urges More High-Level Friendlies as Copper Queens Target Stronger WAFCON Preparation
Bay FC striker Racheal Kundananji has called for more competitive international friendlies for the Copper Queens as Zambia prepares for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco. Her remarks come after Zambia lifted the Three-Nations Tournament trophy in Lilongwe, defeating Zimbabwe 3-1 in their final match on Tuesday.
Kundananji, who was voted Player of the Tournament, said that while the team is proud of its performance, they require tougher tests to sharpen the squad for continental competition. “We knew taking a point against Malawi meant it was down to us and Zimbabwe. Our only aim was to win — and we did,” she said.
The forward emphasised the importance of planning beyond immediate success. As one of Zambia’s most experienced attackers, she highlighted the need to integrate young talent into the senior team. “It’s important to have young players so we can groom the next generation,” she explained.
“We won’t play forever. We need to leave a strong national team behind, not let it collapse after this golden generation.”
Kundananji also challenged the technical bench to secure friendlies against stronger opponents’ teams that play with high intensity throughout the match. She believes these kinds of fixtures provide the best measure of the Copper Queens’ readiness.
“I would love to see challenging games big teams that press for 90 minutes, teams that make us suffer to get the ball. That’s how we measure our progress and the shape of the team,” she said.
FAZ is expected to release the full WAFCON preparation roadmap in the coming weeks. With many new players breaking into the squad and several overseas-based stars hitting peak form, the call for high-level friendlies reinforces Zambia’s ambitions to compete among the continent’s elite.
