The Copper Queens of Zambia and Morocco have qualified for the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023.
The two teams picked wins in the quarter finals at the on-going TotalEnergies Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) 2022 on Wednesday to also book berths at the World Cup to be hosted by Australia and New Zealand.
After a 1-1 draw after extra-time against Senegal at the Complexe Sportif Mohamed V in Casablanca, the Copper Queens picked a 4-2 win in penalty shoot-outs.
Nguenar Ndiaye gave Senegal the lead after 60 minutes, but the determined Zambians leveled matters after 10 minutes Avell Chitundu.
During the penalty shoot-outs Siomala Mapepa, Misozi Zulu, Ireen Lungu and goalkeeper Hazel Natasha Nali scored for Zambia, while Senegal had only Mama Diop, Haby Baldé convert.
Bruce Mwape, Zambia’s head coach said he dedicates the win to all Zambians. “We have worked hard to get here and I thank the players for the hard work. Now we shall focus on the semi finals,” added Mwape.
In the second quarter final match played at the Prince Moulay Abdallah Stadium in Rabat, the home side Morocco stopped Botswana 2-1.
Sanaa Mssoudy gave Morocco the lead after only three minutes, but the hungry Botswana team replied with a well taken Keitumetse Dithebe freekick after another three minutes to make it 1-1. In the second half Yasmin Katie Mrabet nodded in Morocco’s second goal as the home team continued to attack in numbers.
On Thursday Cameroon will face nine time champions Nigeria, while South Africa battle Tunisia in the other quarter final ties.
