Zambia dominated against Korea – Barbra Banda

Skipper Barbra Banda is pleased with Zambia’s performance in the 1-1 draw against South Korea at the ended FIFA friendly Series in Cuiaba, Brazil.

The Copper Queens on Saturday night gave away a first half lead to settle for a stalemate against Korea and earn their first point at the tournament, having lost to hosts Brazil and Canada in their opening two matches.

Banda handed Zambia a 25th minute lead via a penalty after Prisca Chilufya was fouled in the Korea box. Phair Casey pushed in the equaliser for the Asians two minutes into the first half stoppage time.

“Not the result we wanted but I think we have done well in this last game. I remember the last time we played against Korea we conceded so many goals but today it was a good game,” Banda told FAZ Media in Brazil.

“We dominated the game, conceded toward the end of the first half. We are heading somewhere,” she said.
Banda hailed the quality of opponents Zambia played against in Brazil.

Zambia launched the FIFA Series with a 4-0 loss to Canada before losing 6-1 to Brazil in their second match.

“The quality of games we have played are very good for us. These are high profile games. These are teams we are supposed to learn from,” Banda.

The Copper Queens used the FIFA Series Tournament to prepare for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) to be hosted in the summer in Morocco.

Top four teams at the WAFCON will qualify for the FIFA World Cup to be hosted by Brazil in 2027.

“For us to go back to the World Cup it will take a lot of work. We need to build up our team very well and we need to prepare adequately for the Women’s Africa Cup, the WAFCON will determine whether or not we will go to the World Cup,” she said.

Banda advocated early and good preparations for the WAFCON.

“We have a team; we just need to prepare well. We need early camp and proper team organisation. We have the material, we have good players,” Banda said.

Meanwhile, Brazil beat Canada 1-0 to win the FIFA Series Tournament on Saturday with three wins out of three matches. Canada finished second, Korea third and Zambia ended at the bottom.