The Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) says it is optimistic that Copper Queens captain Barbra Banda will be fit and available for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) after missing Orlando Pride’s NWSL restart due to injury.
Banda sustained the injury on May 30 during Orlando’s 3-1 home win over Bay FC, the club of Zambia teammate Rachael Kundananji.
She scored a brace in that match.
The striker sat out the four-nation friendly tournament in Ndola during the June FIFA window after reporting for national duty.
She also missed Orlando’s season restart on July 4, a 2-0 away loss to Angel City FC.
FAZ Media Officer Sydney Mungala told reporters that Football House is closely monitoring Banda’s recovery and expects her to join camp within the mandatory five days before WAFCON kicks off on July 25 in Morocco.
“The injury situation for Barbra is something the Zambia medics and the Orlando team are liaising on. The primary concern for both medics is that the injury should be allowed to fully heal to avoid possible recurrence or aggravation,” Mungala said.
“We have been assured that part of the precaution is to ensure Barbra will be ready for WAFCON, as it is also important for Orlando Pride too. Being a World Cup qualification tournament makes her availability for WAFCON mutually beneficial to both parties.”
