Zambia's star striker Barbara Banda is not expected to take part in the 2022 African Women's Cup of Nations in Morocco. The star striker is, according to BBC Africa Sport, excluded from the tournament for medical reasons.
Zambia's Barbara Banda will not be taking part in the 2022 Africa Cup of Nations, which kicked off on Saturday 2 July in Morocco. This is a major blow for Zambia and a huge disappointment for fans of African women's football. The Zambian national team's star striker has been ruled out of the competition for "medical reasons", reports BBC Africa Sport.
It is devastating news for the team because Barbra's presence means so much to us and to Zambia because of the incredible things she has done in the past and the incredible personality she possesses," said Des Copper Queens goalkeeper Hazel Nali, quoted by BBC Africa Sport.
"However, it's an opportunity for every player to go out and play this tournament on their behalf," she seeks to stay positive. So our goal remains the same to do well at the Africa Cup and qualify for the Women's World Cup."
Barbara Banda made her mark at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, becoming the first female footballer to score two hat-tricks in the history of the tournament. The 22-year-old Zambian also became the first African woman to score three goals in the Olympics.
Their opener comes up this Sunday July 3 against one of the competition's favorite Cameroon. The Zambian team is clearly weakened by the absence of their team captain and star Banda.
