By Mubukwanu Kaingu
Grace Chanda is happy to be back to full fitness after 10 months out due to illness in time for tomorrow’s 2024 Olympic qualifier final round, first leg, home fixture against Morocco that she described as a massive game.
The Zambia women’s national team midfielder and vice-captain returns to action for the first time since July 2023, when she withdrew from the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup in New Zealand.
Chanda of Spanish club Madrid CCF is part of the Zambia team that plays Morocco this evening at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola.
“I could not be part of the team for ten months. I was sad but am very happy now. I am glad to be back,” Chanda said in Ndola yesterday.
“This game will be very difficult, Morocco has improved. We have to work extra hard and keep improving so that we perform well and do our level best.”
“We are encouraging one another and the young players who have joined the team. The Olympics is a big tournament, it will be a big achievement for us to go back so we have to work hard. It’s a great opportunity for us as players to sell ourselves.”
Chanda and her teammates must ensure they beat Morocco in tonight’s 19h00 kickoff as insurance heading into the final leg in Rabat on April 9.
Winner over both legs will qualify for the Olympics.
Zambia are gunning for a second successive Olympic following the debut at Tokyo 2020.
Chanda made an impact in the race to the Tokyo games after scoring 8 goals that saw her finish top scorer in the qualifiers.
“To the fans we are happy with their support. It’s what has made us reach this far. They need to come and support us again, we will make them proud and qualify, we will do our level best to win the match,” said Chanda.
