ZESCO United Football Club Team Ya Ziko
Copper Queens and ZESCO Ndola Girls goal-poacher Avell Chitundu has been one of the star players for Zambia at the ongoing Morocco 2022 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).
A stoppage time winner against Tunisia and a crucial equalizer against the Lions of Terranga propelled Chitundu to stardom.
Chitundu’s goal against Tunisia secured Zambia’s first qualification to the quarterfinals of the competition while her equalizing goal against Senegal ensured that the Copper Queens cruised to the tournaments semifinals on penalties booking a place at next year’s FIFA World Cup.
Zambia will be making her maiden appearance at the world’s biggest football showpiece to be staged in New Zealand and Austria.
The three-weeks spent in Morocco has been a life changing experience for the 24-year-old striker.
“Firstly, it feels very good to come from ZESCO Ndola Girls and getting this rare opportunity playing at the WAFCON. I am happy because we have two members from the club with goalkeeper, Leticia Lungu.
“It is exciting to score important goals for Zambia especially against Tunisia and Senegal. I am extremely happy with what I have done so far,” she said.
The 2022 WAFCON has not only provided a platform for players to showcase their talent but also a learning curve for most budding star players like Chitundu.
“I have learnt a lot of things from this tournament which am sure will help me develop into a better player. One of the key things if fighting spirit and never to quit. I scored some important game changing goals at very critical stages of the competition. This has encouraged me to never give up.
“I hope to use this experience gained from playing at the Olympics, Cosafa and now WAFCON to help my club back home push for better results. It also my dream to play abroad. Everyone dreams of that. I need to push hard so that a big team outside Zambia or Africa can spot me.”
Chitundu and company will forever be remembered for taking Zambia to her first World Cup appearance at senior level; a feat that has eluded the men’s team in decades.
Author: Desmond Katongo
