The Zambia women's national team, the Copper Queens, have departed for Morocco where they will play two international friendlies against the Moroccan women's national team on 22nd and 26th September. Both teams are using these friendlies to prepare for the 2024 Paris Olympic Qualifiers, which will be played over two legs on 23rd and 31st October. Zambia will face Mali, while Morocco will play Namibia. Both teams have seen massive improvements in women's football in recent years. Zambia represented Africa at the Olympics in 2021 before making their debut at the Senior World Cup in 2023 and won bronze at the 2022 Morocco WAFCON. Morocco finished as runners-up at the 2022 WAFCON and reached the last 16 of the 2023 World Cup. Speaking to FAZ media at Kenneth Kaunda International Airport (KKIA) before the team's departure, Copper Queens skipper Barbra Banda said that the team is ready for the challenge and that these friendlies will be an opportunity for them to get in shape ahead of the Olympic Qualifiers and the upcoming Cosafa tournament. "I think playing good teams like Morocco is a great opportunity for us to measure how much we have improved, and we should focus more on winning such games," Banda said. Zambia last faced Morocco in 2022, and the match ended in a 1-1 draw. Banda said that she is aiming for a win this time around. In the backdrop of this high-stakes journey, Reuben Kamanga, the General Secretary of the Football Association of Zambia (FAZ), had words of advice for the players. He urged them to work tirelessly, exhibiting 200% effort and personal dedication. He emphasized the significance of discipline, both on and off the field, underlining that it is non-negotiable in building a formidable team. "Work extra hard, put in 200% effort. Personal dedication is important. Watch what you do, eat, and drink. Be disciplined in and outside the camp. Discipline is non-negotiable in order to build a good team." The Copper Queens will be looking to make a good impression in Morocco ahead of their important tasks.