PARIS, July 26, 2024 : Copper Queens captain Barbra Banda remains confident that her team can bounce back from Thursday’s loss to the USA and secure victories that will propel them to the knockout stage of the Paris 2024 Olympics.
Despite the 3-0 defeat, Banda stated that the team has shifted their focus to Sunday’s crucial Group B match against the Matildas of Australia.
“We are looking forward to another game, we still have a chance and we are still focused. We had a good second half, we coordinated well and we were talking, so from the first half, we were playing 10 v 11 (after the red card) which was not easy for us, but at least in the second half, we managed to contain the USA,” Banda said.
Banda acknowledged that while the loss was disappointing, it was crucial to analyze and learn from their mistakes. “It’s not the result we wanted but it is a game, and the USA is a very good team. We conceded goals in a few minutes, which was bad, but we just have to go back to our drawing board and look at the mistakes that we made.”
The Orlando Pride record-breaker called on fans to continue supporting the team as they aim to make amends in their upcoming match. “We have pressure because we have lost, and Australia is also working on winning, so it is a battle. The team that wants it the most is the team that is going to carry the day. Fans should believe in us and keep on supporting us because we will definitely do well,” Banda said.
The Copper Queens will face 2023 FIFA World Cup semifinalists Australia on Sunday at the Stade de Nice before concluding their Group B fixtures on July 31 in St. Etienne against Germany.
